Oven roasted butternut squash is one of those magical side dishes that can elevate any meal! Seriously, it’s so versatile. Whether you’re prepping a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday feast, this dish brings warmth and flavor to your table. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can transform that humble butternut squash into golden, caramelized bites of deliciousness. Seriously, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it roasts is just heavenly! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Trust me, once you try this oven roasted butternut squash, it might just become a staple in your home, like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into uniform cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
How to Prepare Instructions
Making oven roasted butternut squash is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through the steps to perfect it! Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you’ll be roasting squash like a pro in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First up, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your squash roasts evenly and gets that beautiful caramelization. Nobody wants a soggy squash, right?
Prepare the Butternut Squash
Now, grab your butternut squash! Carefully peel it and slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds (you can roast those later for a crunchy snack!). Dice the squash into uniform cubes—aim for about 1-inch pieces. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate, and no one wants to bite into a hard piece while the others are perfectly tender!
Season the Squash
In a large bowl, toss those lovely diced squash cubes with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, along with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure every piece is coated well! I love getting my hands in there to really mix it up, but you can use a spatula if you prefer. Just ensure they’re all seasoned beautifully!
Roast the Squash
Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is key for getting that nice roasted texture! Pop it into your preheated oven and let it roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, give it a good stir to make sure everything cooks evenly. Oh, and the smell? Incredible!
Check for Doneness
When the time is up, take a peek at your squash. It should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. If it’s not quite there yet, don’t hesitate to give it a few more minutes. Once it’s perfect, take it out and get ready to enjoy this delightful dish!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for this oven roasted butternut squash! While I always say the best part of cooking is enjoying the flavors, knowing what you’re putting into your body can be super helpful too. Here’s a rough estimate of what you’ll find in a serving (about 1 cup) of this delicious side dish:
- Calories: 82
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on how you season your squash and any extras you might add. But overall, this dish is a tasty, healthy option to boost your veggie intake without sacrificing flavor!
Tips for Success
If you want to nail that perfect oven roasted butternut squash, here are some of my go-to tips! First, remember to cut your squash into uniform pieces—around 1-inch cubes is ideal. This helps everything cook evenly, so you won’t have some pieces mushy while others are still crunchy. When it comes to seasoning, feel free to get creative! Try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist. Also, don’t skip the stirring halfway through roasting; it’s crucial for that caramelization on all sides. Lastly, if you find your squash isn’t browning as much as you’d like, a couple of extra minutes in the oven can make all the difference! Just keep an eye on it—nobody wants burnt squash!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up your oven roasted butternut squash! For a little spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. Feeling herby? Fresh rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor beautifully! You can also mix in other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a colorful medley. If you love a touch of sweetness, toss in a drizzle of maple syrup before roasting for a delightful caramelized flavor. Get creative and make this dish your own—it’s all about what flavors you love!
Serving Suggestions
Oven roasted butternut squash is such a delightful side dish, and it pairs beautifully with so many different meals! I absolutely love serving it alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin; the sweetness of the squash complements the savory flavors perfectly. If you’re going for a veggie-friendly option, it’s fantastic with quinoa salad or a hearty grain bowl topped with greens and nuts. You can even toss it in with mixed greens, cranberries, and feta for a vibrant fall salad. Honestly, the possibilities are endless—just get creative and enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about oven roasted butternut squash? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
How do I store leftover roasted butternut squash?
To keep your delicious squash fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up!
Can I reheat roasted butternut squash?
Absolutely! To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but I prefer the oven for keeping that lovely texture!
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
No worries! If you’re out of garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic instead—just be cautious, as fresh garlic can be stronger. Or try some onion powder for a different flavor twist!
Can I add other veggies to this recipe?
Definitely! Oven roasted butternut squash is super versatile. Feel free to mix in other veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the different vegetables.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze roasted butternut squash! Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should hold up well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above!
For more information on the health benefits of butternut squash, you can check out this article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, you might enjoy Butternut Squash Turkey Quinoa Chili or Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
Print
Oven Roasted Butternut Squash: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Oven roasted butternut squash is a simple and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and dice the butternut squash.
- In a bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove when golden and tender.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Ensure the squash pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Serve warm as a side dish or add to salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 82
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: oven roasted butternut squash, roasted vegetables, side dishes
