This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash is perfectly caramelized with sweet honey and a hint of warm cinnamon spice. It's an ideal, healthy, and delicious side dish.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash
• 🛒 Ingredients for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
• 🔪 How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash
• 💡 Tips for Buying Butternut Squash
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Roasted Butternut
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What Does Butternut Squash Taste Like?
• Can Butternut Squash Seeds Be Roasted?
• Can I Use Pre-Peeled and Cubed Butternut Squash?
• Do I Have to Peel Butternut Squash?
• 🍽️ More Butternut Squash Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash

• Fresh, tender butternut squash
• Roasted in the oven until slightly caramelized
• Hint of sweetness from cinnamon and honey
• A perfect, healthy holiday side dish
• Keto-friendly, sugar-free and gluten-free
• Vegan option

Roasting vegetables is the best way to bring out all their natural flavors. And that's certainly the case with this recipe. Peeled cubes of butternut squash are tossed with butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of sweet honey. They're roasted until tender, creamy, and slightly caramelized.

This is such a versatile and flavorful dish, whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal. Roasted butternut squash complements just about any main course with it's rich and savory sweetness.

We used this sugar-free honey for this recipe to help keep things a little healthier and low carb. It's taste and cooks so much like regular honey, you'll never know it's sugar-free. You can also use it in these Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts and these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

🛒 Ingredients for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash

• Butternut squash
• Sugar-free honey (or honey)
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl

🔪 How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash

Lay the butternut squash down on it’s side and slice off the two ends using a sharp knife.  This makes it easier to remove the peel, as it will stand up.

Stand the squash upright and slice the peel off in a downward motion.

Slice the entire peeled squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and pulp, then discard.  You can also wash the seeds and roast them in the oven.

Cut them into bite-size cubes and add them to a bowl.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Drizzle the melted butter, olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, salt and pepper over the top.

Toss to combine, making sure all the cubes are well coated.

Pour the squash onto a baking sheet that’s been brushed or sprayed with olive oil, making an even layer.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender and cooked through, with slightly caramelized edges.

💡 Tips for Buying Butternut Squash

• Should feel firm: Select a butternut squash that feels firm and is rather heavy for its size.

• Check the stem: Ensure that the stem of the squash is intact and firmly attached. A fresh, green stem indicates a recently harvested squash.

• Smooth, even skin: The skin should be smooth and free from cuts, bruises, or mold.  It should also have a uniform tan or beige color.

• Matte finish: Choose squash with a matte finish. Shiny skin can indicate that the squash was picked before it fully matured.

• Opt for medium size: Medium squash tends to have a sweeter flavor and smoother texture. Overly large squash is usually watery and has less flavor.

• Buy in season: While butternut squash is available year-round, it's often best in the fall and winter months when it's in season.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store honey-roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze: You can also freeze leftover roasted butternut squash in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container. It's best when frozen for no more than about 2–3 months.

🍴 What to Serve with Roasted Butternut

I usually serve it with a simple main course that doesn't have overpowering flavors that compete with the subtle flavors of the squash. Here are some ideas:

• Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Baked Salmon with Asparagus
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Salmon Patties

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Nuts: Sprinkle a handful of toasted chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.

• Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work really well with the flavors in the squash.

• Citrus zest: Add a burst of fresh flavor by grating the zest of an orange or a lemon over the roasted butternut squash just before serving.

• Add some heat: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny bit of cayenne to give it some heat.

• Cheese: About 5 minutes before the butternut squash is done roasting, sprinkle a layer of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the top. Let it melt until it has a golden crust.

• Maple syrup: Replace the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.  

• Balsamic glaze: After roasting, drizzle a bit of this balsamic glaze over the top of the roasted butternut squash for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

• Cranberries: You can add a pop of vibrant color and flavor by roasting fresh cranberries with the squash. You can also add dried cranberries to them once they have roasted.

What Does Butternut Squash Taste Like?

Butternut squash is naturally sweet with a slight hint of apple-like flavor when it's roasted. It also has a wonderful hint of nuttiness, especially when seasoned with warm spices or herbs.

Can Butternut Squash Seeds Be Roasted?

They sure can. Give the seeds a good rinse to remove any remaining pulp. Let them dry, then place them on a lined baking tray. Coat with a dash of olive oil and pinch a of sea salt. Roast them at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Give them a little shake in the pan halfway through for even roasting.

Can I Use Pre-Peeled and Cubed Butternut Squash?

Freshly peeled and cubed tend to have a better texture when roasted. But, buying it already peeled and cubed from the grocery store can be a time saver and will work fine.

Do I Have to Peel Butternut Squash?

While you can leave the skin on while roasting, most people prefer it peeled. One of the reasons that I prefer to peel them is because, when squash is roasted, the peeled cubes have a buttery and creamy texture. The skin add a littel bit of a stringy texture.

🍽️ More Butternut Squash Recipes

• Stuffed Pasta Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Quinoa Vegetable Stuffing
• Butternut Squash Ginger Soup
• Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
• Kale Salad with Butternut Squash