Description
Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple and flavorful fall side dish featuring tender, caramelized cubes of butternut squash roasted with a blend of warming spices and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. This healthy and versatile recipe is perfect for adding a comforting vegetable to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and smoked paprika until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded to allow even roasting and caramelization.
- Roast the Squash: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time, until the squash is tender on the inside and caramelized around the edges.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve the squash warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a savory twist, omit the maple syrup and cinnamon and add minced garlic along with grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
