Description
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash is a delicious side dish that features tender butternut squash cubes caramelized with honey and olive oil. The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by a touch of honey, while optional cinnamon adds warmth. Finished with fresh parsley, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm twist)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a big bowl, pour in the olive oil and honey. Add the salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using. Whisk until smooth and shiny.
- Add your squash cubes to the bowl and gently toss with a spatula or your hands until every piece is glistening in the honey-oil mixture.
- Spread the squash out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them—give each cube its space to caramelize.
- Roast for about 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. You want the edges to get golden-brown and a little crispy, with the centers tender and sweet.
- Once perfectly roasted, transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous lift.
Notes
- For easier preparation, microwave the whole squash (with a few fork holes) for 3-4 minutes before peeling and cutting.
- Make sure to cut the squash into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – use two sheets if necessary to allow proper caramelization.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and are excellent added to grain bowls, salads, or pureed into soup.
- For a variation, substitute maple syrup for honey or add chopped nuts during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 395mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Honey roasted butternut squash, roasted butternut squash, butternut squash side dish, honey glazed squash, easy vegetable side dish, healthy winter side dish, holiday side dish, caramelized butternut squash