Baked butternut squash is a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and aromatic flavors to your table. Perfect for family meals or festive gatherings, this dish combines tender squash with cinnamon, rosemary, and a touch of maple syrup, creating a comforting treat. Whether you’re looking for a healthy addition to a holiday feast or a simple dish to complement your weeknight dinner, baked butternut squash is an ideal choice.
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Why You Should Try Baked Butternut Squash
Baked butternut squash is not just a delicious dish; it’s incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and full of nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or preparing a cozy meal at home, this recipe provides an easy way to enjoy the rich, nutty flavors of butternut squash. The sweet maple syrup and warm spices make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, the roasted squash can easily be added to salads, pasta, or enjoyed as a standalone side dish.
Ingredients for Baked Butternut Squash
To create the perfect baked butternut squash, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Butternut Squash: The star of the dish. It offers a smooth texture and naturally sweet flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps with even roasting.
• Maple Syrup: Enhances the sweetness and aids in caramelizing the squash.
• Rosemary: Brings a savory depth to the squash.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Nutmeg and Ginger (Optional): Add a festive touch for a more spiced flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors and balance the sweetness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any ingredients or want to modify the recipe for dietary preferences, here are some useful swaps:
• Sweet Potato: A great substitute for butternut squash if you’re craving a different flavor.
• Avocado Oil: If you prefer a milder oil with a high smoke point, use avocado oil in place of olive oil.
• Agave Syrup: Can be used in place of maple syrup if you’re looking for a vegan alternative or a milder sweetness.
• Sage: Swap rosemary with sage for a slightly different herbal flavor that pairs well with squash.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Butternut Squash
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Optionally, line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Squash: Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut off both ends, then slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Cube the Squash: Slice the squash into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they roast evenly and cook quickly.
- Season the Squash: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Arrange and Roast: Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, transfer the baked butternut squash to a serving dish and serve as a side for dinner or during special occasions.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Butternut Squash
- Check for Doneness: Pierce a cube with a fork to check if it’s tender. Adjust the baking time based on your oven and how thick the squash cubes are.
- Caramelization: For extra caramelization, flip the squash cubes halfway through baking.
- Make-Ahead: You can peel and chop the squash a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Leftovers: Store leftover baked squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Baked butternut squash is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions:
• Mains: Pair with protein-rich dishes like roasted tofu or a hearty mushroom Wellington.
• Side Dishes: It complements other vegetable sides like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Pasta: Add it to pasta dishes like butternut squash ravioli or creamy butternut squash pasta for a wholesome meal.
A Healthy and Flavorful Addition to Your Table
Not only is baked butternut squash delicious, but it also brings a range of health benefits. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Its natural sweetness combined with the wholesome spices makes it a perfect addition to any meal, especially during colder months.
This easy baked butternut squash recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Whether served as a festive side dish or part of a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress both in flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
Baked butternut squash is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of squash with a blend of aromatic spices. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of meals, and it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, baked butternut squash is a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
FAQ About Baked Butternut Squash
How do I know when baked butternut squash is done?
To check if your baked butternut squash is done, simply pierce a piece with a fork. If it’s fork-tender and slightly caramelized, it’s ready to serve. Depending on your oven and squash size, this should take about 25-30 minutes at 400°F.
Can I use pre-cut butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes! Pre-cut butternut squash works perfectly for this recipe, saving you time on peeling and chopping. Just make sure to check the pieces for any excess moisture and pat them dry before seasoning.
Can I make baked butternut squash in advance?
Yes, you can prep the squash the day before. Simply peel, chop, and store the squash in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months and reheat when needed.
More Relevant Recipes
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Baked Butternut Squash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Baked butternut squash is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that combines the natural sweetness of squash with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and rosemary. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holidays or any weeknight meal, offering a healthy and comforting addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 sprig rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves (optional)
- 1 pinch ground ginger (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 twists black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Optionally, line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Peel the butternut squash with a vegetable peeler, trim the top and bottom, and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Cut the butternut squash halves into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss the squash with olive oil, maple syrup, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking tray and bake for about 25 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve immediately as a side dish.
Notes
- You can prep the squash the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- For a deeper caramelization, flip the squash cubes halfway through baking.
- If using pre-chopped squash, ensure it’s not too moist for better roasting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
