Shamelessly Simple Baked Butternut Squash
Delightfully simple yet irresistibly flavorful, this Shamelessly Simple Baked Butternut Squash recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts. With just a handful of pantry staples—olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper—this dish highlights the natural sweetness of tender butternut squash, caramelized to perfection in the oven. Optional additions like ground cinnamon and maple syrup elevate the flavors with a warm, cozy touch, making it adaptable for both savory and sweet palates. Ready in under an hour with only 10 minutes of prep, it’s the ultimate fuss-free side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to seasonal salads. Whether served fresh out of the oven or added to grain bowls and tacos, this recipe is a versatile, healthy, and crowd-pleasing favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard or save them for roasting later.
Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Cut the peeled squash into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Place the squash cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. If desired, add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Toss everything together until the squash is well coated with the oil and seasonings.
Spread the squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between the cubes for even browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. Flip the squash halfway through the cooking time to promote even caramelization.
Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or add it to salads, grain bowls, or tacos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
835 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.2 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 647 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.9 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.2 g | 158% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.9 g | ||
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 583 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 3910 mg | 83% | |
*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.
