Description
Savory roasted butternut squash brings warmth from Mediterranean kitchens to your dinner table. Golden edges and rich caramelized flavors create a simple side dish that elevates seasonal comfort with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 907 grams / 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Honey (drizzle)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and cover a large baking tray with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for the squash.
- Slice the butternut squash into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the roasting process.
- Mix the squash cubes in a spacious mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, thoroughly coating each piece with the fragrant seasoning blend.
- Distribute the seasoned squash across the prepared baking tray, carefully arranging the cubes in a single layer without overcrowding to promote optimal caramelization and crisp edges.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating the squash midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and tenderness.
- Check the squash’s doneness by piercing with a fork; the cubes should be golden-brown and soft enough to easily penetrate.
- Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the roasted squash to a serving dish, enhancing the presentation with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a delicate honey drizzle.
- Serve immediately while the squash remains warm and retains its delectable caramelized exterior and creamy interior.
Notes
- Slice squash safely by first cutting off the ends and stabilizing it on a cutting board to prevent rolling and potential knife accidents.
- Use high-heat olive oil or avocado oil for better caramelization and crispier edges without burning the vegetable.
- Customize seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like curry powder, za’atar, or Italian herbs to match your meal’s flavor profile.
- Prevent soggy results by ensuring squash cubes are similar sizes, patting them dry before seasoning, and leaving enough space between pieces on the baking sheet for proper air circulation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg