How to Roast a Butternut Squash Recipe
Introduction
Roasting butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender, caramelized texture that’s perfect for many dishes. This simple method requires just one ingredient and minimal prep, making it an easy side or base for soups and salads.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Step 2: Place the whole butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast for about 1 hour, or until the skin is tender and easily pierced with a knife.
Tips & Variations
- After roasting, let the squash cool slightly before peeling and scooping out the flesh for easier handling.
- For added flavor, sprinkle salt and pepper over the squash after roasting.
- You can also cut the squash in half and roast cut-side down for faster cooking and deeper caramelization.
Storage
Store any roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the roasted flesh for up to 3 months.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I roast butternut squash without peeling it first?
Yes, roasting the squash whole allows the skin to protect the flesh during cooking and makes peeling easier once it’s soft.
How do I know when the butternut squash is done roasting?
The squash is ready when its skin is tender and you can easily pierce it with a fork or knife, usually after about 1 hour at 400°F.
PrintHow to Roast a Butternut Squash Recipe
A simple and straightforward method to roast a whole butternut squash, resulting in tender, sweet, and caramelized flesh perfect for soups, salads, or side dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 medium butternut squash, about 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 whole Butternut Squash
- Salt and pepper (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting the squash evenly.
- Prepare the Squash: Place the whole butternut squash directly on a baking sheet. You can optionally prick the squash with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape during cooking, but this is not required.
- Roast the Squash: Bake the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The skin will turn deep golden and the flesh should be soft when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool before cutting. Once cooled, you can peel the skin off easily and season the flesh with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Roasting the squash whole helps retain moisture and enhances the natural sweetness.
- After roasting, the flesh can be scooped out and used in soups, purees, or salads.
- If you prefer faster cooking, you can halve and seed the squash before roasting, but this recipe focuses on cooking it whole.
- Be careful handling the hot squash after roasting.
- Use a baking sheet with sides to catch any natural juices that may leak out during roasting.
Keywords: butternut squash, roasted butternut squash, simple roasted squash, roasted vegetables, fall side dish, healthy vegetable recipe
