Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe | Healthy & Delicious Side Dish
This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is a simple yet delicious way to bring out the natural sweetness of this versatile vegetable. Start by peeling and cubing a medium-sized butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or a touch of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor. Spread the seasoned squash evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even roasting. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for perfect caramelization. The result is tender, golden-brown squash with a slightly crisp edge that’s perfect as a side dish, salad topping, or even a snack. Pair it with roasted meats or grain bowls to elevate your meal with minimal effort. This recipe is a must-try for any squash lover!
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe | Healthy & Delicious Side Dish
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that complements any meal, this roasted butternut squash recipe is a must-try! Perfectly caramelized with a hint of sweetness and savory seasoning, roasted butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent choice for a holiday side dish, a weeknight dinner addition, or even as a healthy snack. This recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low in calories. Let’s dive into this perfect roasted butternut squash recipe that is crispy on the edges, tender inside, and bursting with flavor!
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Peeler
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Optional: ground cinnamon or your favorite herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare Squash
- Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler.
- Cut off the ends, then slice the squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard or save for roasting later.
- Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes for even roasting.
Season Squash
- Place the squash cubes in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
- Toss until the squash is evenly coated.
Roast Squash
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and edges are caramelized.
- Stir halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.
Serve
- Once roasted, remove from the oven and serve hot as a side dish.
Notes
Tips for Roasting Butternut Squash
- Uniform Size: Cut the squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for 1-inch cubes for a perfect balance between crispy edges and tender insides.
- High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the squash, giving it a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor.
- Dry Squash: Make sure the squash is dry before tossing with oil. If it's too wet, it will steam rather than roast, resulting in less caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the squash cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet with some space between them. Overcrowding can cause the squash to steam rather than roast.
- Flip Halfway: Stir or flip the squash halfway through the roasting time to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Sweet options like cinnamon or nutmeg pair well with butternut squash, while savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage add depth of flavor.
- Oil Choice: While olive oil is a popular choice, you can use other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
- Add a Sweet Touch: For a sweeter dish, drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or honey before roasting.
- Enhance with Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar added just before serving can brighten the flavor of the roasted squash.
- Make Ahead: You can peel and cube the squash a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to save time.
- Storage: Roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to retain its texture.
Nutrition Information
Butternut squash is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per 1 cup of roasted butternut squash (serving size may vary):
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 6g
- Vitamin A: 450% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 35% of the Daily Value
- Potassium: 582mg
- Magnesium: 10% of the Daily Value
This dish is rich in antioxidants, low in fat, and great for supporting eye health, immunity, and digestion.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make roasted butternut squash:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, thyme, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Butternut Squash
- Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler.
- Slice off both ends, then cut the squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds using a spoon and discard (or save them to roast separately!).
- Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes for even roasting.
- Season the Squash
- Place the cubed squash into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Roast the Squash
- Spread the seasoned squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each cube to allow for proper caramelization.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The squash should be golden and fork-tender when done.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the roasted squash from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve warm as a side dish, toss it into a salad, or puree it into a soup for a hearty twist!
Tips for Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash
- Uniform Cubes: Cut the squash into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the squash cubes in a single layer to allow proper browning. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting.
- Add Sweetness: For a sweeter variation, drizzle with a touch of maple syrup or honey before roasting.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.