Roasted Butternut Squash recipe – Simple, savory, and satisfying. This fuss-free dish is a beautiful blend of texture and sweet caramelized flavor that will elevate any meal. It also doesn’t take time to make and only requires minimal ingredients.
Roasted Butternut Squash
One dish that embodies the essence of fall is the Roasted Butternut Squash. With its natural sweetness, a hint of earthiness, and a caramelized finish, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, adaptable, and full of deep, caramelized taste, making it an excellent choice for an autumn meal.
Butternut squash tastes sweet and nutty, which is why it’s great when roasted. Roasting makes the squash soft and sweet as its sugars cook. This sweet taste is balanced by adding olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roasting butternut enhances its natural sweetness and creates a rich, creamy texture with slightly crispy edges.
You should try this dish not only for its mouthwatering flavor but also for its nutritional profile. Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, as well as being antioxidant-rich. This recipe pairs perfectly with my Crispy Roasted Chicken or my delicious, hearty restaurant-style Caesar salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Why do I love this recipe?
- This recipe is perfect for beginners as it is extremely easy to make. You can customize it to your liking by experimenting with different ingredients, for example, tossing it in this delicious Garlic herb butter.
- It’s a wonderful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Plus, it only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
- It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s both delicious and healthy.
How To Choose Butternut Squash
Choosing the right butternut squash to use can be a tasking business, as there are a number of varieties to choose from, with their own unique flavor and texture. To pick the right ones, these tips will help:
- Check for a firm, heavy butternut squash with an even shape free from soft spots or blemishes.
- Large butternut squash isn’t always better. Go for medium to smaller ones, as they have more flavor.
- Look at the color. If it’s bright orange, chances are it was picked at peak ripeness, which means maximum sweetness when cooked up later on – just what we want in our roasted butternut squash dish!
What to serve with roasted butternut squash
Roasted Butternut Squash is the definition of versatility. It goes with a lot of meals. Whatever you choose to pair it with, the earthy and creamy flavor is ready to complement.
- Grilled Chicken: Pair the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory grilled chicken for a well-balanced and delicious meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables add a variety of flavors and textures to accompany the butternut squash.
- Grilled Shrimp: Pair succulent grilled shrimp pairs with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash for a delightful dinner.
- Caramelized Onions: The natural sweetness of caramelized onions adds depth and richness to the roasted butternut squash. I love this pairing a lot!
- Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken: Fragrant herbs and succulent roasted chicken Pair wonderfully well with the flavorful roasted butternut squash.
- Garlic Sautéed Green Beans: Roasted green beans with garlic offer a savory and aromatic side that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash.
- Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: The tangy sweetness of honey mustard glazed salmon is a great pairing for this meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does roasted butternut squash last?
Roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let it cool completely before storing it to maintain its freshness.
What to do with leftover roasted butternut squash
You can add leftovers to salad bowls, grain bowls, wraps, and many more. It adds more flavor and texture to the meal. You can also puree it and use it as a base for soups.
What does roasted butternut squash taste like
Roasted butternut squash has a sweet and nutty flavor with a tender and creamy texture. The natural sugars caramelize during roasting, enhancing its sweetness. The roasting process also brings out a slightly earthy and savory undertone, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.
How to tell when butternut squash cubes roasted are done
Insert a fork or a knife into the cubes. If they are soft and easily pierced, they are ready. The edges of the cubes should be golden brown and slightly caramelized. The total roasting time can vary depending on the size of the cubes and the oven temperature, but it usually takes around 25-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Storage Tips
How to store
Roasted Butternut Squash lasts in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Make sure it is room temperature cool before putting it in the refrigerator.
How to freeze
Start by letting the roasted butternut squash cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags before sealing them. Label the containers or bags with the date of freezing, then put the containers or bags in the freezer.
Frozen roasted butternut squash can last for up to 3-6 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator and use it in your desired recipes. The texture of the meal may change slightly, but it will still be great to use in soups and casseroles.
Other delicious recipes to try
- Creamy Hearty Potato Corn Chowder Recipe
- Easy and Flavorful Homemade Guacamole Recipe
- Fresh Garden Tomato Salad Recipe
- Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
- Simple Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash around 3 pounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the butternut squash with a potato peeler. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the cubed butternut squash into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the squash and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned butternut squash onto the lined baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until the butternut squash is tender and the edges are lightly browned. Give the squash a stir halfway through baking to ensure even roasting.
- (Optional) If you like a hint of sweetness, drizzle the roasted butternut squash with maple syrup or honey right after you remove it from the oven.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the oven-roasted butternut squash as a delicious side dish for your meal!
Nutrition
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