This delightful roasted butternut squash recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish for your holiday feast. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash is enhanced by the savory olive oil, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and black pepper. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a butternut squash if you don't have one on hand. Make sure to choose a large, firm squash with a smooth skin. The olive oil and garlic powder are also essential for achieving the perfect roasted flavor, so double-check your pantry or add them to your shopping list.
Ingredients For Butternut Squash Recipe
Butternut squash: A large, firm squash with smooth skin, peeled, seeded, and cubed.
Olive oil: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps the squash roast to golden perfection.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and balances the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.
Garlic powder: Infuses the squash with a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When roasting butternut squash, ensure the cubes are cut to a uniform size. This promotes even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone. Additionally, spreading the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet allows for better air circulation, resulting in a more consistent golden brown color and texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point, making it suitable for roasting.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor but can offer a slightly different mineral profile.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, which can add a unique twist.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar depth of flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the roasted butternut squash to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the squash soggy.
Transfer the cooled squash into an airtight container. If you have a lot, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The roasted butternut squash will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Spread the cooled squash cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents them from sticking together.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the squash cubes are frozen solid.
Once frozen, transfer the squash cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to use, you can reheat the frozen butternut squash directly from the freezer. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen squash in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This method ensures even heating and maintains the texture of the squash.
If you prefer, you can also reheat the squash in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan and cook until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Enjoy your stored or reheated butternut squash as a side dish, or incorporate it into salads, soups, or grain bowls for a delicious and nutritious meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover butternut squash evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the roasted texture and flavor.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable broth to the pan. Add the leftover butternut squash and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method can give the squash a slightly crispy exterior.
Microwave Method: Place the leftover butternut squash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This is the quickest method but may result in a softer texture.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover butternut squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method helps maintain the crispy edges.
Steaming Method: Place the leftover butternut squash in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the squash moist and tender.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover butternut squash on a baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method is convenient for smaller portions.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: The primary cooking appliance used to roast the butternut squash at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).
Large bowl: Used to toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coating.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used to spread the squash evenly for roasting.
Parchment paper: Optional, but useful for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Spatula: Used to turn the butternut squash halfway through the roasting process to ensure even cooking.
Knife: Necessary for peeling, seeding, and cubing the butternut squash.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the butternut squash.
Serving dish: Used to serve the roasted butternut squash hot.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cut squash: Buy pre-cut butternut squash from the store to save time on peeling and cubing.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Roast extra butternut squash and store it for future meals.
Microwave first: Soften the squash in the microwave for a few minutes to reduce oven time.
Pre-mix spices: Prepare a spice mix in advance to quickly season the squash.
Butternut Squash Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large Butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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