Roasted Butternut Squash with Cinnamon (Printable)

Tender butternut squash caramelized with cinnamon. Perfect as a comforting side or light vegetarian entrée.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Seasonings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
07 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed butternut squash with olive oil, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
03 - Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces do not overlap or crowd together.
04 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once at the halfway point, until the squash is tender with golden brown caramelized edges.
05 - Remove from oven and, if desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The edges caramelize into these irresistible sweet-savory bits that my family actually argues over at the dinner table.
  • You can prepare everything in advance, keeping the cubes in cold water until ready to roast, which has saved me countless times during busy holiday meals.
02 -
  • Cutting the squash into equal-sized pieces is crucial for even cooking, a lesson I learned after one batch came out with some pieces mushy while others remained too firm.
  • The squash will release moisture as it roasts, so resist the temptation to add any water or broth to the pan, which would prevent proper caramelization.
03 -
  • If youre short on time, look for pre-cut butternut squash in the produce section, but always pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper caramelization.
  • When the squash is nearly done roasting, switch the oven to broil for just 1-2 minutes to intensify the caramelization on the edges without overcooking the centers.

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