Description
Savory Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash brings autumn’s warmth to dinner tables with minimal ingredients and simple preparation. Herbs and olive oil enhance natural sweetness, creating a perfect side dish that complements many main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 907 g / 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Honey (drizzle)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for roasting butternut squash.
- Cutting: Transform the butternut squash into uniform cubes, ensuring precise, even-sized pieces for consistent cooking and texture.
- Seasoning: In a generous mixing bowl, tumble the squash cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, massaging the aromatic spice blend to thoroughly coat each morsel.
- Arranging: Strategically spread the seasoned cubes across the prepared baking tray in a single, uncrowded layer to maximize caramelization and achieve crisp, golden edges.
- Roasting: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, midway rotating the squash to ensure uniform browning and tender interior.
- Checking Doneness: Validate the squash’s readiness by effortlessly piercing with a fork; the cubes should display a golden-brown exterior and soft, creamy consistency.
- Finishing: Extract the tray from the oven and transfer the roasted squash to a serving dish, optionally embellishing with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a whisper of honey drizzle.
- Serving: Present immediately while the squash radiates warmth, showcasing its caramelized exterior and luxurious, velvety interior.
Notes
- Chop with Precision: Cut butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
- Space Strategically: Spread squash pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing enough room for each piece to crisp and brown beautifully.
- Season Generously: Thoroughly coat each squash cube with oil and spices, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and a rich, well-seasoned result.
- Monitor Cooking Carefully: Rotate the baking tray halfway through roasting to prevent uneven browning and guarantee a perfectly golden exterior with a tender interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg