Sweet & Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Sweet & Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cool day. It's got a delightful mix of flavors that balances sweetness with a gentle kick of spice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform a humble squash into a scrumptious side dish or a hearty vegetarian main.

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the star of the show, providing a slightly nutty and sweet base that pairs beautifully with spices. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the squash and aids in roasting to a perfect caramelization. Honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the natural sugars in the squash. Smoked paprika gives a deep, smoky flavor, while ground cinnamon adds warmth. Cayenne pepper brings the heat—feel free to adjust this to your spice preference. Salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors. Lastly, fresh cilantro offers a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/8 teaspoon or omit it entirely.
  • Make sure all squash pieces are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers? Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for a quick refresh.
  • Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for an extra zing.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted butternut squash pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted pork for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a quinoa salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It's also fantastic as a topping for a fall-inspired salad with arugula, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?
Absolutely! Pre-cut squash saves time and works just as well.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup is a great alternative and adds a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the squash ahead and reheat it before serving. It retains its flavor beautifully.

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, peel your butternut squash. I find a sharp vegetable peeler works best here. Once peeled, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes; try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss your squash cubes into this spicy mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned squash cubes out in a single layer; this helps them roast evenly. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give the squash a good stir to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the squash is tender and has a lovely light caramelization.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm spices. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Great for meal prep—tastes amazing even the next day.
  • Versatile enough to be a side or a main dish.
  • Healthy and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the squash cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
5. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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