Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This maple-infused Roasted Butternut Squash recipe is so sweet and tender, and baked to perfection. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, but just as good any night of the year!

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in this Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe?

This squash is baked in a maple, butter, and broth mixture, and it adds so much flavor. Plus the natural sweetness of the butternut squash comes out while roasting, and it all combines so well. Top it with a bit of crumbled feta cheese after baking, add some thyme or parsley, and wow! I could eat this every night.

  • Butternut Squash: Nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet, this bright orange squash is the perfect side!
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor to the squash.
  • Chicken Broth: Helps keep the squash moist and adds umami flavor. Feel free to use vegetable broth instead to keep this dish vegetarian!
  • Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness and nuttiness. Make sure to use 100% pure maple syrup!
  • Salt + Pepper: Enhance the flavor of the squash.
  • Feta Cheese: An optional topping that adds a bit of tang and funk to the dish!

Pro Tip: Top your squash with fresh parsley or thyme to add a herbaceous note!

Variations on Roast Butternut Squash

This winter squash recipe is so good as it is, but you can add chopped toasted or candied nuts to take it to the next level.

You can also turn it into more of a maple mashed butternut squash, a butternut squash puree, or you can even roast it (cut in half) with skin on and then scoop out the flesh. And of course, you can roast the seeds too. There’s a lot of variety with this hardy winter squash!

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting?

While you don’t technically need to peel the squash, I prefer to, as the texture of the skin can be offputting on the cubes.

Can I use a different type of squash?

While the recipe specifically calls for butternut squash, you can experiment with other types of winter squash, such as acorn squash or kabocha squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of squash used.

Why is my roasted butternut squash soggy?

If your squash is soggy, it’s likely that you used too much broth. You want to coat the squash cubes, but not smother them.

How do I know when the squash is tender?

The cooking time provided in the recipe is an estimate. To determine if the squash is tender, you can insert a fork or knife into a few pieces. If it goes in easily and the squash feels soft, it is likely done. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the squash, so adjust accordingly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately after baking. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them just before baking to save time. Avoid baking it too far in advance, as the texture of the squash may become overly soft or mushy upon reheating.

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the squash will change significantly once thawed.

Serving Suggestions

This butternut squash recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving side. Serve it alongside a traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, creamed corn, and gravy.

But this squash is also great any time of the year served alongside grilled ribeyes, roast chicken, pork loin, maple glazed salmon, or honey ham. Keep that maple flavor going with a side of maple bacon Brussels sprouts or serve simply with roasted veggies.

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash)

4.55 from 22 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 15 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 45 minutes minutes

Serves6

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Roasted Butternut Squash is a delicious and healthy side dish to make all year long. It's infused with a maple sauce that has to be tasted to believed, then topped with crumbled feta. Delicious.

Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

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Ingredients

  • cups butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed (click for guide)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (½ stick)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½-1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley or thyme optional
  • Crumbed feta cheese optional

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.

  • Add the squash to the casserole dish, then pour the melted butter, broth, and syrup over the squash.

    3½ cups butternut squash, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, ¼ cup pure maple syrup

    Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • Add salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).

    ½-1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

  • Loosely cover and bake 15 minutes.

    Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

  • Take off cover, stir and bake 15 more minutes, or until squash is tender (see notes).

    Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

  • Once the liquid is thickened, pour the syrup, broth and butter reduction over the squash.

  • Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired and serve hot.

    Crumbed feta cheese

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Note: Half the squash is used in this recipe. If using the entire squash, add ½ cup more broth and cup syrup.
  • If the liquid around the squash is getting too dry, add a little broth.
  • If after cooking the liquid around the squash is still a little soupy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the squash to a bowl. Then, pour the reserved liquid in a saucepan and boil until it is thickened and reduced.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 143kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 18g (6%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Cholesterol: 20mg (7%) Sodium: 409mg (18%) Potassium: 348mg (10%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 9g (10%) Vitamin A: 8920IU (178%) Vitamin C: 19.9mg (24%) Calcium: 58mg (6%) Iron: 0.6mg (3%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple Butternut Squash) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

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More Butternut Squash Recipes We Love

  • Butternut Squash Stuffing
  • Brown Butter Butternut Squash
  • Hasselback Butternut Squash
  • Butternut Squash Soup
  • Butternut Squash Casserole

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FAQs

Should I peel my butternut squash before roasting? ›

You don't have to peel it before roasting. That's right. You do not have to suffer through peeling an entire slippery butternut squash if you're going to roast it. The skin is perfectly safe to eat, and it's hardly noticeable after a nice roast in a hot oven.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

How to roast butternut squash Jamie Oliver? ›

Method. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Wash and dry the whole squash, then place on a baking tray. Pierce once or twice with the tip of a sharp knife, then bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until golden and very soft.

Why is my roasted butternut squash mushy? ›

Don't overcrowd the pan: When roasting or sautéing butternut squash, make sure that you don't overcrowd the pan. If the pan is too crowded, the squash will steam rather than roast or sauté, which can cause it to become mushy.

How to prepare butternut squash for roasting? ›

Prep: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Season: Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast: Arrange the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven until the squash is lightly browned and tender.

Do you cook butternut squash cut side up or down? ›

After your squash is cut in half, scoop and discard the seeds, then roast the butternut squash with the skin on, until fork tender. You can roast the butternut squash cut side down or cut side up, you will get a more caramelized squash when roasted cut side down.

How does Rachael Ray cook butternut squash? ›

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and drizzle with EVOO. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh nutmeg and roast until just tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

How to cook butternut squash Martha Stewart? ›

Halve butternut squash lengthwise; scoop out seeds. Place cut sides up in a roasting pan (to help it sit level, slice a thin strip from skin sides). Fill each cavity with butter and pure maple syrup; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Roast until fork-tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

Do you eat the skin of roasted butternut squash? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

Can dogs eat butternut squash? ›

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

Why do my fingers feel weird after cutting butternut squash? ›

A quick Google search reveals that this is a common reaction many people have to handling peeled butternut (and acorn) squash. Butternut squash contains a sticky, sap-like substance that is released when the fruit (squash is technically a fruit) is cut.

Why is my butternut squash tasteless? ›

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless. Follow these tips the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market to find the perfect recipe-ready butternut squash.

Can I peel and cut butternut squash ahead of time? ›

I typically cut mine into 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch cubes for roasting, but the size/shape of the cut is totally up to you. Once your butternut squash is cut, you can either cook the squash immediately. Or you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Do you eat roasted squash skin? ›

All squash skin is edible. However, in the same way you wouldn't eat a banana peel, edible doesn't necessarily mean you want to eat it. Some squash has thin skin that's tasty and tender, while others have a tough shell that even cooked is chewy and stringy.

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