Description

Oven-roasted butternut squash is a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring tender, caramelized butternut squash roasted with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy combination. Perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or as a healthy homemade snack. Easily paired with proteins like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

– 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (substitute pre-cut squash if needed)

– 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably California Olive Ranch extra virgin)

– 1 tbsp brown sugar (substitute sugar-free alternatives like stevia or monk fruit for low-sugar diets)

– ¼ tsp salt

– ½ tsp cinnamon

– ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional; substitute red pepper flakes or black pepper if needed)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup.
Cut off the stem and bottom ends of the squash. Slice lengthwise and peel using a heavy-duty peeler. Scoop out seeds with a spoon. Reserve seeds for roasting if desired. Cut the peeled squash into evenly sized 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
In a mixing bowl, toss squash cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
Spread seasoned cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Avoid overcrowding to allow even roasting.
Roast for 35–45 minutes, turning once and rotating pans halfway through cooking. The squash should be tender with lightly browned edges.

Notes

– Use high-quality olive oil for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish / Vegetable
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: ~120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg