Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
This roasted butternut squash is the perfect side dish—healthy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor! Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and creates the most amazing, perfectly caramelized edges.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious and healthy side dish that goes with everything.
Moreover, it’s low in calories, gluten-free, and dairy-free, so anyone can enjoy it!
The recipe requires:
2 main ingredients + spices
Active cooking time: 7 minutes
Total cooking time: 42 minutes
Table of Contents
Why you will love this!
Flavorful and delicious: The natural sweetness of the squash gets even better when roasted.
Perfect texture: Tender on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside.
Versatile: Great with any meal or as a snack.
Nutrient-packed: Butternut squash is full of vitamins and fiber.
Simple and satisfying: Perfect for a healthy lifestyle, dairy-free and low in calories.
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Ingredients
This easy recipe requires just two main ingredients and your favorite spice mix:
Butternut Squash: This sweet and nutty squash is perfect for roasting. Choose any size you like and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil to coat the squash. You can also use butter, ghee, or avocado oil.
Spice Mix: I’m using a simple blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to complement the squash’s natural sweetness. If you’re craving sweetness, try cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of your favorite sweetener instead.
Optional add-ins:
Nuts and seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds add a satisfying crunch.
Crumbled feta or Bacon Bits: Create a salty contrast to the sweetness of the squash.
Red onion: perfectly compliments pumpkin.
*you’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Equipment
To roast butternut squash, grab these tools:
- Vegetable peeler and a spoon
- Large cutting board & sharp knife
- Large baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 220 degrees C (428 degrees F).
Wash the butternut squash and dry it. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Peel the squash and cut it into slices or cubes.
In a small bowl, combine your spices. Place the squash on a baking sheet. If you’re using onions, add them to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the spice mixture. Toss to coat the squash evenly.
Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Keep an eye on the squash while it’s broiling. Ovens vary, and you don’t want it to burn.
Remove the squash from the oven and serve hot.
Enjoy it plain or with toppings like feta cheese, nuts, or Greek yogurt.
Serving ideas
Roasted butternut squash is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to transform it into a truly satisfying meal:
- Cheese: grilled halloumi, baked brie, or feta dip.
- Fish: baked Salmon or prawns
- Pork: Instant pot pulled pork or baked pork tenderloin
- Chicken: chicken breast, chicken strips
FAQ
How to store roasted butternut squash?
Store the cooled roasted squash in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Butternut Squash: health benefits
Besides being delicious, butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s loaded with vitamins A and C to boost your immunity, fiber to keep your digestion happy, and potassium for a healthy heart. Plus, it’s low in calories and can even help with weight management.
So go ahead and enjoy this tasty squash—it’s good for you and your taste buds!
Is butternut squash keto-friendly?
Butternut squash can be a healthy part of a low-carb diet, but it depends on how low-carb you’re going.
- If you’re aiming for 50-150 grams of carbs per day, butternut squash can fit in nicely. Just watch your portion size (around 1/2 cup) and be mindful of other carb sources in your meals.
- If you’re aiming for under 20-50 grams of carbs per day, butternut squash might be a bit too high in carbs. You might want to limit it to occasional treats or smaller portions.
I recommend pairing butternut squash with protein and healthy fats, this will help to slow down the absorption of sugars and keep you feeling full.
More vegetarian low carb recipes:
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Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash: healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make! It's the perfect side dish that goes with everything.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion (optional)
Spices (savory):
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 /2 tsp. onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
Toppings (optional)
- Crumbled feta
- Nuts (pecans/walnuts/almonds, etc.) or pumpkin seeds
- Bacon
Spices (sweet)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tbsp. sweetener
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220 degrees C (428 degrees F).
- Wash the butternut squash thoroughly and pat it dry. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Peel the squash halves and cut them into slices or cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the spices: savory or sweet.
- Place the squash cubes or slices in a large bowl or directly on a baking sheet. Add the sliced onion, if using. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the spice mixture. Toss well to ensure the squash is evenly coated.
- Arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes, then broil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a slightly caramelized finish.
- Remove the squash from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy it as is or with your favorite toppings like crumbled feta, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 4.8gSaturated Fat: 0.7gCarbohydrates: 19.5gNet Carbohydrates: 16.2gFiber: 3.3gSugar: 3.7gProtein: 1.7g