Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of this roasted butternut squash with brown sugar. This recipe is a celebration of fall flavors, with the soft, subtly sweet butternut squash baked to perfection and glazed with a rich blend of brown sugar and maple syrup. This dish is simple to prepare and makes for a delightful side dish or a healthy snack on its own.
Butternut squash, the star of this recipe, is a type of winter squash with a sweet, nutty taste. It's widely available in supermarkets, particularly during the fall and winter months. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with another sweet tasting squash or pumpkin. Also, it's good to note that maple syrup is not the same as the pancake syrup often found in the breakfast aisle. Real maple syrup can usually be found in the baking section and offers a more robust flavor.
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar
Butternut squash: This is a type of winter squash that has sweet, nutty flavor similar to that of a pumpkin. It is high in vitamins A and C.
Olive oil: Used to coat the squash for roasting, it adds a subtle flavor and helps in browning.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note to the dish, enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a depth of flavor that complements the squash and the brown sugar. It's a natural sweetener that's healthier than regular sugar.
Salt and pepper: Used for seasoning. Adjust according to your taste.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the sheet pan to prevent the squash from sticking.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
One reader, Elisabetta Huebner says:
This roasted butternut squash recipe is a game-changer! The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup creates a sweet and savory flavor that's simply irresistible. The squash turns out perfectly tender and caramelized. It's a delightful side dish that's sure to impress at any gathering. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Roasting Butternut Squash
How to prepare the butternut squash: Peel the squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
How to drizzle the olive oil mixture over the squash: Slowly pour the mixture over the squash, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
How to bake the squash: Bake the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
How to sprinkle with parsley: After roasting, sprinkle the roasted butternut squash with chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
How To Make Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar
Serve your dinner with sweet, caramelized sides. This roasted butternut squash recipe is cooked with brown sugar, maple syrup, and seasonings until tender.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsbutternut squash(peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
- 2½tbspsolive oil
- 2tbspsbrown sugar
- 2tbspsmaple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- 1tbspchopped parsleyoptional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
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Arrange the squash cubes in a single layer on the pan.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
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Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the squash, then toss to coat evenly.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until squash is tender and browned.
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Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 166.07kcal
- Fat: 7.59g
- Saturated Fat: 0.93g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.17g
- Carbohydrates: 25.94g
- Fiber: 3.17g
- Sugar: 10.30g
- Protein: 1.60g
- Sodium: 395.14mg
- Calcium: 85.27mg
- Potassium: 560.67mg
- Iron: 1.21mg
- Vitamin A: 807.17µg
- Vitamin C: 32.59mg
Pro Tip for Roasting Butternut Squash
When roasting butternut squash, it's important to cut the pieces into uniform size. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from burning before larger ones are fully cooked. Additionally, stirring the squash every 10 minutes while baking helps to evenly distribute the heat and allows the squash to caramelize on all sides, enhancing its natural sweetness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar
Plan ahead: Prep the butternut squash in advance to save time. You can peel and cube the squash a day or two before you plan to cook it.
Use pre-cut squash: If you're short on time, consider using pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store to skip the peeling and chopping step.
Multi-task: While the squash is roasting, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a good peeler: A sharp, efficient peeler can make the task of peeling the squash quicker and easier.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of roasted butternut squash and store the leftovers for future use in salads, soups, or as a side dish.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Recipe
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and it can be roasted in the same way as butternut squash.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in the same quantity as brown sugar in the recipe.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and caramelization when roasted, and it complements the flavors of roasted squash.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for roasting the squash.
chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor, which can complement the sweetness of the roasted squash.
Presentation Ideas for Roasted Butternut Squash
Elevate the plating: Arrange the roasted butternut squash cubes in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded on the plate.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Pair the golden brown roasted butternut squash with vibrant green parsley to create a visually striking contrast on the plate.
Add a touch of elegance with drizzles: Use a small spoon to delicately drizzle a mixture of maple syrup and brown sugar around the edges of the plate to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped parsley over the butternut squash just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
Consider plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the colors of the dish and allows the butternut squash to be the focal point, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Roasted Butternut Squash
- Oven: Used for roasting and baking the butternut squash until tender and browned.
- Sheet pan: Used to arrange the squash cubes in a single layer for even roasting.
- Small bowl: Used for whisking together the olive oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning mixture.
- Whisk: Used for mixing the olive oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in the small bowl.
- Cooking spray: Used to coat the sheet pan to prevent the squash from sticking.
- Spatula: Used for tossing the squash in the seasoning mixture to ensure even coating.
- Chopping board: Used for cutting and preparing the butternut squash.
- Knife: Used for cutting the butternut squash into cubes.
- Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring the olive oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Oven mitts: Used for safely handling the hot sheet pan when removing it from the oven.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Butternut Squash
Let the roasted butternut squash cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the squash soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled squash in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the roasted butternut squash:
- Arrange the cooled squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the squash is frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen squash cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
Frozen roasted butternut squash will maintain its best quality for up to 6 months.
To reheat, place the desired amount of squash on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave.
If you've frozen the squash, there's no need to thaw it before reheating. Simply increase the reheating time by a few minutes to ensure it's warmed all the way through.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted butternut squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle some additional brown sugar and maple syrup over the top for added flavor and moisture. Cover the baking sheet with foil and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is heated through and slightly caramelized.
For a quicker option, reheat the roasted butternut squash in the microwave. Transfer the squash to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is heated through and steaming. Be careful not to overcook, as the squash may become mushy.
If you have a bit more time, consider repurposing your leftover roasted butternut squash into a delicious soup. In a large pot, sauté some diced onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the leftover squash, along with vegetable or chicken broth, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and purée until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar to taste. Reheat the soup until hot and serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and some freshly chopped parsley or chives.
For a tasty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option, transform your leftover roasted butternut squash into a flavorful hash. In a large skillet, sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and any other desired vegetables in olive oil until softened. Add the leftover squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for added depth of flavor. Serve the hash topped with a fried or poached egg for a complete and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. It's also low in calories, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
Is Making Roasted Butternut Squash at Home Cost-Effective?
This roasted butternut squash with brown sugar recipe is highly cost-effective for households. The main ingredient, butternut squash, is affordable and readily available. With just a few additional ingredients such as olive oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup, this dish offers a budget-friendly option for families. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $8-$10. The rich flavors and nutritional benefits of this dish make it a great addition to any meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Healthy?
This roasted butternut squash recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- Butternut squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium and magnesium
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Parsley adds a pop of color and additional vitamins and minerals
Unhealthy aspects:
- Brown sugar and maple syrup add extra calories and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes if consumed in excess
- The recipe doesn't specify the amount of salt used, which could lead to a high-sodium dish
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup by half, or replace them with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Use a light hand when adding salt, or opt for a low-sodium alternative like herbs and spices
- Add other vegetables to the mix, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Serve the roasted butternut squash alongside a lean protein source and a whole grain to create a balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
The roasted butternut squash with brown sugar recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The brown sugar and maple syrup create a caramelized glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. The addition of parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. The cooking process allows the squash to caramelize and develop a rich, tender texture. This dish is a wonderful side for any fall or winter meal, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Enhance Your Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Recipe:
This recipe for roasted butternut squash with brown sugar and maple syrup is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The use of olive oil ensures a perfect caramelization, while the addition of brown sugar and maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of the squash. The inclusion of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. Trust in the simplicity and balance of these ingredients to create a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
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