Oh my goodness, have you ever tried *Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash*? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The way the natural sweetness of the squash mingles with earthy spices creates this perfect balance that’s just so comforting. I swear, the first time I made this, I couldn’t stop sneaking bites straight from the baking sheet! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to side dish for any meal. Trust me, once you get that golden, caramelized goodness out of the oven, you’ll be hooked on this delightful dish. Let’s dive into how to make it!
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash: Peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces for even roasting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the squash get that lovely, crispy exterior.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint adds a wonderful aromatic quality.
How to Prepare Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash
Getting started on your *Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash* is a breeze! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly roasted squash with that lovely caramelization we all adore. While that’s heating up, grab your peeled and cubed butternut squash. In a large bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every piece is well-coated. Ooh, the aroma already starts to tease your senses!
Next, spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this helps achieve that crispy texture. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the squash is tender and beautifully caramelized. Once it’s out, let it cool for a minute before serving warm. You’ll be amazed at how those sweet and savory flavors dance together in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the seasoned squash evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check for tenderness and caramelization before removing from the oven.
- Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to *Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash*, you can indulge without guilt! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, packs approximately 120 calories. It’s a great source of nutrients, with 5 grams of healthy fats and 2 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. You’ll also find 18 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of fiber, making it a wholesome choice. And the best part? There’s no cholesterol here! This dish is not just delicious but also fits perfectly into a balanced diet, so you can savor every bite with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet and savory balance of roasted butternut squash will have your taste buds singing.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this dish is vegan-friendly and fits nicely into any healthy eating plan.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add it to salads for an extra flavor boost.
- Beautiful Presentation: That golden color and caramelization make it a stunning addition to any meal.
Tips for Success
To get the best out of your *Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash*, keep a few things in mind. First, don’t be shy with the spices—feel free to adjust them to your taste! If you love a bit more sweetness, add an extra drizzle of maple syrup. Also, ensure your cubed squash is evenly sized; this helps them roast uniformly. Keep an eye on the oven; every oven is a bit different, and you want that perfect caramelization without burning. Lastly, let the squash cool for a minute before diving in; it makes the flavors pop even more!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your *Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash* (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain that lovely texture. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick fix—just be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a little mushy! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the butternut squash is done? You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fork-tender and has that gorgeous caramelization on the edges. Trust your instincts!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes, feel free to mix in veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes for added color and flavor—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with roasted butternut squash? It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, as a topping for salads, or even as a delicious filling for wraps. The possibilities are endless!
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet? Yes, it’s completely vegan-friendly! You can enjoy it guilt-free and still get all those amazing flavors!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Also, if you’re interested in the health benefits of butternut squash, you can read more here.
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Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash: 5 Flavor-Boosting Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This dish features roasted butternut squash with a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Can be served as a side dish or a salad topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Sweet & Savory Roasted Butternut Squash