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Caramelized Oven Roasted Butternut Squash – Simple Recipe for Perfect Results

Caramelized Oven Roasted Butternut Squash – Simple Recipe for Perfect Results

4.9 from 6 reviews

This caramelized oven roasted butternut squash recipe offers a simple and foolproof way to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful squash with minimal effort. Roasting the squash skin-side down with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of water in a hot oven allows the natural sugars to caramelize beautifully, enhancing its sweet and nutty flavor. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 medium to large butternut squash
  • 34 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Generous sprinkle of salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the squash evenly.
  2. Prepare Squash: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous guts. Discard the seeds or save them for roasting later if desired.
  3. Season Squash: Place the squash halves flesh-side down in a dark roasting pan. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the skin and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and aid caramelization.
  4. Add Water: Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the squash moist during roasting and prevent burning.
  5. Roast Squash: Roast the squash uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. The skin-side down position helps caramelize the natural sugars for a rich flavor.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Then scoop out the softened flesh with a spoon and serve as desired.

Notes

  • You can drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup before roasting for an even sweeter finish.
  • Use a dark roasting pan for better caramelization results compared to glass or light-colored pans.
  • The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your squash.
  • Leftover roasted butternut squash can be mashed or used in soups, salads, and grain bowls.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized butternut squash, roasted butternut squash, oven roasted squash, easy butternut squash recipe, healthy side dish