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Forget fancy ingredients and fussy instructions – this single serving roasted butternut squash recipe is all about elevating the ordinary into something truly extraordinary. With just a touch of olive oil, a sprinkle of warming cinnamon and ginger, and a quick roast in the oven, you’ll unlock golden, caramelized edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center that will leave you wanting more.

Enjoy the rich, sweet taste of roasted butternut squash as it perfectly complements a variety of main dishes. It pairs beautifully with succulent Baked Pork Chops, juicy Baked Chicken Thighs, savory Salisbury Steak, tender Turkey Cutlets, or a luxurious Beef Tenderloin.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Requires only a few common pantry items to create a flavorful dish.
  • Adaptable Spicing: The recipe is great as is, but the spices can be adjusted to suit your taste.
  • Ideal Texture: Roasting at high heat gives you those desirable caramelized edges with a creamy interior.
  • Healthy Choice: Butternut squash is full of good-for-you nutrients.
  • Year-Round Dish: This recipe is fantastic no matter the season, fitting for any meal plan.
Cubed raw butternut squash in a measuring cup on a wooden trivet.

Ingredients

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this roasted butternut squash recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust flavor and high quality. It’s cold-pressed, preserving the taste and nutrients of olives. If you prefer a milder taste, a light olive oil is a suitable substitute for roasting your squash.
  • Spices: Ground cinnamon and ginger add warmth, while turmeric lends a peppery edge, complementing the natural sweetness of the squash. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Butternut Squash: You’ll need a cup of peeled and cubed butternut squash for this recipe. If you have any leftovers, they’re great for soups, salads, or as an addition to other meals.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder .

How To Pick The Perfect Butternut Squash

Selecting the perfect butternut squash is crucial for achieving the best roasted flavor. Here’s what to look for during your next grocery store visit:

  1. Size Matters: Aim for a squash that weighs around 2-3 pounds. Smaller squashes might not be fully mature, and larger ones could be fibrous and less tasty.
  2. Firmness is Key: Gently press on the squash. It should feel firm and solid, indicating freshness. Avoid any with soft spots or dents, as these are signs of overripeness or damage.
  3. Check the Color: A ripe butternut squash typically has a consistent tan or beige hue. Steer clear of ones with green areas, a sign of immaturity. A bit of orange or red is fine, but too much may mean the squash is dry.
  4. Inspect the Stem: Look for a dry, brown stem that’s securely attached. If the stem is green or feels mushy, the squash might not be fresh.
  5. Listen for a Hollow Sound: Tap the squash lightly. A ripe one will sound hollow, while a dull thud may indicate it’s either unripe or internally damaged.

Bonus Tip: If you’re still uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask the produce staff for assistance. They can guide you in picking a butternut squash that’s just right for roasting.

How To Easily Peel And Cut Butternut Squash

Don’t let the tough exterior of butternut squash intimidate you! With the right tools and techniques, you can conquer this winter staple and unlock its delicious, roasted potential.

Key to success: sharp knife, sturdy cutting board.

Step 1: Prep your squash:

  1. Position: Place the squash on a stable cutting board.
  2. Trim: Slice off the stem and bottom end, discarding them.
  3. Peel: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skin, applying firm pressure.

Step 2: Tackle the Neck:

Locate the neck – the narrower end where the squash widens. This is your dividing point.

Step 3: Conquer the Bulb:

  1. Split it open: Cut the wider section lengthwise.
  2. Seed removal: Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon. Save the seeds for roasting later!
  3. Chop it up: Place the flattened squash flesh on the cutting board and chop into your desired size: cubes, wedges, or even half-moons for faster roasting.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash: Enhance the natural sweetness of the squash by drizzling it with a mixture of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper before roasting. This adds a delightful contrast between sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Savory Parmesan Roasted Squash: Before roasting, coat the squash in olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. This variation results in a crispy, cheesy crust that’s perfect for those who love a savory edge.
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How To Roast Butternut Squash

Roasting butternut squash couldn’t be simpler! You can begin with a whole squash and chop it yourself, or for added convenience, pick up pre-cut squash from the produce aisle of your local supermarket.

  1. Preparing Your Squash: Begin with either a whole butternut squash or save time with pre-cut squash from your grocery store’s produce section.
  2. Measuring for the Recipe: For this recipe, you will need 1 cup (180 grams) of butternut squash, chopped into cubes.
  3. Chopping the Squash: Aim to cut your squash into uniform 1-inch cubes for even roasting.
  4. Seasoning and Oiling: Arrange the squash cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and spices, tossing to coat each piece well.
  5. Roasting: Roast in an oven preheated to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges have started to caramelize.
Cubed butternut squash seasoned on a baking sheet before roasting in the oven.

Expert Tips

  • Season as You Like: While the recipe suggests certain spices, don’t hesitate to use your personal favorites. Simple salt and pepper, or herbs like dried thyme or rosemary, can also yield delicious results.
  • Hand Mixing: For the most even coating of oil and spices on your squash, use your hands. This ensures every cube is well-seasoned.
  • Spacing on the Baking Sheet: Avoid placing the squash too close together. Leaving space between the cubes allows for better air circulation, which is key to getting that golden brown, caramelized exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze butternut squash for future use?

Yes, definitely! Peel and chop the squash into chunks, then spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the chunks to a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for 6 to 8 months, retaining their quality and flavor.

How do I store leftover roasted butternut squash?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

A fork piercing a roasted butternut squash.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you would like additional information on the dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes we use, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this roasted butternut squash or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

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Roasted Butternut Squash

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Roast a single serving of butternut squash with a hint of cinnamon and ginger for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish any time of year.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup cubed butternut squash
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon ground ginger
  • teaspoon ground turmeric
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Heat oven to 425° F (220° C).
  • Place the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil and spices.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

  • Season as You Like: While the recipe suggests certain spices, don’t hesitate to use your personal favorites. Simple salt and pepper, or herbs like dried thyme or rosemary, can also yield delicious results.
  • Hand Mixing: For the most even coating of oil and spices on your squash, use your hands. This ensures every cube is well-seasoned.
  • Spacing on the Baking Sheet: Avoid placing the squash too close together. Leaving space between the cubes allows for better air circulation, which is key to getting that golden brown, caramelized exterior.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 144kcal, Carbohydrates: 22.2g, Protein: 0.01g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 0.97g, Sodium: 8.17mg, Sugar: 4.01g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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2 Comments

  1. I have made this roasted butternut squash for lunch the past 2 days & absolutely love it. Only change I made to the ingredient list is I added 1 tsp of brown sugar today & tossed with other ingredients before I baked it.