How To Insert Garlic into Baked Squash

Yellow crookneck squash makes a quick side dish when flavored with fresh garlic.

Baked squash is a common, healthy side dish that can be paired with a wide variety of different main courses and side dishes, including baked or grilled fish, chicken and light red meats. However, squash can be difficult to flavor if cooked whole, which helps to retain the moisture and sweet flavor present in most squash. Luckily, there are a few ways to insert seasonings like garlic into squash before you bake it.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy, sharp knife
• 1 clove fresh garlic per squash
• Extra virgin olive oil or melted butter
• Measuring cup
• Fresh or chopped herbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Flavor injector
• Squash
• Container with a tight-fitting top

Instructions

Injection Method

1. Crush the garlic with the back of a heavy knife. Mince the garlic into very small pieces using a large, sharp knife.

2. Combine the minced garlic with 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or melted butter in a measuring cup, adding any fresh or chopped herbs, spices or salt and pepper desired.

3. Pour the garlic mixture into a flavor injector. Insert the flavor injector into the bottom of the squash and push the needle tip into the approximate center of the squash.

4. Repeat the process for each squash that you wish to bake. Cook the squash immediately or within 24 hours, refrigerating the squash in a container with a tight-fitting top if you aren't cooking it immediately.

Slit Method

1. Cut a slit in the center of the squash approximately 1-inch deep with a sharp knife. Flip the squash over and make another slit along the whole length of the squash.

2. Crush the garlic with the back of a heavy knife and mince with a sharp knife.

3. Combine the minced garlic with olive oil or melted butter in a measuring cup, stirring in any fresh or dried chopped herbs and salt or pepper to taste.

4. Using a teaspoon, push half of the garlic mixture into one of the slits, spreading it evenly along the length of the cut. Repeat with the remaining garlic mixture on the other side.

5. Bake the squash immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours in a container with a tight-fitting top.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use pre-chopped garlic if you wish, but fresh garlic has a fresher flavor.

Resources

• Whatscookingamerica.com: Squash Recipes: How to Cook Squash