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    Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

    Published: Mar 28, 2023 · Modified: Jul 1, 2023 by Cheryl Whyte · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    70 shares

    Roast your butternut squash perfectly every time with this easy roasted butternut squash recipe. The caramelized edges, sweet and nutty flavor, and buttery texture make every bite delectable. Enjoy as a simple side dish, or add your roasted squash to salads, soups, pasta, tacos, and more.

    JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE
    Cubes of roasted butternut squash in a white oval earthenware bowl, with salt and pepper pinch pots. this RECIPE

    Page Contents

    • Why You’ll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Recipe Notes
    • How to Roast Butternut Squash: Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Perfectly Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Nutrition Tips: The Potential Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
    • More Butternut Squash Recipes
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pin Recipe for Later!


    Why You’ll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

    It’s:

    • Bursting with natural sweetness
    • Loaded with fiber
    • Brimming with antioxidants

    If you’re looking for more delicious roasted vegetables, these Crispy Roast Potatoes are absolute winners. Try them alongside these Honey Roasted Parsnips for the ultimate treat.


    Cubes of roasted butternut squash in a white oval earthenware bowl with a large serving spoon.

    Recipe Ingredients

    Butternut squash is one of my all-time favorite vegetables. When you roast it, something magical happens. It becomes wonderfully sweet and flavorful! So, today I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a super simple roasted butternut squash. You’ll need just six ingredients plus a freebie bonus ingredient.

    Ingredients for roasted butternut squash - butternut squash cubes, squash seeds, fresh thyme, chili flakes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

    Recipe Notes

    • Butternut Squash: The star ingredient ~ when roasted, it caramelizes, sweetens, and forms a buttery and utterly delicious texture. Plus, butternut squash contains a freebie bonus ingredient. Its seeds.
    • Butternut Squash Seeds: Instead of throwing them in the bin, add the butternut squash seeds to the roasting pan. These nutty-flavored little gems are loaded with nutrition. So make the most of this freebie bonus ingredient.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For richness. And also for a dose of healthy fats to help the body absorb the vitamins in the dish. If desired, you could sub with avocado oil.
    • Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs can add life to a simple dish. I’m using fresh thyme for its slightly sweet and earthy flavor. However, you could easily sub with a teaspoon of dried thyme. Rosemary or sage leaves are also tasty alternatives!
    • Chili Flakes: To amp up the heat. Add as much or as little as you’d like. Or leave it out altogether; it’s up to you. Good spice alternatives include cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder. Use what you have.
    • Sea Salt Flakes and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To get all the flavors popping.

    How to Roast Butternut Squash: Step-By-Step Instructions

    Roasting butternut squash takes a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to do.

    1. Butternut Squash

      Pile the butternut squash cubes in the center of a large sheet pan. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle the thyme leaves, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

      Raw cubes of butternut squash on a baking tray.

    2. Spread Out

      Spread in a single layer, giving each piece a little space, and bake in a hot oven for 20 minutes.

      Raw cubes of butternut squash on a baking tray coated with seasoning and olive oil.

    3. Prepare Seeds

      Meanwhile, soak, rinse, drain, and dry butternut squash seeds.

      4-stage process image showing the preparation of butternut seeds for roasting.

    4. Roast Seeds

      After about 20 minutes, remove the butternut squash from the oven, add the seeds, and give everything a good toss. Pop the tray back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

      Butternut squash seeds are added to butternut squash on a baking sheet.

    5. Serve

      The butternut squash is ready when its edges are golden brown and caramelized and the inside is soft and buttery.

      A baking sheet of roasted butternut squash.

    Find the recipe card with exact ingredients and full recipe instructions at the bottom of this page. ⇩

    Jump to Recipe

    Tips for Perfectly Roasted Butternut Squash

    • Peel the butternut squash before cooking. Although it is perfectly safe to eat butternut squash skin, for this recipe, I like to peel it. As the skin is tough and fibrous, it will affect the dish’s texture. The easiest way to peel is to slice off the ends of the squash for stability and then peel the skin using a sharp vegetable peeler.
    • Chop even-sized cubes. Chopping the butternut squash into even-sized cubes will result in even roasting. The best way to do this is to take a cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife and slice your peeled butternut squash down the middle. Scoop the seeds out with a spoon. Cut both squash halves into slices about 1 inch thick. Then cut each slice into 1-inch cubes.

    Up close image of caramelized roasted butternut squash and roasted seeds.

    Nutrition Tips: The Potential Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

    1. Butternut Squash Can Provide Protection Against Heart Disease

    Butternut squash is rich in carotenoid antioxidants, in particular beta carotene. As well as giving butternut squash its vivid orange color, these carotenoids can prevent the oxidation of fatty acids like cholesterol, which could otherwise lead to plaque buildup in the arteries—a risk factor for heart disease. Carotenoids are also known to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. [Source]

    2. Butternut Squash May Support Immune System

    Due to its high vitamin A and C levels, butternut squash may boost immune function. [Source]

    3. Butternut Squash May Play a Beneficial Role in Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention

    Butternut squash is high in fiber, a beneficial nutrient in many ways. Not only does it feed the healthy bacteria in our gut and improve digestive health, but it also slows digestion and promotes fullness. A benefit that can help us reduce our overall calorie intake throughout the day [Source] and support long-term weight loss. [Source]


    Cubes of roasted butternut squash in a white oval earthenware bowl on a cream-colored cloth.

    More Butternut Squash Recipes

    If you love butternut squash, try one of these recipes next:

    • Roasted Butternut and Carrot Soup
    • Butternut Squash Lentil Stew
    • Nut Roast
    • Slow Cooker Vegan Chilli
    • Fresh Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

    Thinking of making this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comment section and provide a star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I always LOVE hearing from you.

    Remember to SUBSCRIBE and follow me on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and FACEBOOK for more delicious and nutritious recipes!


    Printable Recipe Card

    📖 Recipe

    Cubes of roasted butternut squash in a white oval earthenware bowl with a large serving spoon.

    Roasted Butternut Squash

    Author: Cheryl Whyte
    Roast your butternut squash perfectly every time with this easy roasted butternut squash recipe. Enjoy as a simple side dish, or add to salads, soups, pasta, tacos, and more.

    If you love this recipe, rate it with 5 stars below!

    5 from 4 votes
    PRINT PIN RATE
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 173kcal
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    Equipment

    • Vegetable Peeler
    • Chopping Board
    • Sharp Knife
    • Large Baking Sheet

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 butternut squash (about 2.2lb | 1kg), peeled, seeds set aside, cubed and patted dry.
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
    • ¾ teaspoon sea salt flakes
    • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ tsp chili flakes
    • 2 tablespoon butternut squash seeds, soaked, rinsed and dried.

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare: Gather and prepare your ingredients. Preheat oven to 375ºF/190ºC/gas 5. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired.
    • Flavor the Squash: Pile the butternut squash cubes in the center of a large baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle the thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Toss to coat, then spread the butternut squash in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
    • Prepare Seeds: Meanwhile, rinse, drain, and dry butternut squash seeds. After the butternut squash has been in the oven for 20 minutes, add the seeds and give everything a good toss. Pop the tray back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
    • Serve: The butternut squash is ready when the edges are golden brown and caramelized, and the inside is soft and buttery.

    Notes

    Storage Instructions: Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
    Freezing Instructions: Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month for the best quality. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
    Reheating Instructions: Place the butternut squash on a baking tray, and bake at 350ºF/180ºC/gas mark 4 for 10-12 minutes or until piping hot. Alternatively, reheat it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until piping hot.
    Great Meal Prep Ingredient: This easy roasted butternut recipe makes a great meal prep ingredient as it keeps in the fridge and freezes well. Make it at the weekend, and add it to pasta and salads on a busy weeknight. You could add it to stock to make a quick, delicious butternut squash soup. Or reheat in the microwave for an easy side dish.

    Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

    Calories: 173kcal (9%) | Carbohydrates: 30g (10%) | Protein: 4g (8%) | Fat: 6g (9%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Sodium: 449mg (20%) | Fiber: 6g (25%) | Sugar: 6g (7%)

    Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. For accuracy, we recommend you calculate using the exact ingredients and brands you used.

    Course | Side Dish
    Cuisine | English
    Keyword | Basic Recipe, Fall Flavor, Great Recipes, Healthy Fall Side Dish, Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash, Perfect Side, Vegetable Recipes, Winter Squash
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Share a photo and tag @therealfoodgeek so I can see all your delicious creations!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you know when butternut squash is done roasting?

    The roasting time will depend on the size of the squash. For 1-inch size cubes in this recipe, allow at least 25-30 minutes of cooking time. The butternut squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, with no resistance.

    What does roasted butternut squash taste like?

    Roasted butternut squash has a unique flavor that is savory and sweet at the same time. When roasted, the sweetness of the squash becomes more pronounced, with a hint of nuttiness and a buttery texture.

    Are roasted butternut seeds good?

    Roasted butternut seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack. They add a lovely crunch to whatever dish you add them to, and they’re loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

    What goes with roasted butternut squash?

    Enjoy roasted butternut squash as a side dish straight from the oven, or add it to salads, soups, stews, and pasta dishes. You could even incorporate roasted butternut squash into homemade hummus, enchiladas, or tacos. There are so many ways to enjoy roasted butternut squash.

    Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?

    Yes! Buying pre-cut butternut is undoubtedly a time-saver. However, it is significantly more expensive than purchasing a whole butternut squash and chopping it at home.


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    Hey, I'm Cheryl, The Real Food Geek! I'm all about delicious and nutritious recipes fueled by my love for food, weight loss journey, and expertise as a certified culinary medicine coach. Let's make healthy eating enjoyable by returning to basics in the kitchen and embracing the joy of real food.

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