Description
A simple and flavorful Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash recipe that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of squash with warm cinnamon spice. This healthy, easy-to-make side dish delivers crispy edges and tender interiors, perfect for cozy weeknights or festive meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (fresh, about 2–3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for a sweeter finish)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for a spicy twist)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (for herb infusion)
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (for nutty crunch)
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice or zest (for sweet and citrusy flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a crispy roast that caramelizes the edges of the squash beautifully.
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel the squash carefully, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, then chop into evenly sized cubes about 1 inch for consistent roasting.
- Season the Squash: Place the cubed squash in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, salt, and optional black pepper. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure the cubes are not overcrowded to achieve perfect roasted crispness.
- Roast Until Tender: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and fork-tender.
- Optional Sweet Finish: For extra sweetness, immediately after roasting, drizzle maple syrup or honey over the squash and toss lightly to coat before serving.
Notes
- Cut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space for air circulation.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding maple syrup or honey or omit for savory preference.
- Test doneness by checking fork tenderness with slightly crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg