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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to a robust 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for effortless cleanup.
- Cubing: Skillfully transform the whole butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes with consistent dimensions to ensure even roasting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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