Butternut Squash Sandwich with Cheddar Cheese and Pickled Red Onion

A gourmet sandwich featuring tender roasted butternut squash, sharp white cheddar, and tangy pickled red onions, served on toasted ciabatta rolls with a flavorful thyme-garlic mayo spread and fresh arugula.

4 servings
1 hr

Ingredients

  • 1 medium medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 sprigs sprigs thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • teaspoons sugar
  • ½ medium red onion
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 rolls ciabatta rolls
  • 4 slices white cheddar
  • 1 cup arugula
  • to taste chips

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Arrange racks in middle and upper thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F. Cut squash in half crosswise where the neck and body meet. Peel and seed. Slice neck lengthwise into 1/4"-thick planks (about 2 1/2" long). Slice body into 1/4" pieces.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Divide squash, oil, thyme, garlic, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper between 2 rimmed baking sheets. Toss to combine, then arrange in a single layer. Bake, tossing once halfway through and rotating trays, until squash is tender, 18-20 minutes.

    20 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, bring vinegar, sugar, remaining 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, then stir in onion. Let cool.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Remove thyme leaves from stems, then finely chop leaves and garlic. Stir into mayonnaise mixture.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Slice rolls in half and toast in oven 5 minutes. Spread 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise mixture on bottom halves. Top each with squash, cheese, 1 1/2 Tbsp. pickled red onion, and arugula. Serve with chips alongside, if using.

    10 min

  6. 6.

    Squash can be roasted 3 days ahead; cover and chill. Onions can be made 1 month ahead; cover and chill.