Roasted butternut squash is a sweet and tasty dish that brings a lovely caramelized flavor. It’s soft on the inside and golden on the outside, making it a joy to eat!
It’s super easy to make—just chop it up, toss it with some oil, and bake. I love serving it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for that warm touch. Perfect for cozy meals! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find butternut squash, you can substitute it with acorn squash or sweet potatoes. Both will give you a nice sweetness when roasted.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor, but you can use other oils like avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. Just be cautious with the heat point of your chosen oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor! If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, about 1 teaspoon will do the trick.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives a nice aroma, but if it’s not available, dried rosemary works too. Just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Coriander Seeds: These are optional but add a unique flavor. If you don’t have them, just skip them or try cumin seeds for a slightly different twist.
How Do I Get My Butternut Squash to Roast Evenly?
Getting that perfect roast is all about preparation and technique! Here’s how you can do it:
- Uniform Cutting: Make sure to cut the squash into even pieces (about 1.5 inches). This ensures they cook evenly.
- Proper Coating: Toss the squash in the oil and spices thoroughly. This helps achieve a nice golden color.
- Single Layer: Spread the pieces out on the baking sheet without crowding. This allows hot air to circulate and caramelize all sides evenly.
- Check for Doneness: About halfway through roasting, give them a quick toss to ensure they brown evenly. They’ll be ready when they’re fork-tender and lightly browned.
With these tips, your roasted butternut squash will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy it as a side dish or add it to salads and grain bowls for an extra kick of flavor.
How to Make Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This roasted butternut squash recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to have this delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps achieve a nice roast on your squash!
2. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
Carefully peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Once peeled, cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and discard them. Now, cut the squash into roughly 1.5-inch chunks. Don’t worry about it being perfect, just try to keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
3. Season the Squash:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, chopped rosemary, and crushed coriander seeds (if using). Stir well until combined. This mixture will add wonderful flavor to the squash!
4. Coat the Squash:
Add your butternut squash pieces to the bowl with the seasoning. Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated in the oil and spices. Get in there with your hands or a spatula to make sure every piece is covered!
5. Roast the Squash:
Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. This helps them roast nicely without sticking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. For best results, turn the squash halfway through to ensure even browning.
6. Check for Doneness:
After about 30-40 minutes, the squash should be fork-tender and lightly caramelized on the edges. Once they look delicious, remove them from the oven.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving plate. If you’d like, garnish with extra sprigs of rosemary for a lovely touch. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, savory, and herby flavors of this delightful dish!
Roasted butternut squash makes for a wonderful side or even a sweet addition to salads or grain bowls. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?
Absolutely! If butternut squash isn’t available, you can use acorn squash or even sweet potatoes as substitutes. They’ll also roast nicely and offer a sweet flavor!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can cut and season the squash a few hours ahead of cooking. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from browning. I recommend roasting it fresh for the best texture, but prepped squash will save you time on busy nights!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with Roasted Butternut Squash?
This dish pairs wonderfully with proteins like chicken, pork, or fish. You can also toss it in salads, serve it over grains like quinoa or farro, or simply enjoy it as a wholesome side dish!
