Description
This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash recipe offers a delightful mix of sweet and warm spices, roasted to tender perfection and finished with a caramelized golden broil. It is a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for cozy dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
- 8 cups butternut squash (peeled and seeded), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 lbs)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper (optional, adds a touch of heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If starting with whole butternut squash, prepare enough to yield approximately 3 lbs of peeled cubes by peeling and seeding accordingly.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. Spread the butternut squash cubes evenly in a single layer on the sheets.
- Add Oil and Maple Syrup: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup evenly over the squash cubes on each baking sheet, totaling 2 tablespoons each for both sheets.
- Season the Squash: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper evenly over the squash on each baking sheet, totaling 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 pinches of cayenne pepper combined.
- Toss to Coat: Using clean hands, gently toss the squash on each baking sheet to ensure even coating of oil, syrup, and spices.
- Roast: Place the baking sheets in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, halfway through switching the sheets on the racks to ensure even cooking. Roast until the squash is fork-tender.
- Broil for Caramelization: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. If parchment paper was used, carefully slide the squash off onto bare baking sheets to avoid burning. Turn on the broiler, then place each sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the squash cubes until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the maple roasted butternut squash warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, but avoid placing parchment paper under the broiler.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For best texture, ensure the squash is evenly spread out for consistent roasting.
- Broil carefully, as the sugars in the maple syrup caramelize quickly and can burn.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be added to grain bowls and salads for extra flavor.
