Crispy Pork Belly with Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce Recipe

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Crispy Pork Belly with Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce is a stunning dish that marries rich flavors and textures. The perfectly crispy skin of the pork belly contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety butternut squash sauce, creating a delightful dining experience. This recipe is ideal for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with an elegant dinner that is also approachable enough to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. The combination of crispy pork and creamy sauce offers a satisfying balance that elevates any meal.

• Elegant Presentation: Perfect for special occasions.
• Flavorful Contrast: Crispy and creamy textures complement each other beautifully.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile Pairing: Complements a variety of sides.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly, skin on
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous, for serving

How to Make Crispy Pork Belly with Butternut Squash Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub salt and pepper all over the pork belly, ensuring it gets into the scored lines.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the pork belly skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the pork belly over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
5. While the pork belly is roasting, prepare the butternut squash sauce. In a pot, add the cubed butternut squash and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the squash is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
6. Add the heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the cooked butternut squash. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
8. To serve, place a scoop of cooked quinoa or couscous on each plate, top with a slice of pork belly, and drizzle with the creamy butternut squash sauce.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure to score the skin deeply but not into the meat for maximum crispiness.
• Let the pork belly rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Use a blender for a smoother butternut squash sauce if desired.

Easy Variations

• Substitute the butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the butternut sauce for extra tang.
• Top the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or sage for added freshness.

What to Serve With It

• Roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful side.
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette for crunch.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Leftover pork belly can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The butternut squash sauce can also be stored separately and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipe Card