Caramelized Butternut Squash Gems
Transform your roasted veggie game with these irresistibly sweet and savory Caramelized Butternut Squash Gems! This easy side dish combines tender, golden cubes of butternut squash coated in a luscious glaze of melted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick prep time of 15 minutes, this recipe delivers beautifully caramelized edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any cozy occasion. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hint of brightness, these roasted squash bites are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're meal-planning or entertaining, this dish hits the sweet spot between comfort food and gourmet flair.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs butternut squash
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Peel the butternut squash and cut it in half. Scoop out the seeds and discard them, then dice the squash into 1-inch cubes.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 30 seconds. Stir in the brown sugar, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the diced butternut squash in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter and spice mixture over the squash, tossing until all pieces are coated evenly.
Spread the squash cubes in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. This helps them caramelize properly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through, until the squash is tender and the edges are caramelized.
For an extra touch of caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Remove the squash from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.0 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.4 g | 117% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 638 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.5 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.0 g | 107% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.6 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 414 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 2627 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
