This delicious butternut squash dish is sweet and creamy, perfect for fall! It’s packed with flavor and looks bright and cheerful on your table.
I love how simple it is to make! Just roast it and enjoy its natural sweetness. It’s like a warm hug from the kitchen! Plus, it pairs wonderfully with so many dishes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: The star of the recipe! Choose a firm, heavy squash with smooth skin. If butternut isn’t available, sweet potatoes or acorn squash can work, too!
Olive Oil: A great choice for roasting, but you can swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for different flavors. Don’t use extra virgin for cooking; it burns easily.
Garlic Powder: This adds a warm flavor, but if you prefer fresh garlic, use 2-3 cloves minced. Just add it when you toss the cubed squash.
Smoked Paprika: It brings a nice smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can substitute, though the flavor will differ.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: This is optional. It enhances the sweetness, especially if your squash is not very sweet. Honey can be a nice alternative, too!
How Do I Roast Butternut Squash for the Best Flavor?
Roasting butternut squash is simple but requires some tips for the best results!
- Preheat your oven fully before starting. This ensures even cooking.
- Cut the squash down the middle and scoop out the seeds. This helps the squash roast evenly.
- Brushing oil and seasoning on the cut sides adds flavor. Don’t skimp on this step!
- Roast cut-side down to create a nice caramelization.
- Make sure the cubed squash is spread out in a single layer for even roasting. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Finally, don’t rush the roasting time. Wait until the squash is tender and caramelized for the best sweet, nutty flavor!
Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious oven-roasted butternut squash takes about 10 minutes for prep and roughly 1 hour of cooking time. You’ll spend about 40 minutes roasting the squash halves and then another 20-25 minutes roasting the cubed pieces. A total of about 1 hour and 10 minutes for a warm, tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This allows the squash to roast perfectly as soon as you put it in.
2. Prep Your Squash:
Wash and dry the butternut squash thoroughly. Then, cut it in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Carefully scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits from inside the cavity. This will help create space for the flavor!
3. Season the Squash:
Brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sprinkle half of the salt, black pepper, and thyme evenly over the surface. This will infuse the squash with tasty flavors.
4. Roast the Halves:
Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Prepare the Cubes:
While the squash halves are roasting, take the leftover flesh from the other half, peel it, and cut it into 1-inch cubes. You can also use another butternut squash for this if you prefer.
6. Season the Cubes:
In a bowl, toss the cubed squash with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, the remaining salt, pepper, and brown sugar or maple syrup (if you’re using it). This creates a delicious blend of flavors for the cubes.
7. Roast the Cubes:
Once the initial 40 minutes are done, remove the baked squash halves from the oven. Carefully transfer the cubed squash onto another baking sheet. Spread it out in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
8. Finish Roasting:
Return the cubes to the oven and roast for another 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through. You’re looking for them to be caramelized and crispy on the edges. That’s when they’ll be bursting with flavor!
9. Combine and Serve:
To serve, spoon the roasted cubes back into the hollowed butternut squash halves. It looks beautiful and is perfect for sharing!
10. Garnish:
Garnish your dish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful roasted butternut squash!
This dish is not only delicious but also adds a lovely splash of color to your table, making it a perfect side or vegetarian main!
Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?
Absolutely! If butternut squash isn’t available, acorn squash or sweet potatoes are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking times as needed since different squashes may have varying roasting times.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the squash ahead of time! Roast the squash halves and cubes, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for a perfectly tasty dish again!
What Can I Serve with Roasted Butternut Squash?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grain salads, roasted meats, or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main. It’s also great alongside quinoa, couscous, or a fresh green salad!
