Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

Introduction

Roasted butternut squash is a simple and delicious dish perfect for any meal. Whether you’re preparing a big holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of butternut squash. Not only is it healthy and flavorful, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time.

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Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced (around 2-3 pounds)
– Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
– Salt, 1 teaspoon
– Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
– Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon
– Optional herbs or seasonings such as thyme or rosemary, 1 teaspoon

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Prep Time

Preparing butternut squash is easy and straightforward. Begin by peeling the squash, cutting it in half, and removing the seeds. Next, dice it into evenly sized cubes to ensure even roasting. This helps achieve a perfectly tender and caramelized texture. The preparation process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it quick yet efficient.

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Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The roasting process takes approximately 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Including the prep time, the total time required for this recipe is around 35-40 minutes. This recipe typically yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or as a side dish for entertaining.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the butternut squash

Start by peeling the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Slice off both ends of the squash. Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them or save them to roast later. Next, cut the squash into small cubes, approximately 1-inch in size, for even cooking.

Step 3: Season the squash

Place the butternut squash cubes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cinnamon. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure all the squash pieces are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 4: Spread onto the baking sheet

Transfer the seasoned butternut squash cubes onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the pieces out in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each cube. Avoid overcrowding, as this helps the squash roast evenly.

Step 5: Roast the butternut squash

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the butternut squash for approximately 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, use a spatula to flip or stir the squash to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 6: Check for doneness

After 25-30 minutes, check the squash for doneness. The squash should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. If it needs more time, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes, monitoring it closely.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the roasted butternut squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a side dish, salad topping, or snack.

Notes

Note on peeling and cutting

Be cautious while peeling and cutting the butternut squash, as the skin can be tough and requires a sharp knife for handling. Stabilize the squash on a cutting board to avoid slipping.

Note on seasoning

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can make it sweet by adding cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup or keep it savory with garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.

Note on storage

Store any leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Note on meal preparation

You can peel, cut, and season the squash a day ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in a covered bowl and roast it when you are ready to cook.

Note on variations

Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting for enhanced flavor. You can also mix the squash with other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for variety.
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Cook techniques

How to peel and cut the butternut squash

To prepare the butternut squash for roasting, begin by peeling the squash using a vegetable peeler. Then, slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy parts using a spoon. Finally, cut the squash into cubes of uniform size for even roasting.

Seasoning the squash

Drizzle the butternut squash cubes with olive oil to coat evenly. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any desired spices such as cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, or thyme to enhance the flavor.

Spreading squash evenly on a baking sheet

Arrange the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between the pieces to allow proper roasting rather than steaming.

Roasting technique

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures that the squash becomes tender on the inside and caramelized on the outside.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?

Yes, you can use pre-cut butternut squash to save time. Just make sure they are cut into evenly sized pieces for even roasting, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

What temperature should I roast butternut squash at?

Roast the butternut squash at 425°F (218°C) to ensure it becomes perfectly caramelized without overcooking or burning.

How can I store roasted butternut squash?

Store leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze roasted butternut squash?

Yes, you can freeze roasted butternut squash by placing the cooled pieces in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw before reheating.

What other seasonings work well with butternut squash?

Aside from the classic olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can use spices such as garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, or thyme for different flavor profiles.

Can I make roasted butternut squash ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roast butternut squash ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to restore its crispiness before serving.

What can I serve roasted butternut squash with?

Roasted butternut squash is versatile and pairs well with salads, soups, grain bowls, roasted meats, or as a simple side dish for any main meal.

Conclusion

Roasted butternut squash is a simple, healthy, and versatile dish that can be modified to suit different preferences. It makes for a perfect side dish, salad topping, or addition to numerous other recipes. Experimenting with seasoning combinations allows you to create the perfect flavor for your meals. Enjoy this nourishing and delicious recipe as part of your weekly menu rotations or festive gatherings!

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