Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, caramelized squash with just a few pantry staples. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, complemented by garlic, salt, and pepper, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash (about 2 lbs 15 oz)
- ¼ cup oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Peel and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash carefully using a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin.
- Cut and Seed: Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center cavity.
- Dice: Cut the peeled squash into consistently-sized, large dice pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the diced squash with ¼ cup oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Arrange: Spread the seasoned butternut squash pieces evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to give the pieces enough space so they roast and do not steam. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the pan or toss the squash with a spatula to promote even browning.
- Serve: Once the squash is tender and edges are lightly browned, remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy side dish!
Notes
- Peeling butternut squash can be challenging due to its tough skin; use a sharp vegetable peeler or carefully cut off the skin with a knife.
- Cut the squash into uniform pieces to ensure even roasting.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to prevent steaming; roasting works best when pieces have space.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
