Description
Simple and delicious roasted squash with olive oil, herbs, and garlic—perfect as a cozy side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- If using, drizzle with maple syrup or honey, gently toss to coat, then return to oven for an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm alongside your favorite main course.
Notes
- Vegetarian and gluten‑free; swap seasoning to taste—add smoked paprika or cinnamon for a different flavor.
- You can use other winter squash varieties like acorn or kabocha—adjust cooking time if pieces are larger.
- Make‑ahead tip: roast squash up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
- Leftovers work great in salads, grain bowls, or soups.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg