Golden & Tender Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Crisp autumn winds whisper the promise of comfort in this delectable oven-roasted butternut squash recipe.

Golden-hued and deeply satisfying, butternut squash brings warmth to any dinner table.

The soft, caramelized edges of each cubed piece hold layers of rich flavor waiting to be savored.

Simple seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of this beloved vegetable, creating a side dish that dances between rustic and elegant.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of soft interior and slightly crisp exterior that will have you reaching for seconds.

Dive into this seasonal treasure and transform your meal into a celebration of autumn’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: Robust winter vegetable with sweet, nutty flavor that roasts beautifully with rich caramelized edges.
• Olive Oil: Essential for creating crispy exterior and helping seasonings adhere to squash cubes.

• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without raw garlic's intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient bringing subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
• Salt: Enhances natural squash sweetness and balances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle, aromatic heat complementing squash's mild taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal note.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish offering salty, umami complexity.
• Honey: Optional sweet drizzle creating delightful caramelized finish.

Gear For Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting squash evenly and creating crispy edges.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing squash with seasonings and ensuring even coating.
• Cutting Board: Needed for safely cubing the butternut squash.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice the squash into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• Spatula or Tongs: Great for flipping squash midway through roasting for even browning.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and spices.

Steps To Roast Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty 400 degrees. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Squash Transformation

Chop the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Give everything a good toss so each piece gets a flavor hug.

• Roasting Setup

Spread the seasoned squash across the baking sheet like a golden landscape. Leave some breathing room between the pieces so they can crisp up beautifully.

• Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Let the squash roast for about 25 minutes, giving them a quick flip halfway through to ensure every side gets that delicious caramelized edge.

• Serving Magic

Pull out the squash when they’re tender and sporting a gorgeous golden-brown color. Transfer to a serving plate and add a final touch of fresh herbs or a drizzle of something special if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy while warm and bursting with flavor.

Tips For Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash Perfection

• Smart Seasoning Trick: Crush dried herbs like thyme or rosemary between your fingers before sprinkling to release more intense flavors and enhance the overall taste profile of the roasted butternut squash.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cut and season squash cubes up to two days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save precious cooking time during busy weeknights.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor and added nutritional boost, making the dish completely plant-based and protein-rich.
• Flavor Fusion Options: Experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, za'atar, or Mediterranean herb mix to transform the basic roasted squash into a globally inspired side dish that complements various main courses.
• Texture Enhancement Technique: For extra crispy edges, pat the squash cubes completely dry before seasoning and ensure they're spread with minimal overlap on the baking sheet, allowing maximum caramelization and a delightful crunch.

Serving Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash Simply

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the roasted butternut squash with grilled chicken or crispy sage-topped pork chops for a hearty main course that balances sweet and savory notes.
• Salad Sensation: Toss the warm roasted squash cubes over a bed of mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds to create a nutritious and colorful autumn-inspired salad.
• Comfort Bowl Delight: Mix the roasted squash with quinoa, black beans, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a wholesome, protein-packed vegetarian bowl that delivers amazing texture and depth of flavor.
• Appetizer Twist: Serve the roasted squash as a unique party appetizer by skewering the cubes with small toothpicks and offering a light yogurt or herb dipping sauce on the side.

Storage Advice For Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash

Keep roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm leftover squash in a preheated oven at 350F for 810 minutes to restore its crispy edges and prevent sogginess.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop and roast extra squash during weekend cooking sessions to use in salads, grain bowls, or as a quick side dish throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool roasted squash completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Golden Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Delightful oven-roasted butternut squash combines earthy sweetness with herb-infused olive oil. Crisp exterior and tender interior make this dish a perfect seasonal side that satisfies with simple Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs / 907 g), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• chopped parsley (optional)
• grated Parmesan (optional)
• drizzle of honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a robust 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for effortless cleanup.
2. Cubing: Skillfully transform the whole butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes with consistent dimensions to ensure even roasting.
3. Seasoning: Massage the cubed squash with olive oil, then lavishly coat with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is thoroughly enveloped in a flavor-packed embrace.
4. Arrangement: Strategically spread the seasoned squash across the baking sheet in a single layer, providing ample space between pieces to cultivate crispy edges and promote optimal caramelization.
5. Roasting: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes. Midway through, execute a precise flip to guarantee a golden-brown exterior and achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture throughout.
6. Serving: Transfer the roasted squash to a serving dish, optionally adorning with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of Parmesan cheese, or a delicate honey drizzle for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

• Cube Consistency Matters: Cut squash into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Space Out for Crispiness: Spread cubes with plenty of room between them on the baking sheet; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of caramelizing, reducing the desired crispy texture.
• Season Generously: Thoroughly coat squash with oil and spices before roasting to maximize flavor absorption and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Versatile Dietary Adaptation: Easily make this recipe vegan by skipping cheese, or make it low-carb by substituting with other roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg