Roasted Butternut Squash - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Crispy and caramelized on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside, roasted butternut squash is the perfect alternative to potatoes.

It's easy to make this 40-minute recipe when you use pre-cubed squash, widely available in supermarkets.

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Butternut squash is the perfect alternative to potatoes or sweet potatoes. When baked in olive oil, it's lovely - it becomes crispy and caramelized on the outside and creamy on the inside.

This is one of my favorite side dishes this time of year (mashed butternut squashis another good one). It's the best comfort food - homemade, delicious, and easy to make.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Roasted Butternut Squash Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Butternut Squash Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Let's Connect

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Butternut squash: Like all winter squashes, it has thick, fibrous skin that should be peeled, seeds that need to be scraped off, and firm, dense flesh. This is what it looks like:

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But I make life easy and buy it already cubed. It's widely available in supermarkets and at Whole Foods:

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Olive oil: You can replace it with melted butter or ghee.

To season: Kosher salt, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Variations

  • Sometimes, instead of combining olive oil, garlic, and chili powder, I use butter, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.
  • You can mince a couple of garlic cloves instead of using garlic powder. The flavor will be more pronounced. However, garlic powder has the advantage of more evenly coating the squash cubes. So I prefer it over fresh garlic.
  • For a sweet version, drizzle the squash with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, then bake. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon.

Roasted Butternut Squash Instructions

The detailed instructions for making this recipe are included in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

Toss the squash cubes with oil and spices. I sometimes use my hands to ensure everything is well-coated, but a large spoon works too.

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Arrange the butternut squash pieces in a single layer on a rimmed, parchment-lined baking sheet.

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Roast until browned and tender, about 30 minutes at 425°F, gently stirring midway through baking. Serve immediately.

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Expert Tip

You can roast the squash for 5-10 minutes longer to get it deeply browned, with dark brown crispy bits. But keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. That's my favorite way of making it:

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Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to bake butternut squash cubes?

Not very long! That's the beauty of using cubes instead of roasting a whole squash. In a 425°F oven, it takes about 30 minutes.

Can you eat the skin?

As it turns out, eating the skin is fine, especially if you use petite butternut. It's mostly a question of texture. If not roasted long enough, the skin could be tough and unpalatable.

As I said before, I buy pre-cut squash cubes. They do not come with the skin. But if you buy a whole squash and cut it yourself, it's up to you to leave the skin on or peel it. When I use a whole squash, I usually peel it.

Does roasted butternut squash taste like potatoes?

Not exactly. It's less starchy, and the flavor is different - it's slightly sweeter. But as far as substitutes go, it's an excellent one, and the experience of eating it is not very far from that of eating potatoes roasted in olive oil.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

I don't recommend using frozen butternut squash cubes in this recipe. They won't become as crispy on the outside as fresh squash. I reserve frozen squash for this butternut squash soup recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Since I bake the squash in a 425°F oven, I like to serve it with a main course that I can cook in the same oven. So, I often serve it with one of the following:

  • Baked salmon
  • Parmesan-crusted chicken
  • Roasted rack of lamb
  • Baked cod
  • Pan-fried salmon

I also like to make the plate colorful by adding green veggies such as roasted broccoli, roasted asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These can be cooked in the same oven, with the cooking time adjusted as needed.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. I keep them in a glass meal prep container:

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This is one of those recipes where the leftovers, while not as good as the freshly cooked dish, are still delicious.

They're excellent when gently reheated in the microwave at 50% power. They are also surprisingly good when eaten cold straight out of the fridge!

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More Butternut Squash Recipes

  • Butternut Squash Souffle
  • Butternut Squash Soup
  • Mashed Butternut Squash

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Recipe Card

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4.99 from 294 votes

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Roasted Butternut Squash

Crispy and caramelized on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside, roasted butternut squash is the perfect alternative to potatoes.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 89kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds butternut squash Peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon of any other salt)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper.

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  • Place the butternut squash cubes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and use your hands to mix it into the squash cubes.

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  • Add the salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Mix well.

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  • Arrange the butternut squash cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 15 minutes.

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  • Gently stir, then continue roasting until tender, 10-15 more minutes.Serve immediately.

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Video

Notes

  • You can mince a couple of garlic cloves instead of using garlic powder. The flavor will be more pronounced. However, garlic powder has the advantage of more evenly coating the squash cubes. So I prefer it over fresh garlic.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. They're excellent when gently reheated in the microwave at 50% power. They are also surprisingly good when eaten cold straight out of the fridge!
  • I don't recommend using frozen butternut squash cubes in this recipe.

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Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 200mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

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Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Roasted Butternut Squash - Healthy Recipes Blog (33) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

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Roasted Butternut Squash - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting? ›

While butternut squash skin is edible and it can even turn nice and crisp when roasted, many people prefer to peel it first so it's easier to eat. Butternut squash skin is smooth and thin and the best way to peel it is by using a sharp vegetable peeler.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

What season is best for butternut squash? ›

When is butternut squash in season? Butternut squash are harvested in late summer and autumn, but because they keep so well, they can be found all year round.

How healthy is butternut squash? ›

Research shows that butternut squash can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, in particular. It can help your blood pressure. Butternut squash is high in potassium, which can help keep your blood pressure in check. Managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease.

How to prepare butternut squash for roasting? ›

Prep: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Season: Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast: Arrange the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven until the squash is lightly browned and tender.

Is it easier to peel butternut squash after roasting? ›

It's a lot easier to get off after cooking. I usually cut squash in half, deseed, cook for an hour, then cut into pieces if I want to.

How do you roast butternut squash Jamie Oliver? ›

Method. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Wash and dry the whole squash, then place on a baking tray. Pierce once or twice with the tip of a sharp knife, then bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until golden and very soft.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Should you wash butternut squash before cooking? ›

Then wash winter squash before preparing and eating. Try these 7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables or these steps for washing winter squash: rinse with plain running water while scrubbing the outside with a clean brush, then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

What do British people call butternut squash? ›

The vegetable squash that Americans are used to is a relative newcomer to Britain. It's usually called by its varietal name - butternut squash, acorn squash - and sometimes orange fleshed vegetables that would be called squash in the USA are lumped together as pumpkin.

Is butternut squash anti-inflammatory? ›

It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, two powerful antioxidants that support vision. Butternut Squash's high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce your risk of inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

What flavors pair well with butternut squash? ›

This roasted butternut squash recipe starts like any other roasted vegetable recipe—olive oil, salt, and pepper—but the simple additions of cinnamon, maple syrup, and fresh rosemary elevate it and give it a festive flair that you'll be proud to share at the table.

Is roasted butternut squash good for you? ›

Butternut squash is not only a tasty fall and winter vegetable, but it's also packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other micronutrients that support your overall health. You can roast it and make it your seasonal salad or grain bowl topping, or puree it for soup, pasta sauce, or baked goods.

What are the benefits of eating roasted butternut squash? ›

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

Is butternut healthier than sweet potato? ›

To begin with, the butternut squash beats the sweet potato with fewer calories, carbs and sugar per serving. Moreover, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and E. On the other hand, the sweet potato, however, provides more fiber and protein.

Should skin be removed from butternut squash? ›

Use a sharp knife (or a sturdy vegetable peeler) to carefully remove the skin. Alternatively, the skin can stay on because it's edible when roasted! But if adding to a soup (or recipe where it won't be roasted), remove and discard.

Can squash be cooked with skin? ›

“Some (winter) squash have really delicate skins and they become tender when cooked. You can bake them and eat the whole thing.”

Can I peel and cut butternut squash ahead of time? ›

I typically cut mine into 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch cubes for roasting, but the size/shape of the cut is totally up to you. Once your butternut squash is cut, you can either cook the squash immediately. Or you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

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