How to Roast Butternut Squash
on Jan 10, 2018, Updated Jun 24, 2024
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Butternut squash is warm, filling, and absolutely delicious! You can serve it on its own as a side dish or use it for other wonderful recipes. Here is your guide on How to Roast a Perfect Butternut Squash.
Butternut squash is one of my favorite foods to have during the fall season! It is so versatile and has a wonderful flavor that can really speak for itself. You don’t need to do much to this squash for it to have a yummy taste.
This method to roast butternut squash is easy and does not take much effort at all. All you need to do with the squash is wash, cut, season, and then place it right in the oven! There is nothing better than a side dish that is simple yet satisfying. I love to serve mashed squash like mashed potatoes, and it is always a big hit.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasting your squash gives you a delicious, inexpensive side dish.
- It is easy to prepare and cook.
- Can be made anytime of the year.
Recipe Ingredients
- Butternut Squash—With the seeds removed.
- Olive Oil—Helps lock in the moisture of the squash.
- Salt and Pepper—To help bring out the flavor of the butternut squash.
- Water—To prevent the squash from drying out.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Roast Butternut Squash
Step #1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil. Preheat your oven. Rinse off the outside of your squash, dry it off, then cut it in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds.
Step #2. Drizzle the inside of each piece with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place the squash on the prepared pan cut side down and add the water to the bottom of the pan.
Step #3. Place the squash in the oven and roast until the squash is done.
Step #4. Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then scoop the flesh from the skin. Serve and enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
You will know when the squash is done cooking when the skin is soft and tender. Take a fork and pierce the skin of the squash. If it is easy to pierce then you are ready to go, but if it takes a bit of effort cook it for a little longer and try again in a few minutes. Keep in mind that squash can be easily overcooked, and the flesh might become too mushy if that happens. Be sure to keep an eye on it and take it out as soon as you can see that it is done!
Butternut squash has a similar flavor to sweet potato, slightly sweet yet still having a strong savory taste. The texture will be soft and tender after it has been roasted. Some compare it to pumpkin, carrot, and turnip flavors. It is satisfying and delicious when prepared with some olive oil and a bit of salt! But, you can also use it as an ingredient in recipes or add some extra seasonings to taste.
Yes, you can safely eat the skin of butternut squash. It is important to be aware that the skin will not be as soft or easy to chew as with summer squash, like zucchini. Because of this, it might not be pleasant to eat. Many butternut squash will also have different thickness of the skin, so some can become more tender than others after being roasted. Ultimately it is up to you if you want to eat it, but it is safe and full of nutrients if you choose to do so!
How to Pick out a Butternut Squash
As you are picking out a butternut squash, try to look for one that is firm and blemish-free, meaning there are no nicks or bruises anywhere. The squash should have a creamy tan color to indicate it is ready to eat. Avoid squash that are light pale or with light or dark green spots. If you can find them when they are ripe, they’ll store for several weeks and even up to a couple of months. Try to stock up when they are in season or on sale!
How to Serve and Store Butternut Squash
You can serve this butternut squash on its own, scooped straight from the skin with some more salt to taste, or you can add it to a bowl and mash it with some butter and brown sugar. Any recipe with chicken or pork will complement the taste of this squash nicely. Butternut squash is versatile and can be used like you would any potato, sweet potato, or pumpkin in recipes. I love this recipe for maple roasted butternut squash or my homemade butternut squash soup.
You can store any leftover cooked butternut squash for 3-5 days in the fridge. Allow the squash to cool and remove the flesh from the skin, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat the squash in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute until warm.
Expert Tips
- Since butternut squash can vary in size, you might need to adjust your roasting time accordingly! Keep the temperature the same, but check on the squash frequently.
- You might want to wear disposable gloves as you are washing and preparing your squash to avoid any orange color from staining your hands.
- Parchment paper makes cleaning up a breeze, so I highly recommend it! You can also use a nonstick baking sheet, but you’ll have a little more scrubbing to do.
- Make sure the entire surface of the butternut squash is covered in olive oil. This will help tenderize the squash and prevent moisture from escaping.
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Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium to large butternut squash
- 3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Generous sprinkle of salt and pepper
- About ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Rinse off the outside of your squash and then cut it in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the inside of both pieces of squash with olive oil and give it a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Place the squash on the prepared pan, cut side down, and add the water to the bottom of the pan. (Just pour it around the squash). Place in the hot oven.
- Roast for 40-50 minutes until the squash is easily pierced with a fork or the tip of a knife.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then scoop flesh from the skin.
- You can serve the squash as is, scooped straight from the skin with a little salt to taste. You can add it to a bowl and mash it with a little butter and a bit of brown sugar, or you can use it like you would any potato, sweet potato, or pumpkin in recipes.
Video
Notes
- Since butternut squash can vary in size, you might need to adjust your roasting time accordingly! Keep the temperature the same, but check on the squash frequently.
- You might want to wear disposable gloves as you are washing and preparing your squash to avoid any orange color from staining your hands.
- Parchment paper makes cleaning up a breeze, so I highly recommend it! You can also use a nonstick baking sheet, but you’ll have a little more scrubbing to do.
- Make sure the entire surface of the butternut squash is covered in olive oil. This will help tenderize the squash and prevent moisture from escaping.
This is the best way to cook butternut squash in order to get the full natural flavor of it. So wonderful!
I forgot the water but these were still beautiful and golden and nutty tasting!
So good to hear!