Description
Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple, flavorful fall side dish featuring tender, caramelized squash seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and finished with optional browned butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Perfectly roasted in the oven until golden and tender, this healthy recipe is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Butternut Squash
- 1 medium (2-3 pounds) butternut squash
Seasoning & Oil
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper (or ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Squash: Peel the butternut squash using a regular vegetable peeler. Slice it lengthwise down the middle, then scoop out the seeds and innards with a spoon and discard. Chop the squash into 1-inch pieces and spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the squash pieces. Use spoons or your hands to toss and evenly coat the squash in the oil, ensuring each piece is lightly covered.
- Season the Squash: Sprinkle the salt, cracked black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder over the oiled squash. Toss again gently to distribute the seasonings well.
- Roast the Squash: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Roast until the squash is very tender and the edges start to brown for a lovely caramelized flavor.
- Optional Browned Butter Sauce: While the squash roasts, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter darkens from pale yellow to a deep golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a bowl.
- Serve: Once the squash is roasted, serve immediately on its own or drizzle the browned butter over the squash pieces for a rich, nutty finish. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Roasted butternut squash is an ideal baked side dish for the fall season.
- This recipe is easy to make and produces a healthy, savory vegetable side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
- Using browned butter adds a delicious nutty taste but can be omitted for a lighter option.
- Ensure squash pieces are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet to roast evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 147 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 404 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
