Roasted Butternut Squash Maple (Printer-friendly)

Tender butternut squash glazed with maple syrup, perfect for sweet-savory fall and winter side dishes.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Glaze

02 - 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

→ Garnish (optional)

07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or thyme
08 - 2 tbsp toasted pecans or walnuts

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using, until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the coated squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized at the edges.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs and toasted nuts if desired, and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time, so you can focus on the rest of your meal
  • The maple syrup creates a beautiful glaze that makes the squash taste like a secret indulgence, not just a vegetable
  • Naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, so it works for just about any table
02 -
  • Cut your squash into uniform 1-inch cubes so everything cooks at the same rate. Uneven pieces mean some will be dry while others are still hard.
  • Don't skip turning the squash halfway through. It seems like a small step, but it's what gives you that beautiful caramelization on all sides.
  • The squash will continue to soften slightly as it cools, so pull it out when it's just tender rather than falling apart.
03 -
  • Buy your butternut squash a few days ahead and leave it at room temperature. It becomes softer and easier to peel and cut, plus the flavor concentrates slightly.
  • Toast your own nuts instead of using pre-toasted ones. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until fragrant. This is the step that makes people ask what you did differently.
  • For extra depth, add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or a whisper of cayenne pepper to your glaze. It creates a subtle complexity that makes people wonder what the secret ingredient is.

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