How To Roast Butternut Squash

Roasting butternut squash is actually, dare I say, pretty simple. If you want to learn how to roast butternut squash halves, check out this foolproof guide with all you need to know to get the PERFECT roasted squash every time!

I have a ton of tips and tricks to make it easy to cook butternut squash! Follow these simple instructions to learn how to make the best roasted butternut squash to enjoy as is or to add to your favorite fall recipe!

Step By Step: How To Roast Butternut Squash

The first time I cooked butternut squash, I was a little nervous of this large, unfamiliar squash, but have no fear–its very simple to do. I have complete confidence that if you follow these steps, you will never have to look up how to cook butternut squash again!

Preheat the Oven And Prep the Pan

Similar to other roasted vegetables (although, technically, butternut squash is considered a fruit) you will want to roast your butternut squash at a relatively high heat: 400℉.

Next up, we will want to prep your baking pan (or dish). ALWAYS use a rimmed baking sheet or a casserole dish for this step. Butternut squash can create some liquid as it roasts and you don’t want the squash to create a mess in your oven. I suggest adding aluminum foil to help with the caramelization (and cleanup). 😉

Prepare the Butternut Squash For Roasting

Now we want to get started on prepping the squash to roast. To do this we will start by slicing the top of the squash, stem, off of the butternut squash to avoid burning in the oven.

Stand the squash up on your cutting board. If the squash is steady and not wobbly, then you can advance to the next step. But if the squash is a bit wobbly, then you will want to either turn the cut stem side of the squash down on your cutting board for a flat surface (*** This only works if the top and bottom a relatively the same size). If your squash, however, is larger at the bottom than the top you will want to slice the bottom of your squash for an even surface.

Using a sharp knife, slice the squash in half from top to bottom (stem to stem).

Next, take a spoon and scoop out the sides and innards of the squash

Drizzle the squash halves with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the butternut squash generously ( I mean it!) with sea salt and pepper.

Roast The Butternut Squash

Now that we have two halves of the butternut squash. We can ROAST it!

Turn the squash cut side down onto the aluminum foil. Place the squash in the oven for 45-50 minutes at 400℉.

If your squash is on the smaller side, it could take 40 minutes, and it is larger it could take up to 55 minutes. I tend to find that 45 minutes is typically the magic time.

You will know that the squash is done when you can easily piece the squahs with a fork (it will feel very similar to a fork-tender potato or sweet potato).

Use the Squash

You can scoop out the squash and eat it as is– or you can use it in your favorite recipe! Make sure not to eat the skin– just the orange flesh. 🙂

What You Will Need To Roast Butternut Squash

You will need a rimmed sheet pan (or a 13×9 baking dish) and aluminum foil to roast the butternut squash.

The rimmed sheet pan is a must to roast a squash. Butternut squash has a tendency to let out liquids as it is cooking, so definitley make sure that whatever you place it on to cook can contain the cooking liquids and not leak into your oven. I have also used a casserole dish to bake the squash.

You will use the foil to help with clean up (woohoo) but also help to caramelize the squash. You’ll want to roast the squash cut-side down to help it brown beautifully!

Is Butternut Squash Good for You?

Over the years, butternut squash has been rapidly gaining in popularity in America. And it definitely deserves the recognition. Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient with lots of health benefits. While it is most known in fall and winter dishes, you can find butternut squash year-round at most grocery stores (including Aldi).

Some consider butternut squash a superfood (check out this source). Butternut squash is full of fiber, packed with antioxidants, and has a low glycemic index.

What Does Roasted Butternut Squash Taste Like

Some people say that butternut squash tastes like sweet potato. Personally, I think it has a similar taste to sweet potato, but it’s also a bit pumpkin-y!

The texture is also a tiny bit stringier and wetter than sweet potato. When blended into a soup or a sauce the texture is very creamy.

How to Roast Butternut Squash For Other Recipes

While you can eat this roasted squash just as it is, chances are you are adding it to another recipe. You don’t have to change anything about this recipe if you are using it in another recipe. Although, you might want to be careful with the added salt.

STILL season the roasted squash even if you are adding it to another recipe (seasoning ingredients in layers is the key to great flavor). But depending on how much salt you added, you might want to adjust the saltiness of your next dish.

What to Do with Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is SO very versatile, and relatively inexpensive for the size of the squash! Butternut squash enters its peak season around late summer and into the fall months, which makes it a great winter and fall recipe staple ingredient.

Here are some ideas to use up your roasted butternut squash:

• boost up a soup with extra nutrients
• add it to a pasta sauce
• make a fall pizza
• whip up mashed butternut squash (instead of mashed potatoes)
• add it to a frittata
• prepare a delicious dip
• or even add it to enchiladas!

I personally became more familiar with butternut squash as my husband and I looked into eating more plant-based meals. You’ll find that butternut squash is in a TON of vegetarian + vegan recipes. And for good reasons– this squash has such a creamy texture!

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