Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash (Simple & Delicious!)

Name: Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash (Simple & Delicious!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs) (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 3 tbsp light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

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This brown sugar roasted butternut squash recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, destined to become your new favorite side dish. We’re talking tender, caramelized cubes of squash coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze with a hint of warm cinnamon. It’s incredibly easy to make and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast.

If you’ve been searching for a foolproof way to cook butternut squash, you’ve found it. This recipe transforms the humble squash into a delectable side that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet elegant dish.

Why This is the Best Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

There are countless ways to prepare squash, but this brown sugar roasted butternut squash stands out for three key reasons. First, its simplicity is unmatched; you only need a handful of pantry staples to create a dish with incredible depth of flavor. Second, the caramelization we achieve is absolute perfection. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and high heat creates irresistibly delicious crispy edges. Finally, its versatility makes it the perfect companion to almost any main course.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need anything fancy to create this delicious side dish.

Butternut Squash: The star of the show. Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a smooth, even-colored skin without blemishes.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps the brown sugar stick to the squash and creates a rich, luscious coating.
Light Brown Sugar: This provides the signature sweetness and helps the squash caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice that perfectly complements the sweetness of the squash and sugar.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. These enhance all the other flavors and provide a savory balance to the sweetness.

A fork piercing a tender piece of roasted butternut squash, demonstrating the perfectly cooked, soft texture of the sweet side dish. — Perfectly tender and ready to enjoy.

How to Cut a Butternut Squash (Safely!)

Tackling a whole butternut squash can seem intimidating, but it’s easy with the right technique. A stable cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife are your best friends here. A vegetable peeler is also essential.

Step 1: Trim the Ends

Start by laying the squash on its side on a cutting board. Carefully slice off about a quarter-inch from both the top (stem end) and the bottom (blossom end). This creates two flat, stable surfaces, which is key for safety.

Step 2: Peel the Skin

Stand the squash upright on its widest flat end. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel the tough outer skin in downward strokes, moving from top to bottom. Overlap your strokes to ensure you remove all of the skin and the pale green layer underneath.

Step 3: Halve and Scoop

Place the squash on its side again and cut it in half lengthwise. If it’s tough, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the back of your knife. Once halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the round cavity.

Step 4: Cube It

Lay the two halves flat-side down on your cutting board. Cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is important for even cooking, ensuring every piece is perfectly tender and caramelized.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasting

Now that the prep is done, the magic happens in the oven. This is the easy part!

Preheat Your Oven: Get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is crucial for getting that beautiful caramelization.
Season the Squash: Place your cubed butternut squash in a large bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each cube is evenly coated in the sweet and savory mixture.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; use two if you need to. This ensures the squash roasts and doesn’t just steam.
Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. We recommend flipping the cubes halfway through to promote even browning. The squash is done when it’s tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork and has beautifully caramelized, golden-brown edges.

An extreme close-up shot showing the caramelized texture of oven-roasted butternut squash cubes with brown sugar and cinnamon. — Look at those perfectly caramelized edges!

Pro-Tips for Perfect Caramelization

Want those irresistibly crispy, candy-like edges? Follow these simple tips.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is the golden rule of roasting. Give your squash cubes plenty of space on the baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, promoting browning rather than steaming.
Use High Heat: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to caramelize the sugars and create a crispy exterior without burning the squash before the inside becomes tender.
The Role of Fat and Sugar: The combination of melted butter and brown sugar is what creates the glaze. The butter helps the squash brown, while the sugar caramelizes, creating that delicious, slightly sticky coating.

Tasty Variations to Try

While this classic brown sugar roasted butternut squash is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for other flavors. Feel free to experiment!

Add a Little Spice

For a bit of warmth and complexity, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat combo, or some smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.

Go Nuts!

Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting. They will toast beautifully and add a delightful crunch.

A Hint of Herbaceousness

Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish. Try adding some fresh thyme or chopped sage to the mix before roasting for a more savory, earthy flavor profile.

What to Serve with Roasted Butternut Squash

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s a fantastic addition to any holiday table, especially alongside turkey or ham. For a weeknight meal, it’s perfect with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even steak. We love serving it with our Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a complete and easy dinner. It also pairs surprisingly well with creamy pasta dishes, like this decadent Marry Me Tortellini. And for those who enjoy a hearty pasta dish, it complements our Tomato Garlic Pasta beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover roasted butternut squash stores wonderfully, making it great for meal prep.

To Store: Allow the squash to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the squash in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the oven method helps to crisp up the edges again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to peel the butternut squash before roasting?

While butternut squash skin is edible, we highly recommend peeling it for this recipe. Peeling allows the flesh to directly contact the butter and brown sugar mixture, leading to better caramelization and a more pleasant, tender texture.

How do I know when my roasted butternut squash is done?

Your squash is perfectly cooked when it’s fork-tender (a fork can easily pierce a cube with no resistance) and you see deep, golden-brown, caramelized edges on the cubes.

Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Absolutely! Maple syrup is a fantastic substitute. You can replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for a slightly different, but equally delicious, caramelized flavor.

What’s the best way to get crispy, caramelized edges?

The three keys to great caramelization are: 1) Roast at a high temperature (400°F/200°C), 2) Don’t overcrowd the pan, ensuring hot air can circulate, and 3) Make sure every piece is well-coated in the butter and sugar mixture.

Can I prepare butternut squash ahead of time?

Yes! To save time, you can peel and cube the butternut squash up to 2-3 days in advance. Store the raw cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to season and roast them.

The Perfect Sweet & Savory Side Dish

This brown sugar roasted butternut squash is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that is simple enough for any night of the week. It’s a healthy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying side that will have everyone asking for seconds. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your creations with us on Pinterest!

A top-down view of perfectly caramelized brown sugar roasted butternut squash on a white serving platter, ready to be served as a delicious side dish. — Perfectly caramelized brown sugar roasted butternut squash – your new favorite side dish!

Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

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