The Best Roasted Butternut Squash
Ahhh, it smells like the perfect cozy night at home! Roasted squash just feels like a big hug. Roasting is one of our favorite cooking methods. Why? Roasting adds a depth of flavor by caramelizing the squash’s exterior and enhancing the natural sweetness (this is the case for most roasting veggies). This recipe is easy and requires little to no prep! Simply cut and peel your squash, and once you’ve cubed the butternut squash, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and you’re almost done. Roast until the squash begins to brown and you’ve got yourself a simple, healthy, and delicious snack or addition to any meal! Add your roasted squash to salad, serve with chicken, or simply eat it straight from the roasting pan like we do. Any way you serve it, cubed roasted butternut squash makes a beautiful addition to your dinner table! For more squash ideas, check out how to cook spaghetti squash!
Four Ingredients - Loads of Flavor!
Butternut squash roasted to perfection, is the ultimate side dish, salad topper, or on-the-go lunch! You’ve got a squash on the kitchen counter and you’re ready to try our easy and delicious roasted squash recipe! This straightforward dish requires just four ingredients you might even already have, so dinner is close to ready. Here’s all you’ll need to make roasted butternut squash:
A butternut squash of course. You will need about 1 ½ to 2 pounds, which is the average size you’ll find at the grocery store.
Olive oil.
Salt.
Pepper. This is optional but we love the earthiness that it adds!
How to Cut Butternut Squash
Peeled, cubed and packaged butternut squash is now available to purchase from many stores. But we promise, cutting butternut squash is as easy as 1-2-3-4. Follow these simple steps:
Confidence! You can do this! Start by using a stable cutting board. A little trick - put a kitchen towel under your cutting board, and it will stay secure while in use.
Peel and cut! Begin by using a super sharp knife and cut off about ½ inch from the stem end and bottom end of the squash. Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting? Yes, you definitely want to peel a butternut squash, using a vegetable peeler. Secure the squash with your hand and peel off the outer layer. Now stand the squash upright and carefully make a long cut, down the middle, so that you have two halves.
Scoop out the seeds! Pretend it’s October and you’re carving Halloween pumpkins. Same concept, different squash varietal! Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and bam, step 3 is done!
Let’s cube! Cut squash halves into long slices and cut those slices into 1-inch cubes. Congrats–you’re officially a squash cutting pro!
How Do You Roast Butternut Squash in the Oven?
Bravo! You’ve mastered cutting the squash, which is the more intimidating step to master! And now, don’t worry, we’re going to teach you how to roast it right! The trick to roasting butternut squash in the oven is all in the process. Is roasting and baking the same thing? Not exactly - roasting refers to using high heat in the oven. We are looking for browned, crisp edges on the outside and a soft, smooth texture on the inside. It’s important to set your heat at 425°F - yes, that high! If your oven is set at a temperature that is too low, you’ll end up with uncooked or mushy roasted squash. Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat!
How Long Does it Take for Butternut Squash to Soften in the Oven?
After 30 minutes in the oven, your butternut squash roasted cubes should be perfect! Browning squash is a great indication that your cubes are nearing doneness. Still not sure? Simply stick a sharp knife or toothpick in the center of a squash cube to test overall tenderness.Trust us, roasting butternut squash to perfection is easy! Prepare your tastebuds for perfectly sweet and nutty squash with a creamy, lucious center.
Tools You’ll Need
Super sharp knife - squash can be tricky to cut. Having a super sharp knife can ensure maximum safety when cutting!
Roasted Butternut Squash Goes Well With Our Favorite Foods
Roast butternut squash goes well with so many things! It’s savory, creamy, and most importantly, versatile! We love to serve it with:
Pork! Grab a thin or thick cut pork chop on your way home, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and pan sear with butter. Throw in some thyme or rosemary or whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Plate your roasted butternut squash, pork chop, and then drizzle that delicious herbed butter on top!
Tossed with rice, a little butter, white wine, and pine nuts for a simple, delicious dinner time meal.
Crispy Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with slow roasted butternut squash. The creaminess from the squash complements the crisp chicken skin, creating the perfect bite!
Are you all about that roasted flavor? Give our Roasted Honey Nut Squash recipe a try too and amp up one of our favorites, The Kale Salad, by adding in cubed, roasted butternut squash.
Leftovers? Transform your roasted squash into lucious, Butternut Squash Soup. This is one of our favorite butternut squash recipes!
Show Us Your Oven Roasted Butternut Squash!
We’d love to see a sneak peak of your skills in the kitchen! When you make our roasted butternut squash recipe, show us how it turned out! Share a photo or a brief video of you cooking this recipe and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating, friends!
