If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as comforting as it is show-stopping, say hello to Honey Roasted Butternut Squash! This golden, caramelized treat is a celebration of autumn flavors, with each bite offering notes of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and a subtle earthiness from perfectly roasted butternut squash. It’s a dish that transforms a humble vegetable into the star of your dinner table, and I always find myself making a double batch because it disappears so quickly—whether it’s part of a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, and together, they strike a cozy balance between sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. Don’t skip any—each one adds something special to the final dish, whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color!
- Butternut squash: Choose a firm, medium squash without blemishes—its natural sweetness deepens as it roasts.
- Olive oil: This helps the cubes caramelize and adds a rich, savory note.
- Honey: Honey brings a floral sweetness that elevates the squash and helps it get gorgeously golden.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a sprinkle boosts the warmth and aroma, giving the dish a cozy, holiday feel.
- Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way for a subtle, nutty depth that sets this side apart.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors—don’t be shy with it!
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and keeps everything from veering too sweet.
- Chopped fresh parsley: This optional garnish gives a fresh burst of color and a hint of herby brightness right before serving.
How to Make Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy clean-up and keeps the squash from sticking as it roasts. You want a hot oven to help those squash edges turn irresistibly caramelized and golden.
Step 2: Toss the Squash
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with the olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough toss, making sure each piece gets glossy and beautifully coated in the sweet-and-savory mixture—this is key for maximum flavor in every bite!
Step 3: Spread Out and Roast
Transfer the seasoned squash onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in a single, even layer. If some pieces are touching, don’t worry—but leaving enough space allows for that lovely caramelization. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the cubes once halfway through, until the squash is soft with golden-brown edges.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your Honey Roasted Butternut Squash is tender and glistening with a sticky glaze, remove it from the oven. While it’s still warm, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness—this is optional, but it gives a lovely finish. Serve immediately and watch it magically disappear!
How to Serve Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
Garnishes
A dusting of fresh chopped parsley gives your Honey Roasted Butternut Squash a pretty, vibrant finish and a hint of herbal freshness. For even more pizzazz, try a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta or tangy goat cheese—each adds a savory contrast that takes this dish right over the top.
Side Dishes
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash is super versatile and pairs with just about anything. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork, or let it steal the show as part of a veggie-forward grain bowl. It’s also a fantastic addition to holiday spreads—think Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering that could use a bit of golden glow.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood to get creative, pile the squash high on a platter, scatter with seeds or pomegranate arils, and let guests help themselves. Or, toss leftovers into salads for a pop of sweetness, stuff them into tacos, or mash gently and stir into quinoa or risotto for a comforting bowl with gorgeous color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Honey Roasted Butternut Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s just as delicious (if not more) the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, let the squash cool completely and pack it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind, the texture may soften slightly once thawed, but the flavor stays spot-on.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the squash on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps bring back some of that beautiful caramelization without drying out the squash.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash?
Absolutely! While fresh gives you the best texture, frozen will work in a pinch. Just thaw and pat the squash dry before tossing with olive oil and honey to help it roast rather than steam.
How can I make this dish vegan?
If you’d like your Honey Roasted Butternut Squash to be vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The results are every bit as delicious, with a slightly different but wonderful depth of flavor.
Do I have to peel the butternut squash?
It’s best to peel the squash for this recipe, since the skin can be a bit tough and distract from the silky, roasted center. A good-quality vegetable peeler makes quick work of it!
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries—skip it, or substitute with any soft leafy herbs you enjoy. Chives or cilantro can add a nice touch, or just go without. The Honey Roasted Butternut Squash will shine either way.
Why did my squash turn out soggy?
If your roasted squash is a little softer than you’d hoped, it’s likely that the cubes were too crowded on the baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, without overlaps, so they have plenty of room to roast and caramelize.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time making Honey Roasted Butternut Squash or it’s a well-loved regular in your kitchen, this recipe is always a winner. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every sweet, savory, and perfectly roasted bite!
Print
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delicious Honey Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, this dish is easy to make and bursting with fall flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze before serving.
- You can also add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a savory contrast.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *