Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Oct 28, 2020, Updated Jul 14, 2021

5 from 12 votes

4 Comments

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This roasted butternut squash recipe is a healthy fall side dish that’s easy to make with only 6 ingredients! Baked butternut squash is slightly sweet, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a touch of cinnamon – a perfect holiday side dish!

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (2)

This roasted butternut squash is a healthy fall side dish that’s easy to make with only 5 ingredients! It’s slightly sweet, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a touch of cinnamon – making it the perfect addition to any holiday meal.

Plus, this roasted butternut squash is easy to make with only 6 ingredients in 30 minutes, and it’s gluten-free!

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (3)

Roasted Butternut Squash: Ingredients & Substitutions

Ilove every flavor in this baked butternut squash recipe, so I recommend making it as-written for the best results. However, here are a few notes on some possible substitutions.

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (4)
  • Butternut Squash.I recommend using fresh butternut squash to make this recipe! You can save time (peeling/chopping) and purchase pre-cut fresh squash in the produce department of most grocery stores.
  • Butter/Olive oil.I love the butter/olive oil combo for flavor. You need 2 TBS total of fat, you can use all butter, all olive oil or substitute canola or avocado oil!
  • Cinnamon.Choose high-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor. You can also add a dash of nutmeg.
  • Maple Syrup. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, however I recommend using syrup for the best flavor.
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (5)

How to peel & cut a Butternut Squash

Since I recommend using a fresh squash for this roasted butternut squash recipe, I thought it’d be helpful to show you how to peel and cut a squash!

Cut off ends

begin by cutting off the ends. This makes it easier to set the squash flat to remove the skin.

Remove the skin

Next, use a knife or a very sharp/heavy-duty peeler to remove the skin from the butternut squash. Admittedly, this is my least favorite part that requires the most work. I find using a knife is the easiest, unless you have a pretty serious vegetable peeler!

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De-Seed & Dice

Next, cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds using an ice cream scoop or metal spoon. Then, cut each half into long strips then cubes.

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Use in the recipe

Now you can use the prepared squash in this roasted butternut squash recipe, or use it in other recipes like this butternut squash soup, etc.

How to Roast Butternut Squash

Ok, now that you have the butternut squashed peeled and diced, it’s time to make this roasted butternut squash recipe! It’s really easy to make, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Coat with oil/butter

First, add the melted butter and olive oil to the cubed squash and stir until all the pieces are evenly coated.

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Add spices

Next, add the cinnamon and sea salt and stir to combine.

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Bake

Spread oiled and seasoned squash cubes in a single even layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep in mind, the size of the squash cubes will effect the roasting time. Smaller cubes roast faster.

Add Syrup

Once the squash just starts to brown and is soft, drizzle maple syrup over the squash and stir until it’s evenly distributed.

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Bake again

Roast for another 10-15 minutes or until the squash is golden-brown and soft.

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Serve!

Serve the roasted butternut squash warm, fresh from the oven. To dress it up a little you can add chopped fresh herbs (I recommend rosemary or parsley), pomegranate seeds, etc.

Serving suggestions:

This baked butternut squash makes a great companion for other delicious fall foods:

  • Serve it in fall salads. Put this roasted butternut squash in this Brussel Sprout Salad, or any green salad dressed with this pomegranate vinaigrette.
  • Serve it on top of this butternut squash soup for added texture and flavor.
  • Alongside other delicious side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, the BEST cornbread, mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, etc.
  • To accompany yummy mains like this balsamic slow cooker pot roast!
  • Serve it as a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish alongside this Roast Turkey and the best Turkey Gravy!
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How to store roasted butternut squash

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat:

There are two ways to reheat this baked butternut squash:

  1. In the microwave.heat for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. The squash won’t be as crispy as it was fresh from the oven, but it still tastes great.
  2. In the oven.Re-crisp and reheat the cinnamon butternut squash in the oven set to 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

What flavors go well with butternut squash?

Butternut squash tastes amazing with fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, ginger, etc. Also with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley etc.

Should I peel butternut squash before roasting?

Peeling and dicing the butternut squash before roasting makes it cook faster. And for roasted butternut squash I definitely recommend it.

What months is butternut squash in season?

The best time to buy butternut squash is early fall through the winter (October through February).

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Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (15)

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (16)

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Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Laura

This roasted butternut squash recipe is a healthy fall side dish that’s easy to make with only 5 ingredients! Baked butternut squash is slightly sweet, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a touch of cinnamon – a perfect holiday side dish!

5 from 12 votes

Course Side Dish, vegetables

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 94

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time35 minutes minutes

Total Time45 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet, set aside.

  • Peel, deseed and dice a butternut squash, cutting it into about 1” cubes.

  • Place butternut squash cubes in a large bowl.

  • Drizzle melted butter and olive oil over the butternut squash, stir until squash cubes are evenly coated.

  • Sprinkle cinnamon and sea salt over the squash, stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.

  • Spread oiled and seasoned squash cubes in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

  • After 20 minutes, or once the squash just starts to brown and is soft, drizzle maple syrup over the squash and stir until it’s evenly distributed.

  • Roast for another 10-15 minutes or until the squash is golden-brown and soft.

  • Serve warm with (optional) chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Butternut Squash.I recommend using fresh butternut squash to make this recipe! You can save time (peeling/chopping) and purchase pre-cut fresh squash in the produce department of most grocery stores.
  • Butter/Olive oil.I love the butter/olive oil combo for flavor. You need 2 TBS total of fat, you can use all butter, all olive oil or substitute canola or avocado oil!
  • Cinnamon.Choose high-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor. You can also add a dash of nutmeg.
  • Maple Syrup. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, however I recommend using syrup for the best flavor.

How to store roasted butternut squash

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat:

  1. In the microwave.heat for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. The squash won’t be as crispy as it was fresh from the oven, but it still tastes great.
  2. In the oven.Re-crisp and reheat the cinnamon butternut squash in the oven set to 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 12099IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing out Health!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase aproduct through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale.Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? He first tosses the butternut squash in oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper and then cooks it in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes.

Should I peel my butternut squash before roasting? ›

You don't have to peel it before roasting. That's right. You do not have to suffer through peeling an entire slippery butternut squash if you're going to roast it. The skin is perfectly safe to eat, and it's hardly noticeable after a nice roast in a hot oven.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

How to roast butternut squash in Jamie Oliver? ›

Place the squash in one layer in a roasting tray and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the seeds, cover tightly with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the skin of the squash is soft, then remove the foil and cook for another 10 minutes until the squash is golden and crisp.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Do you cook butternut squash cut side up or down? ›

Cooking butternut squash halves
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut off ¼" from the top and bottom of the butternut squash. ...
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the butternut squash halves cut side down. Bake for 50-60minute or until tender.
Oct 23, 2021

Should you wash butternut squash before cooking? ›

Food Safety and Storage

Scrub winter squash with a vegetable brush under cool running water before cooking or cutting. Do not use soap. Do not wash squash before storing. Keep squash away from raw meat and meat juices to prevent cross-contamination.

Why is my butternut squash turning brown when I cook it? ›

As the veggies hit the boiling water, volatile acids are released into the water and are carried away in the steam. When the pot is covered, the steam and the acids it contains are forced back into the water. Once there, the acids react with the chlorophyll in the vegetables, turning them an unsightly shade of brown.

Does butternut squash need to be ripe before cooking? ›

And the good news is that you don't even have to cut into a butternut squash to tell if it's ready to eat or not. You can tell if your butternut squash is ripe by the color and texture of the outer rind. If there are any green spots, it's definitely not ready to cook.

How do you know when butternut squash is done roasting? ›

Butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes, should be perfectly roasted after about 25 to 35 minutes in an oven heated to 400 degrees F. When it's done, the squash should be lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.

How healthy is roasted butternut squash? ›

A one-cup (205-gram) serving of cooked butternut squash provides more than 450% of the RDI for vitamin A and over 50% of the RDI for vitamin C ( 1 ). It's also rich in carotenoids — including beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and alpha-carotene — which are plant pigments that give butternut squash its bright color.

Why cook squash cut-side down? ›

Putting it cut-side down creates a sort-of steam chamber for the flesh, helping it cook faster and retain moisture (no dried out squash here!).

What season is best for butternut squash? ›

Butternut squash are harvested in late summer and autumn, but because they keep so well, they can be found all year round.

Why is my roasted butternut squash mushy? ›

Squashes behave very differently when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Generally, a squash that is roasted in the oven is going to have a much softer texture, one that can get mushy if mixed with other ingredients, but making it ideal for a purée, soup, or being mashed.

Do you need to peel butternut squash when roasting? ›

You can either roast butternut squash in its skin, halved, or cut into wedges. It can be served stuffed as a stunning main, as a simple side dish, stirred into risottos, pasta or salads, or blitzed into a soup. By peeling and dicing, the cubes of squash will become more caramelised, with plenty of texture.

How should the butternut be prepared for cooking? ›

How to Prep and Cook Butternut Squash
  1. Unpeeled, cut in half and baked face down on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper is by far the easiest. You don't even need to remove the seeds before cooking. ...
  2. Peel the uncooked squash (carefully), remove the seedy pulp, and then cut into slices or cubes.
Jan 10, 2024

Is it better to steam or boil butternut squash? ›

The squash also retains most of its nutrients when it is steamed and has a wonderfully sweet butternuttiness to it. Steamed butternut can also be used in a variety of ways – added to salads, mashed, puréed or enjoyed as is with a simple seasoning of your choice.

What is the best way to can butternut squash? ›

To can pumpkin or squash:
  1. Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Boil the cubes in water for 2 minutes.
  3. Fill the jars with cubes and cooking liquid, leaving 1-inch of headspace.
  4. Pumpkin and squash are low-acid vegetables and must be pressure canned. ...
  5. For either method, process pints for 55 minutes and quarts for 90 minutes.

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