How to Roast Butternut Squash – follow along with this very simple step-by-step process to make sure you have the best roasted butternut squash every time! This is a side dish staple in our house every Autumn and sometimes it even makes an appearance on our Thanksgiving dinner table.
Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a food that could be a simple side dish on it’s own or roasted and added to your favorite squash recipe! It is very similar in texture and taste to a pumpkin but it is a bit easier to work with because it is smaller in size. Perfect for enjoying with some cast iron pork chops or cast iron chicken thighs!
If you love this one and want to try another squash, we highly recommend Roasted Acorn Squash!
What You Will Need
- butternut squash – these end of summer gourds and so good for roasting in the Fall.
- olive or avocado oil – either will work or you could also use butter or ghee, if you prefer!
How to Safely Cut a Butternut Squash
I know people commonly get frustrated/nervous cutting a butternut squash in half. Here are my tips for making it a little easier and head over to our tutorial on how to cut butternut squash for even more tips:
- Use a larger knife that is clean and sharpened.
- Make sure it is not on a slippery surface.
- Trim the ends so they are flat – this will help stabilize the squash as you are cutting it.
- Place the whole butternut squash in the microwave and cook on high for about 3-5 minutes. This will help soften the outside just enough to help you cut it with a little more ease.
- If you prefer, you can always cut it in half at the neck, crosswise. Then you can cut these two smaller pieces in half with a little more ease.
How To Roast Butternut Squash
First, you can begin by using a large kitchen knife to cut your butternut squash in half, lengthwise.
How To Clean Out A Butternut Squash
Cleaning a butternut squash is very similar to any other squash or pumpkin. Once you have sliced it in half lengthwise, simply take a spoon or ice cream scoop and clean out the seeds, etc. until you can scrape the inside clean!
Next, place your squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet and grab a sturdy spoon to scrape out the seeds. You can now rub the cut-side of the squash with olive or avocado oil.
Do I Need To Peel The Outside Of The Butternut Squash
There is no need to peel your butternut squash. You can simply scoop it out once it is tender and when you slow roast it like this the skin continues to get softer as it bakes and is actually edible! For more information on this check out – When (and When Not) to Peel Winter Squash.
Make sure that your oven is preheated to 350 degrees F and place your roasting pan on the middle rack to roast for 60 minutes. Every squash is a different size so after 1 hour poke the squash with a fork and if it isn’t fully soft you can return it to the oven and check on it for 10 minute increments until it is fully soft.
When it is ready, remove it from oven and let cool slightly before scooping out to serve or store in the refrigerator.
How To Store Roasted Butternut Squash
Whether you roast butternut squash in halves or as cubes, once it has cooled it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days.
Can I Freeze Roasted Butternut Squash
Yes! It is typically easier to freeze butternut squash once it has been pureed. So we recommend letting the squash cool, scoop it out of the skin, place it in a blender or food processor to puree and then you can place it in ice cube trays or muffins tins to freeze. Once the smaller portions are frozen you have the option to transfer them to a different freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Butternut Squash For Meal Prep
Absolutely! It is so easy to pop the butternut squash in the oven and in the hour it takes to roast I can get other things done around the house, come back, scoop it out, and pop it in the fridge. So easy and then I have a yummy side dish ready to-go for a weeknight meal or ready to be added to a favorite soup recipe like my Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
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How to Roast Butternut Squash
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to Roast Butternut Squash – a simple and easy method for roasting the perfect butternut squash every time! A great side dish or add it to your favorite soups!
Ingredients
- 1 or more butternut squash, halved lengthwise
- olive or avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Take halved butternut squash and scoop out the seeds, scraping clean and hollowing out the inside.
- Rub the cut-side with olive oil.
- Place cut side open on a baking sheet (feel free to put some foil or parchment underneath).
- Roast in the oven for 60 minutes.
- Test with fork, it should be very tender and easily pierced. If for some reason it isn’t yet, continue baking at 10 minute increments until fully cooked and tender.
- Let it cool and serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Serving: we love to serve with a little ghee (or butter), pinch of salt and a little maple syrup!
- Soup: one of our favorite ways to enjoy roasted butternut squash is in our Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup!
- Storage: in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freezing: the best way to freeze a roasted butternut squash is to puree it and then store in smaller portions for up to 3 months.
Sparki says
What is the procedure for cubing butternut squash. thx sparki