How to Make the Perfect Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
American · Easy · 50 min · 4 servings
Caramelized butternut squash cubes roasted with honey and warm spices until golden and tender. A simple yet stunning side dish that highlights natural sweetness.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 175 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 large butternut squash peeled seeded and cubed
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 205 degrees C. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and cube the butternut squash into 2 cm pieces ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a large bowl whisk together honey olive oil cinnamon nutmeg salt and black pepper until well combined and emulsified into a smooth glaze.
Step 3: Coat the Squash
Add the squash cubes to the bowl with the glaze and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
Step 4: Roast Until Caramelized
Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven flip each piece and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until edges are deeply caramelized and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and immediately scatter fresh thyme leaves over the hot squash. Drizzle with an extra teaspoon of honey if desired. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup for a vegan alternative
- butternut squash → acorn squash or sweet potatoes
- fresh thyme → fresh rosemary or sage for different herb notes
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the baking sheet causes steaming instead of caramelizing
- Do not skip flipping halfway through or one side will burn while the other stays pale
- Cutting uneven sized pieces causes some to burn before others are cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 175 calories, 2g protein, 32g carbs, 6g fat, 4g fiber.
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