When leaves turn and air gets cool, I look for my favorite fall recipes. Honey roasted butternut squash is one that makes me happy. It reminds me of a family gathering where the kitchen smelled amazing.
The squash came out of the oven all tender and sweet. Its edges were caramelized and shiny with honey. Everyone loved it so much, it was gone fast.
This recipe is now a must-have at my holiday meals. It’s not just tasty but also good for you. It’s a great dish to share with loved ones.
What is Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is a winter squash. It has a sweet, nutty taste and a creamy feel. Its skin is beige to tan, and its flesh is bright orange.
This squash is full of vitamins A and C. It’s a great choice for a healthy dish.
Butternut squash is great in many dishes. It can be a hearty soup or a tasty stew. Its flavors are perfect for fall and winter.
I love how it works with spices, savory foods, and even sweet things. Butternut squash makes meals cozy and healthy during cold times.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is super good for you. It has only 82 calories in one cup. This makes it a great choice for a healthy meal.
It’s full of vitamins and minerals. You get lots of vitamin A and vitamin C. These help keep you healthy and fight off sickness.
It also has a lot of potassium. This helps control your blood pressure. Plus, it has 7 grams of fiber per cup. This is good for your stomach and can help you feel full longer.
Butternut squash also has carotenoids. These might help prevent eye problems when you get older. Eating it can make you feel better overall.
| Nutritional Content per Cup | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 82 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 493 mg |
| Vitamin A | 457% of RDI |
| Vitamin C | 52% of RDI |
Eating butternut squash can also help you age better. It has antioxidants that fight bad stuff in your body. Adding it to your meals makes food taste better and is good for you.
Why Choose Honey Roasted Butternut Squash?
Honey and roasted butternut squash make a tasty dish. It’s a mix of sweet and savory. This easy butternut squash recipe is perfect as a side dish.
The roasting brings out the squash’s natural sweetness. It tastes like caramel. This makes the dish very appealing.
This recipe is simple to make. It needs just a few ingredients. It’s great for any day or special event.
It takes only 10 minutes to prepare. Then, it cooks for 25-30 minutes at 400°F. It’s quick and fits into a busy schedule.
It’s also healthy. Each serving has about 111 calories. It has fiber, potassium, and calcium too.
It’s also good for your diet. Each serving has only 1 Weight Watchers point. The whole recipe has 7 points. You can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
It goes well with roasted turkey or ham. It’s a hit at holiday meals. Honey roasted butternut squash impresses with its taste and health benefits.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (193g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 111 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 3.4g |
| Cholesterol | 2mg |
| Sodium | 138mg |
| Potassium | 1.8mg |
| Fiber | 4.4g |
| Sugar | 4.7g |
| Calcium | 146mg |
| Iron | 1.6mg |
Ingredients for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
To make a tasty honey roasted butternut squash, you need just a few things. These ingredients mix well to create a dish loved by many. It’s a hit in my kitchen.
- 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 3 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
The ingredients for honey roasted butternut squash are simple. They offer a sweet and warm taste. Olive or coconut oil adds depth, while honey caramelizes nicely.
Ground cinnamon adds a cozy autumn flavor. It matches the squash’s natural sweetness perfectly.
This recipe is easy to make and tastes great. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dinner any night.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
Making a tasty roasted butternut squash recipe is easy and fun. This guide will show you how to get perfect, caramelized squash. Let’s start!
Prepping the Butternut Squash
First, heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut three honeynut squashes in half and remove the seeds. Then, peel the skin off.
Next, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly and taste better.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a big bowl, mix the squash cubes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of honey, and some salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Toss until all pieces are coated.
This mix adds taste and makes a yummy crust when roasted.
Roasting Process
Put the seasoned squash on a baking sheet, spread out in one layer. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, toss it for even cooking.
When done, the squash will be golden and soft. It’s perfect for any meal.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Squash
Roasting butternut squash is easy with a few tips. Pick the right squash and cook it at the right time and temperature. This makes your dish taste like autumn.
Choosing the Right Squash
When picking butternut squash, choose a firm and heavy one. Look for a skin without blemishes and a matte finish. A shiny skin means it’s too ripe.
Optimal Cooking Times and Temperatures
Roast at 400°F for the best caramelized squash. For honeynut squash, use 425°F. Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes. Cooking time varies, but 20 to 30 minutes works well.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ideal Squash Type | Firm and heavy butternut or honeynut squash |
| Skin Condition | Look for a matte finish |
| Roasting Temperature | 400°F for butternut, 425°F for honeynut |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes depending on cube size |
| Check Doneness | Start checking at 20 minutes |
Variations on the Classic Recipe
The classic honey roasted butternut squash is special to me. I love trying new things with it. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts makes it crunchy. Dried fruit, like cranberries, adds sweetness.
For a savory twist, sprinkle feta cheese or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These changes make the dish stand out. Honey glazed butternut squash is perfect for trying new things.
Here’s a quick overview of my favorite variations:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Nuts | Add pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor depth. |
| Dried Fruits | Incorporate cranberries for a sweet, chewy bite. |
| Cheese | Crumbled feta cheese offers a savory flavor boost. |
| Herbs | Thyme or rosemary can brighten the dish and add freshness. |
These changes make honey roasted butternut squash even better. They show us new ways to enjoy familiar foods. Try them next time you make this dish!
Serving Suggestions for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
Honey roasted butternut squash is very versatile. It’s great as a side dish and makes meals special in the fall. It’s perfect for holiday meals or cozy dinners at home.
This dish goes well with grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, or in grain bowls. It’s a great side for roasted chicken or pork. You can also serve it on spinach with nuts and feta for a tasty salad.
- Mix with quinoa or farro for a fulfilling grain bowl topped with cranberries and feta.
- Serve alongside a variety of roasted root vegetables for a colorful platter.
- Add to wraps with hummus and greens for a nutritious lunch option.
- Top a pizza with honey roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist.
| Serving Ideas | Pairings |
|---|---|
| Grilled meats | Chicken, Pork Tenderloin |
| Vegetarian entrees | Lentil Soup, Fall Salad |
| Hearty grain bowls | Quinoa, Brown Rice |
| Salads | Spinach with Feta, Mixed Greens |
Next time you plan a meal, add honey roasted butternut squash. It makes any meal feel special. It’s perfect for big feasts or simple dinners.
Easy Roasted Vegetable Combinations
Roasting vegetables is fun and adds nutrition to meals. I like trying new mixes to make flavors and textures better. Adding cranberries and pecans or mixing with other veggies are my favorites.
Adding Cranberries and Pecans
I add dried cranberries and pecans for a sweet crunch. They make the squash soft and sweet. It’s perfect for special meals.
Roasting with Other Root Vegetables
Butternut squash with carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips is colorful and tasty. Roasting with olive oil and seasonings brings out their flavors. It makes a beautiful and tasty dish.
| Vegetable | Recommended Quantity | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 1 | High in Vitamin A and fiber |
| Carrots | 2 | Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants |
| Parsnips | 2 | High in fiber and vitamins C and K |
| Beetroot | 2 | Good source of folate and manganese |
| Red Onion | 1 | Contains flavonoids and antioxidants |
| Garlic | ½ bulb | Boosts the immune system |
Storing Leftover Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
After enjoying my delicious honey roasted butternut squash, I always have some left. Storing it is easy and keeps its taste. I put the squash in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-5 days, making it easy to grab during the week.
To enjoy it again, I reheat it in the microwave or oven. In the microwave, I heat it in 30-second bursts. This makes sure it’s warm all the way through. The oven keeps it crispy; I heat it at 400°F for 5-10 minutes.
Leftover honey roasted butternut squash is great in many dishes. I like to add it to:
- Salads for sweetness and crunch
- Grain bowls with quinoa or rice
- Omelettes for a filling breakfast
- Pizzas for a special flavor
To store it longer, I freeze it. It keeps for up to 6 months in the freezer. Proper storage is key to enjoying it for a long time.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (Airtight container) | 3-5 days |
| Freezer | Up to 6 months |
Frequently Asked Questions about Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a great veggie for cooking. Start by picking one with firm, smooth skin. A good size is 2 to 2 ½ pounds. This size is perfect for a sweet, nutty taste in your food.
It’s great in soups, salads, and more. Try it with black beans and cheddar cheese for a tasty mix.
Leftover squash can be stored in the fridge for 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.
When cooking, use 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roasting times vary from 35 to 55 minutes. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Add spices like cumin and allspice, and a bit of honey for flavor.