When the crisp autumn air sets in, it's time to embrace the comforting flavors of the season. And what better way to do that than with a delicious honey-roasted butternut squash? This recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, with the natural sweetness of the squash enhanced by a drizzle of golden honey. The caramelization that occurs during roasting adds a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
I first discovered this recipe during a cozy dinner at a friend's house. The aroma of the roasting butternut squash filled the air, and I couldn't resist taking a bite. The tender flesh, the hint of sweetness, and the slight caramelization were a revelation. Since then, I've made this dish countless times, experimenting with different variations and techniques to perfect the recipe.
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Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- Butternut squash — 1 medium-sized, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil — 2 tablespoons
- Honey — 2 tablespoons
- Salt — 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper — ½ teaspoon
- Fresh thyme — 2 sprigs
Optional Ingredients
- Maple syrup — 1 tablespoon (for added sweetness)
- Cayenne pepper — ¼ teaspoon (for a hint of heat)
- Crumbled feta cheese — ¼ cup (for a tangy contrast)
- Pomegranate seeds — ¼ cup (for a burst of freshness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that the butternut squash caramelizes beautifully.
- In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated in the mixture. The honey will add a touch of sweetness and help with caramelization.
- Spread the coated butternut squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will allow them to roast evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Place the fresh thyme sprigs on top of the squash cubes. The thyme will infuse the dish with its aromatic flavor as it roasts.
- Roast the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cubes are tender and caramelized. Be sure to give them a gentle toss halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Once the butternut squash is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs. If desired, you can add any optional ingredients at this point, such as maple syrup, cayenne pepper, crumbled feta cheese, or pomegranate seeds. These additions will elevate the flavors and add a unique twist to the dish.
- Transfer the honey-roasted butternut squash to a serving dish and garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve the dish warm as a side dish or as a delicious addition to salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetable platters. The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative with how you incorporate it into your meals.
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free — This honey-roasted butternut squash recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Vegan — The basic version of this recipe is vegan-friendly, as it does not contain any animal products. Simply omit the optional feta cheese for a fully vegan dish.
Substitutions
- Maple syrup — If you prefer a different sweetener, such as agave nectar or brown sugar, feel free to substitute it for the honey. The goal is to add a touch of sweetness to enhance the natural flavors of the butternut squash.
- Feta cheese — For a dairy-free alternative, you can replace the feta cheese with crumbled tofu or a vegan cheese of your choice. This will still provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the roasted squash.
- Pomegranate seeds — If pomegranate seeds are not readily available, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped toasted walnuts. These alternatives will add a similar burst of freshness and texture to the dish.
Variations
- Spiced butternut squash — To add a warm and aromatic twist to the dish, sprinkle the butternut squash cubes with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves before roasting. This variation will infuse the squash with cozy fall flavors.
- Butternut squash soup — If you're in the mood for a comforting soup, you can transform this recipe into a creamy butternut squash soup. Simply blend the roasted squash cubes with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and your favorite seasonings until smooth. Serve it hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Butternut squash salad — For a refreshing salad, combine the honey-roasted butternut squash with mixed greens, toasted nuts, crumbled cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. This variation adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to your salad.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large bowl
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Storage and Reheating
- Store any leftover honey-roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The roasted squash will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply place the desired amount of squash in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
Pro Tips
- Uniform cubes — When cutting the butternut squash into cubes, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Golden caramelization — To achieve a beautiful golden caramelization, resist the temptation to overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the butternut squash cubes enough space to roast and develop a crust.
- Adjust seasonings — Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh herbs — If you don't have fresh thyme on hand, you can substitute it with dried thyme. However, fresh herbs always add a vibrant flavor and aroma, so they are worth using if available.
- Roasting time — Keep an eye on the butternut squash as it roasts, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cubes. Adjust the roasting time accordingly to achieve your desired level of tenderness and caramelization.
Thanksgiving Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash: Sweet and Savory Delight
Add a sweet and savory touch to your Thanksgiving table with this honey-roasted butternut squash recipe. Cubes of butternut squash are roasted to perfection with honey, olive oil, and fresh thyme.
Equipment
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized Butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional for a hint of heat)
- ¼ cup Crumbled feta cheese (optional for a tangy contrast)
- ¼ cup Pomegranate seeds (optional for a burst of freshness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that the butternut squash caramelizes beautifully.
- In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated in the mixture. The honey will add a touch of sweetness and help with caramelization.
- Spread the coated butternut squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will allow them to roast evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Place the fresh thyme sprigs on top of the squash cubes. The thyme will infuse the dish with its aromatic flavor as it roasts.
- Roast the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cubes are tender and caramelized. Be sure to give them a gentle toss halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Once the butternut squash is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs. If desired, you can add any optional ingredients at this point, such as maple syrup, cayenne pepper, crumbled feta cheese, or pomegranate seeds. These additions will elevate the flavors and add a unique twist to the dish.
- Transfer the honey roasted butternut squash to a serving dish and garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve the dish warm as a side dish or as a delicious addition to salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetable platters. The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative with how you incorporate it into your meals.
Notes
- Uniform cubes — When cutting the butternut squash into cubes, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Golden caramelization — To achieve a beautiful golden caramelization, resist the temptation to overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the butternut squash cubes enough space to roast and develop a crust.
- Adjust seasonings — Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh herbs — If you don't have fresh thyme on hand, you can substitute it with dried thyme. However, fresh herbs always add a vibrant flavor and aroma, so they are worth using if available.
- Roasting time — Keep an eye on the butternut squash as it roasts, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cubes. Adjust the roasting time accordingly to achieve your desired level of tenderness and caramelization.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Thanksgiving Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash: Sweet and Savory Delight
Amount per Serving
Calories
146
% Daily Value*
Fat
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.5
g
Sodium
653
mg
28
%
Potassium
712
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
36
g
12
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
17
g
19
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
20024
IU
400
%
Vitamin C
41
mg
50
%
Calcium
103
mg
10
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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