Simply Scrumptious Roasted Butternut Squash
My Simple Roasted Butternut Squash recipe is pure comfort food Sweet caramelized and easy the perfect autumn side dish Get my simple tips now ... Seasonal Favorites
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself staring at a butternut squash , thinking, "What on earth do I do with this?" Honestly, I've been there.
That's why I'm sharing my Simple Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. It is a proper treat. This recipe is incredibly easy and brings out the best flavours.
This delightful butternut squash side dish comes from humble beginnings. It's a classic autumn staple in many homes. My recipe takes about an hour to make and will feed about 4 to 6 people.
It is dead easy, trust me!
Why You'll Love This Easy Roasted Vegetable Recipe
One word: vitamins! Butternut squash is packed with vitamin A. This Autumn Vegetable Side Dish is the perfect way to sneak in some extra goodness.
Plus, it's ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday roast. Seriously, once you try my Simple Butternut Squash Recipe , you’ll never look at butternut squash the same way.
Making Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
We're diving headfirst into flavour town with this roasted butternut recipe. You just need butternut squash, olive oil, and spices.
The key is to get that lovely caramelization, for that caramelized butternut squash . It is what makes the magic happen.
Butternut Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg : A match made in heaven.
Peeling and cubing the butternut squash can be a bit of a faff. I'm not going to lie! But it is so worth it.
Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, for that delicious warmth. These spices adds a festive touch.
Spread them on a baking sheet and let the oven do its thing.
Pro-Tips and Tricks.
Roasting brings out the squash's natural sweetness. Keep an eye on those little Butternut Squash Cubes . You want them to get a little browned.
It's all about that caramelized butternut squash flavour!. Honestly, this is the easiest and yummiest way to enjoy this Fall Harvest Butternut Squash .
Simply Scrumptious Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Roasted Butternut Squash
Alright, let's talk about what you need for this Simple Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. Honestly, it's pretty basic, which is how I like it.
No need for fancy-schmancy stuff here. We're aiming for a delicious Butternut Squash Side Dish that's dead easy to make.
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-2.5 lbs / 900g-1.1kg ): Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size. No bruises or soft spots, please!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ): Good quality extra virgin makes a difference.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt ( 5ml ): Or to taste, of course.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5ml ): Freshly ground is always best.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ( 2.5ml ): Adds warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 1.25ml ): Optional, but lovely.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup ( 15ml ): Optional, for extra sweetness.
I remember the first time I made this Roasted Butternut , I totally forgot the nutmeg. Still tasted amazing, though! Feel free to adjust everything according to your taste, you know ?
Seasoning Notes
This recipe is all about letting the natural sweetness of the squash shine. Cinnamon and nutmeg are my go-to for that autumnal vibe.
This gives you a Fall Harvest Butternut Squash dish with little effort. You want that Caramelized Butternut Squash flavor.
For a bit of extra flavor, try a pinch of ground ginger or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper. Smoked paprika would be fab as well!.
If you do not have ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice is great.
Equipment Needed
- Large cutting board
- Sharp knife or vegetable peeler
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Honestly, who does not have these in their kitchen? For easy clean-up, line the baking sheet with parchment paper, this will also help with even cooking of the Butternut Squash Cubes.
This Easy Roasted Vegetable Recipe really shows how a few good ingredients and basic tools can create magic. And yes, a fork is also very helpful!
Simply Scrumptious Roasted Butternut Squash – A Hug in Food Form!
Alright, let's get cracking! Fancy making some proper lush Simple Roasted Butternut Squash ? This isn’t just a recipe; it's like a warm hug, dead easy, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
It's a Butternut Squash Side Dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or fancy festive dinners. Honestly, even I can’t mess this up!
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
Mise en place – sounds fancy, doesn't it? Basically, it just means getting all your bits and bobs ready before you start.
This means peeling, seeding, and chopping your Butternut Squash Cubes . Having everything prepped saves you time and stress. Honestly, I can't be dealing with a last-minute squash emergency when the oven's preheated.
Plus, make sure your chopping board is stable. We don't want any finger-chopping accidents!
Easy Peasy: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat that oven to 400° F ( 200° C). It's gotta be nice and toasty, you know?
- Chop your squash into roughly 1-inch Butternut Squash Cubes . Aim for them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Chuck the squash in a big bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (if you're feeling fancy). Give it a good toss!
- Spread the Roasted Butternut in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roast for 40- 45 minutes , flipping halfway, until tender and nicely caramelized . The edges should be a bit brown.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup during the last 5- 10 minutes for extra sweetness, if you like.
Pro Tips That’ll Make You Look Like a Chef
Want your Simple Butternut Squash Recipe to be extra special? Try roasting a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme with the squash.
It adds a lovely herby flavour. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. If you do, the squash will steam instead of roast.
Steamed squash is not what we're after, trust me.
Now, for a bit of a confession – I once tried to roast a whole squash without cutting it first.
Let's just say it was a disaster. Don't be like me! Follow these tips, and you'll have an amazing Autumn Vegetable Side Dish or Fall Harvest Butternut Squash on your hands.
A Butternut Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg that's proper banging!
Recipe Notes for Your Simply Scrumptious Roasted Butternut Squash
Alright, so you’re about to make this amazing Simple Roasted Butternut Squash dish. Ace! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few extra things.
These are like my little secrets, passed down...well, mostly figured out after a few kitchen mishaps!
Serving Up Some Style: Plating and Pairings
Presentation is everything, innit? I reckon, for a super simple vibe, pile the Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes in a rustic bowl.
A sprig of thyme adds a posh touch. Otherwise, I’ll sometimes drizzle some yogurt mixed with tahini over the top, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for colour.
For sides, this Butternut Squash Side Dish goes brilliantly with roast chicken or pork. Honestly, it's also amazing with a hearty autumn salad.
Think mixed leaves, some toasted pecans, and maybe some dried cranberries. And to drink? A crisp apple cider would be lush.
Storage Savvy
Right, so you've got some leftover Roasted Butternut . Firstly, well done for not eating it all. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days .
Want to freeze it? You can! Let it cool completely first. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet (lined with parchment!) and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. This stops the Butternut Squash Cubes from sticking together. It will be alright in the freezer for up to 3 months .
Reheat it in the oven, like 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Bear in mind that freezing can change the texture slightly.
It might be a tad softer when reheated, but still delicious!
Spice it Up, Vegetarian Style!
Fancy a tweak? For a spicier Easy Roasted Vegetable Recipe , throw in a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the squash before roasting.
Oh my gosh, it's good!
Dietary Adaptations : You could easily make a vegan version. If you’re drizzling anything sweet like maple syrup over the squash then just ensure that the brand is suitable for vegans.
Seasonal Swaps : During the autumn months you can find gorgeous sage, you can incorporate into this recipe.
Nutritional Nitty-Gritty
Okay, let's keep this simple. Roasted Butternut is packed with vitamin A and fiber. This Autumn Vegetable Side Dish is proper good for you.
Think of it as sunshine on a plate – literally and figuratively! The Butternut Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg makes it even better.
So there you have it. A few extra tips to make your Simple Roasted Butternut Squash experience even better. Get in the kitchen, have a crack, and enjoy! Remember, cooking should be fun.
If it goes a bit wrong? Who cares! It's still edible...probably!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I peel and cut butternut squash without losing a finger? It's always such a struggle!
Ah, the butternut squash wrestling match! A sharp vegetable peeler is your best friend here. Cut off both ends of the squash to create a stable base, then peel from top to bottom. Once peeled, cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then chop into 1-inch cubes. A sturdy cutting board and a good knife are essential. Remember, slow and steady wins the race – no need to rush!
What's the secret to getting perfectly caramelized Simple Roasted Butternut Squash? Mine always seems a bit… bland.
Caramelization is key to unlocking the squash's sweet, nutty flavor! Make sure you're not overcrowding the baking sheet, as this causes steaming instead of roasting. Spread the squash in a single layer, and don’t be afraid to let it brown. Flipping halfway through the cooking time also helps ensure even caramelization on all sides. A little maple syrup drizzled during the last few minutes of roasting can give it that extra oomph!
Can I roast butternut squash ahead of time? I'm prepping for a big Sunday roast and want to get ahead.
Absolutely! Roasted butternut squash is great for making ahead. Let the squash cool completely after roasting, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, you can reheat it gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) or in a skillet on the stovetop. A quick toss in a pan with a little butter or olive oil can perk it right up!
What other seasonings go well with Simple Roasted Butternut Squash? I'm looking to spice things up a bit!
Fancy a bit of a flavor adventure? Butternut squash is incredibly versatile! Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage also pair beautifully. For a sweeter twist, consider a sprinkle of brown sugar or a balsamic glaze.
Is Simple Roasted Butternut Squash healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
You bet it is! Butternut squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The fiber contributes to healthy digestion, and the vibrant orange color indicates high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that's great for your skin and eyes. Just be mindful of added sugars like maple syrup if you're watching your sugar intake.
Can I freeze Simple Roasted Butternut Squash?
Yes, you can freeze roasted butternut squash! Allow it to cool completely, then spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen squash to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat from frozen. It might be slightly softer in texture after thawing, but it will still be delicious!
