Simple Roasted Butternut Squash

This easy recipe for simple roasted butternut squash will quickly become a staple in your healthy cooking repertoire.  Plus ideas for different seasonings and ways to use butternut squash in a variety of ways. 

If you love this recipe you should try these simple roasted sweet potatoes and creamy mashed cauliflower.

As much as I love getting super creative in the kitchen I also rely heavily on basic healthy recipes. Simple roasted vegetables, proteins, grains, and easy sauces. 

I love sharing these foundational healthy recipes as an inspirational jumping-off point, and also simple solutions to getting healthy food on the table quickly and without much thought. 

Simple roasted butternut squash is a recipe within a recipe within a recipe. Once you master this simple method you can make dozens of fun delicious side dishes, main dishes, and even desserts!

Ok, let's get cooking.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH INGREDIENTS:

Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found within the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Fresh Butternut Squash – most butternut squashes weigh around 2-3 lbs. Any size will work for this recipe
• Avocado Oil – coconut oil or olive oil will also work
• Sea Salt – A sprinkle of sea salt makes all the difference. Salt will enhance the sweet earthy flavor of butternut squash. 
• Optional Seasoning – See the notes below for some additional seasoning ideas. Simple salt and pepper also works 100% of the time!

TOOLS YOU WILL USE:

• Y Peeler – This is a GAME changer when it comes to prepping a whole butternut squash. A very inexpensive tool that you will use a million times over.
• Large Sheet Pan

HOW TO PEEL BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

I know, I know… you can purchase pre-cut, pre-chopped butternut squash and listen, sometimes that is ok. However, I will tell you definitively that freshly peeled and chopped butternut squash tastes FAR better. It is sweeter and richer and worth the 5 minutes.

To peel butternut squash use a good quality sharp peeler. A Y-peeler (the green tool in the picture) is my preferred peeler. 

HOW TO CUT BUTTERNUT SQUASH

• Once the squash has been peeled slice off the top 1/2 inch (including the stem) and the bottom 1/2 inch and discard. 
• Stand the squash up and slice through the center. Scoop out the seeds and pulp and discard them and then dice the squash into cubes. 

HOW TO SEASON BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Butternut squash is an excellent blank canvas for so many different flavor combinations. If you want to be able to use it in a variety of ways once it is roasted then keep it simple, otherwise here are some of my favorite combinations:

• Fresh rosemary and garlic
• Garlic powder and paprika
• Chili powder and dried oregano
• Chinese five-spice powder (this is a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise)
• Fresh thyme, rosemary, and black pepper

HOW TO USE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

• Serve as is. Roasted butternut squash is a perfect simple side dish with roasted protein like roasted chicken breast or roasted salmon
• Make butternut squash soup – this is one of my favorite recipes for maple curry butternut squash soup
• Add to chili! – Like in this quinoa and butternut squash chili
• Add to baked goods – like these butternut squash brownies or cinnamon sweet potato bread (yes it is called sweet potato but you could easily use butternut squash in place of sweet potato
• Add to salads – like in this black bean and butternut squash salad or a farro salad with kale and cranberries.
• Mash and add to macaroni and cheese – Probably one of my all-time favorite ways to use roasted butternut squash!

HOW TO STORE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Roasted butternut squash can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it by spreading it out on a parchment-covered baking sheet in an even layer, put in the freezer for 4+ hours or until frozen solid. Remove from the baking sheet and store in a freezer bag or storage container, freeze for up to 4 months.

I can’t wait for you to try this Simple Roasted Butternut Squash! When you make it, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo! 

If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate and leave a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!