I think we can all agree a plate of roasted butternut squash cubes is one of the easiest side dishes you can serve during the fall. Plus, cooking butternut squash doesn’t require a lot of time and effort, making it an ideal candidate for easy recipes. Whether you are looking for a nutritious side dish for your Thanksgiving menu, to embrace this seasonal vegetable, or to meal prep a healthy, hearty lunch using oven-roasted butternut squash, this straightforward recipe is a good one to add to your collection of fall recipes.
Ground Cumin Ground Coriander Pinch of Cayenne Pepper Chili Powder Curry Powder Italian Seasoning
The good news is that you can roast butternut squash cubes at various temperatures. I usually prefer a high temperature, 425 degrees F., oven and bake them for 30-35 minutes. However, you can bake them in lower temperatures as well. Below, I am sharing how long to roast butternut squash cubes at 375 degrees and 400 degrees as well. However, regardless of the temperature, you are using, I highly recommend checking them after 30 minutes to ensure even roasting.
375 Degrees F / 40-45 minutes 400 Degrees F / 35-40 minutes 425 Degrees F / 30-35 minutes (preferred method)
Here are the steps to make roasted frozen butternut squash:
Break up the frozen butternut squash chunks: It is essential to take a moment and break up the frozen butternut squash chunks with your hands. This way, you can easily spread them on the baking sheet and, as a result, get evenly roasted butternut squash cubes in the end. Preheat Sheet Pan: While it may come as an extra step, preheating the sheet pan in the oven before adding the frozen butternut squash cubes helps jump-start the roasting process. Because as soon as you place them in a hot baking sheet, the ice on the squash starts to melt, leading to crispier and perfectly roasted diced butternut squash faster. Seasoning and Baking: When ready to roast, place the frozen butternut squash cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle it with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Give them a toss and carefully spread them onto the hot sheet pan in an even layer. Bake at 450 Degrees F for 20-30 minutes or until they turn light golden brown on the edges.
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar: If you are looking to serve the perfect side dish at your Thanksgiving feast this year, consider flavoring it with ground cinnamon and maple syrup (or butternut squash). The natural sweetness of the butternut squash pairs nicely with the earthy flavors of cinnamon and gets even more caramelized thanks to the addition of maple syrup. Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary: If you wonder what to put on butternut squash for a fall-inspired side dish, try Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary. You can use both fresh or dried rosemary for a subtle hint with every bite. Herb Roasted Butternut Squash With Garlic: Garlic and herbs are a classic duo that tastes delicious when combined with butternut squash’s creamy, slightly nutty flavor. You can pair a couple of garlic cloves (minced) with any of your favorite fresh herbs, like fresh thyme, parsley, and any savory seasonings that you have on hand. The addition of garlic and fresh herbs makes for a hearty side dish that you can serve with any meal. Nuts and Seeds: For a bit of crunch with every bite, consider adding nuts and seeds of your choice on top of your prepared butternut squash. Sprinkling with pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, or pecans is a great way to get extra nutrients while elevating the texture of your dish.
As A Side Dish By Itself: Because butternut squash carries so much flavor, it’s one of my favorite side dishes to serve. Serve next to any of your favorite chicken or meat recipes, perhaps with a drizzle of my tahini lemon sauce, for a well-balanced, hearty meal. Butternut Squash Soup: Roasted butternut squash creates a great base for an elevated Butternut Squash Soup. It is the ultimate heartwarming comfort food to serve on a chilly evening. Mash It Up: Butternut squash is an excellent alternative to sweet potatoes or even regular potatoes. Substitute butternut squash in for a sweet, slightly nutty mash that is great to serve as a side dish. Add to Salads: Butternut squash can be a hearty, filling addition to your favorite salads or great for meal prepping. Some of my favorite healthy butternut squash recipes are this Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, this Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad, and this Ottolenghi’s Butternut Squash Salad. They are all easy to make, packed with fall flavors, and festive enough to add to your holiday menu. Add to Basic Whole Grain Dishes: Basic whole grains dishes like wild rice, bulgur pilaf, quinoa or even black rice compliment roasted butternut squash cubes very well! Fill up a bowl with your whole grain of choice, your butternut squash cubes, and your favorite toppings for a filling and nutritious dish, great for a weeknight dinner or weekly meal prep! Incorporate into your favorite Pasta, Curry, Pizza, Taco recipes: Butternut squash is a great addition to any of your favorite taco, pizza, pasta, or curry recipes (like this Thai Butternut Squash Curry recipe.) I even have a recipe for Goat Cheese and Butternut Squash Bruschetta that you can make with leftover roasted squash cubes.
