Description
This Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash recipe offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and warm spices, perfect as a comforting side dish. Cubes of butternut squash are tossed in olive or avocado oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, then oven-roasted to golden perfection. The roasting brings out the squash’s natural caramelized flavors, enhanced by the gentle sweetness of maple syrup and aromatic cinnamon. It’s an easy, wholesome dish ideal for fall or any time you crave a tasty, nutritious vegetable side.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the squash evenly.
- Prepare the squash: In a large bowl, combine the chopped butternut squash with the olive or avocado oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, coarse salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the squash is fully coated with the mixture.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Grease a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange the squash: Spread the coated butternut squash in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even roasting.
- Roast initially: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the squash for 15 minutes.
- Toss the squash: Remove the baking sheet and gently toss the squash with a spatula to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Continue roasting: Return the squash to the oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the squash is tender.
- Optional garnish and serve: Once roasted, optionally garnish with fresh Italian parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or a food processor to chop the butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Avocado oil is a good alternative to olive oil due to its high smoke point.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg before roasting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to retain texture; microwaving may cause sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
