Cocoa Roasted Butternut Squash
Transform your autumnal side dishes with this irresistibly unique Cocoa Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. Sweet, earthy cubes of butternut squash are coated in a luscious blend of unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and paprika, creating a dish that’s both savory and subtly sweet. Perfectly caramelized in the oven, this side dish features a tender yet slightly crisp texture that’s sure to impress at your next meal. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a simple yet elevated option for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve warm as a showstopping side or even enjoy it as a snack with a gourmet twist—your taste buds will thank you!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizes for uniform roasting.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth coating mixture.
Add the cubed butternut squash to the bowl and toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the cocoa-spice mixture.
Spread the coated squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are not overlapping to promote even roasting.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through for even caramelization. The squash should be tender and slightly crisp on the edges when done.
Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or enjoy as a unique snack. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
195 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.2 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 255 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.6 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 2.8 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 866 mg | 18% | |
*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.
