Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Looking for a quick, healthy side dish that’s packed with flavor? This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is just what you need! Made with a hint of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this simple yet delicious recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Looking for a delicious gluten-free, paleo, vegan side dish that doesn’t require much prep work? This Roasted Butternut Squash is just what you need!

Why You’ll Love Roasted Butternut Squash

Here’s why this Roasted Butternut Squash will be a hit:

• Naturally Sweet and Delicious
  Roasting butternut squash with maple syrup enhances its natural sweetness, making it a treat that’s almost dessert-like. The hint of cinnamon adds warmth, making it perfect for fall meals. Even picky eaters will love this flavorful twist! It’s satisfying without any added sugars or processed ingredients.
• Quick and Easy Prep
  With only five minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you need a quick side dish. Minimal ingredients and simple instructions make it beginner-friendly. Just toss, bake, and enjoy! It’s as easy as it gets for a delicious homemade dish.
• Perfect for Special Diets
  This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and paleo, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals without any animal products or gluten. So, everyone can indulge without worry!
• Versatile Side Dish
  This roasted butternut squash goes well with just about any main dish, from roasted meats to salads. Its warm, slightly sweet flavor complements a wide variety of cuisines. You can even serve it as a healthy snack or a light dessert!
• Fills Your Kitchen with Amazing Aroma
  As it bakes, the squash releases a wonderful aroma of maple and cinnamon that fills your home with warmth. This sensory treat is just another reason to love this easy recipe. Nothing beats the comforting smell of roasting squash on a cool day!

Ingredients For Roasted Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash – The star of this recipe, with a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that roasts beautifully.
• Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the squash perfectly.
• Cinnamon – Brings warmth and a cozy aroma, enhancing the sweetness of the squash.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

This Roasted Butternut Squash recipe is simple to make but tastes absolutely amazing. It is full of flavor and oven-roasted to perfection. I love the combination of the sweet maple syrup, flavorful cinnamon, and fresh butternut squash.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Roasted Butternut Squash

• Baking Sheet – Used for roasting the squash evenly in the oven.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents the squash from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Knife and Cutting Board – Essential for peeling and cutting the butternut squash into cubes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of the maple syrup and cinnamon.

It is so full of flavor but so easy to make! Even though the total time for this recipe is 35 minutes, it only takes five minutes of prep time. That is my kind of recipe! Fast and sweet, sign this home cook up!

A sprinkle of cinnamon and glaze of maple syrup transforms a simple butternut squash into an absolutely amazing side dish. It is so sweet and delicious you’d swear it was dessert! Any dessert I can mistake for a treat is one that I am all about. You just can’t beat sweet, even if it is with a squash! It makes a great accompaniment to so many delicious main dishes. It is amazing with a fresh salad and incredible with a perfectly done meat. I love side dishes that are versatile and this Roasted Butternut Squash is exactly that!

To make this Roasted Butternut Squash, start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the butternut squash before cutting it into one-inch cubes (see my step-by-step tutorial on how to cut a butternut squash). Next, toss the squash cubes with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Put the butternut squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for twenty-five minutes in the oven. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while this dish bakes! When your squash is done roasting you’ll be in for a treat!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this roasted butternut squash with a roasted chicken or turkey for a comforting fall meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh leafy salad like green salad with cauliflower, pear and gorgonzola salad, or lettuce and cherry tomatoes to balance the sweetness of the squash.
• Add it as a topping for quinoa or cauliflower rice bowls for a hearty, nutrient-packed lunch.
• For a holiday spread, combine it with other roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, lettuce, or carrots, to create a colorful and flavorful side dish.
• Enjoy as a light dessert with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.

If you are looking for a side dish that is sure to please, try this delicious Roasted Butternut Squash. Unexpectedly delicious, this butternut squash recipe combines such amazing flavors. It has an absolutely decadent flavor but couldn’t be simpler to make. The flavor of the squash is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the maple syrup. The aroma of the cinnamon will have your stomach growling while it bakes in your oven. It tastes just as good as it smells, too. Give it a try and you are sure to love this amazing side dish.

Tips For Success

To ensure your Roasted Butternut Squash turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Choose a Fresh Butternut Squash
  Look for a squash that’s firm, with smooth, blemish-free skin. A fresh squash will have vibrant orange flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor. Avoid any with soft spots or cracks, as these indicate overripeness.
• Even Cutting for Even Roasting
  Aim to cut the squash into uniformly sized cubes, about 1 inch each. Even-sized pieces ensure that all cubes roast at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture. It also helps avoid undercooked or burnt edges.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
  Arrange the squash cubes in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding traps steam and can make the squash mushy rather than caramelized. If making a large batch, use two baking sheets for the best results.
• Add Spices to Taste
  While cinnamon is delicious, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger. A pinch of sea salt can also enhance the natural sweetness, balancing the flavors nicely. Just be careful not to overpower the squash’s natural taste.
• Check for Doneness
  Butternut squash is done when it’s fork-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of the cubes, so check a few minutes before the suggested time. Over-roasting can make the squash too soft, so watch closely toward the end.
• Serve Warm for the Best Flavor
  Roasted butternut squash tastes best when served warm, as the flavors are more pronounced. If making ahead, gently reheat before serving. The aroma and warmth of the dish will be much more inviting when freshly heated.

Variations And Substitutions

• Spice It Up
  For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. This twist adds a subtle spice that pairs surprisingly well with the natural sweetness of the squash. Just a little goes a long way, so adjust to taste for a balance of sweet and spicy.
• Add Herbs for Extra Flavor
  Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can bring a savory note to this dish. Sprinkle a small amount of finely chopped herbs over the squash before roasting. The herbs will infuse the squash with aromatic flavors, perfect if you’re pairing it with roasted meats.
• Make It Savory with Garlic and Olive Oil
  Swap the maple syrup for a drizzle of olive oil and toss with minced garlic for a savory variation. This combination complements main dishes like pasta or grilled chicken and offers a different flavor profile. You can even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of richness.
• Use Other Types of Squash
  This recipe works well with other varieties of squash like acorn, delicata, or kabocha. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of squash, so check for tenderness as it roasts. Experimenting with different squashes can add visual and textural variety to your meal.
• Sweeten It Naturally
  If you’re looking for an alternative to maple syrup, honey or agave syrup also work well for a similar level of sweetness. Or, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries before serving for bursts of natural sweetness. This option keeps the dish wholesome while still delivering on flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers
  Store any leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Be sure the squash has completely cooled before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy.
• Freezing Tips
  For longer storage, you can freeze roasted butternut squash. Place the cooled squash cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating for Best Flavor
  To reheat, spread the squash on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the edges from getting soggy and brings back that roasted flavor. For a quicker option, you can microwave the squash in short bursts, but this may soften the texture slightly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cut butternut squash works wonderfully and saves prep time. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size as instructed in the recipe, about 1 inch, so they roast evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as pre-cut squash can sometimes be smaller and cook faster.

Is it necessary to peel the butternut squash?

For this recipe, peeling the squash is recommended to achieve the best texture and flavor. The skin can be tough and chewy after roasting, which might detract from the dish’s overall appeal. A vegetable peeler makes it easy to remove the skin quickly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, roasted butternut squash can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To retain its texture and flavor, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave when possible. This makes it a convenient option for holiday meals or meal prep.

How do I know when the butternut squash is done?

The squash is ready when it’s fork-tender and the edges are slightly caramelized. You may see the squash turn a bit golden, which indicates that the natural sugars have caramelized, enhancing the flavor. For best results, check the squash a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to avoid over-roasting.

Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?

Absolutely! You can omit the maple syrup for a less sweet, savory side dish. Alternatively, swap it with a different sweetener like honey or agave if you prefer. The sweetness can also be balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the natural flavor of the squash.

If you like roasted butternut squash, you will also love these easy recipes:

• Instant Pot Butternut Squash – if you own an Instant Pot, you will love this easy way of cooking butternut squash!
• Baked Parmesan Zucchini – yum yum yum, these zucchini fries are super popular and have been pinned on Pinterest over 500,000 times!
• Delicata Squash Fries – another amazing type of squash, so yummy and naturally sweet!  You can do it with butternut squash too, just cut into the fries shape :)
• Spicy Garlic Roasted Eggplant – even eggplant haters like these amazing roasted eggplant slices! They are so full of flavor!
• Cinnamon Raisin Baked Apples – OMG these baked apples are mouthwatering! An amazing dessert that’s healthy – what a find!

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