Roasting Butternut Squash: How Long Does It Take?

Roasting butternut squash is a great way to enjoy this tasty and versatile vegetable. The time it takes to roast butternut squash depends on how you cut it and the temperature of your oven. For example, roasting two halves of butternut squash at 375°F will take around 45 minutes, whereas roasting 1-inch cubes at 400°F will take 25 to 35 minutes.

How to roast butternut squash halves

Ingredients:

• 1 medium or large butternut squash
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the squash in half, lengthwise.
• Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the centre of each squash half.
• Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow diagonal cuts across the flesh of each squash half.
• Drizzle olive oil on top and season with salt and black pepper.
• Place the butternut squash halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up.
• Roast in the oven for 45-55 minutes, until the flesh is tender and slightly caramelised.
• Leave to cool for a few minutes, then serve as they are or scoop out the flesh and use as desired.

Tips:

• When buying a butternut squash, check for firmness and avoid squash that feels soft. The squash should feel heavy for its size.
• Use a sharp knife and a stable surface to cut the squash. Place a damp paper towel underneath the cutting board to secure it.
• Roasting time varies depending on the size of the squash. Keep an eye on it and check for tenderness with a knife.
• If you want to scoop out the flesh, it's easier to do so while the squash is still warm.

How to roast butternut squash cubes

Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (see below for ideas)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and adjust the rack to the middle position.
• Peel and cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Try to make the cubes as uniform in size as possible to ensure even roasting.
• Spread the butternut squash cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Drizzle the cubed squash with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice (see below for ideas). Toss the squash until it is thoroughly coated with oil and seasonings.
• Roast the butternut squash for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges of the cubes are lightly browned and a knife can be easily inserted.
• Remove from the oven and serve while still warm.

Seasoning Ideas

• Cayenne pepper
• Cinnamon and maple syrup or brown sugar
• Rosemary
• Garlic and herbs (e.g. thyme, parsley)
• Nuts and seeds (e.g. pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, pecans)

Tips

• If you want to save time on preparation, you can purchase pre-cut, peeled butternut squash cubes from the grocery store.
• To make your squash even tastier, try drizzling it with melted butter in addition to olive oil.
• If you want to make your roasted butternut squash into a complete meal, you can serve it with a whole roasted chicken, roasted turkey, baked bone-in chicken breasts, ham or pork, or prime rib.

How to peel butternut squash

Roasting butternut squash is a great way to enjoy this tasty and nutritious vegetable. But before you roast it, you'll need to peel it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to peel a butternut squash:

• Start by washing the squash to remove any dirt or residue. Dry it thoroughly to prevent slipping when peeling and cutting.
• Using a sharp vegetable peeler, begin peeling at the top of the squash, just below the stem. Work your way downwards, peeling off long strips of the skin.
• Use short strokes to trim off any remaining skin at the base of the squash.
• If your squash is too hard to peel, you can heat it in the microwave or oven first to soften it slightly. This will make the peeling process easier.
• Once you have removed all the skin, use a large, sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the squash.
• Cut the squash in half vertically.
• Scoop out the seeds and fibrous bits of flesh with a spoon or teaspoon.
• Now you have a peeled and seeded butternut squash, ready for roasting or further preparation!

Some people prefer to cut the squash into halves or quarters before peeling, as this provides a flat surface to work with and can make it easier to handle. You can also peel a ring around the top and bottom of the squash first to create a better grip for the next steps.

How to cut butternut squash

Roasting butternut squash is a great way to enjoy this tasty vegetable as a simple side dish or as an addition to salads, bowls, soups, and more. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut butternut squash safely and effectively.

Selecting a Ripe Butternut Squash:

Start by choosing a ripe butternut squash that is darker in colour, preferably a uniform shade of beige with no green patches. Look for a squash that is heavy for its size, has a matte finish, and sounds hollow when tapped.

Softening the Skin (Optional):

The skin of a butternut squash can be tough, so if you want to soften it before peeling, use a fork or paring knife to poke holes all over. Then, place the squash in the microwave for about 2 minutes. This step will make the peeling process easier.

Peeling the Squash:

Use a sharp vegetable peeler, preferably a Y-peeler, to peel the squash. Start from the stem and work downwards, peeling off long strips. Use short strokes to trim any remaining skin at the base. Alternatively, you can halve the squash horizontally, place the cut side down, and use a knife to slice off the peel.

Cutting the Squash:

Now, it's time to cut the squash. First, chop off the stem. Then, slice the squash in half vertically. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. You can also scoop out and discard the fibrous pulp if there is any.

At this point, you can cut the squash into halves or quarters for roasting. Or, if you want to dice it, continue to the next step.

Dicing the Squash:

Place the flat sides of the squash halves against the cutting board and carefully cut them into your desired size/shape of pieces. Keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster, especially when roasting or sautéing. For roasting, it is recommended to cut the squash into 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch cubes.

Storage:

Fresh, whole butternut squash should be stored in a cool, dark place and can last for 1-3 months. Cut, uncooked squash can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked squash can also be refrigerated or frozen for the same duration.

How to season butternut squash

Roasted butternut squash is a tasty and versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to season butternut squash:

Basic Seasonings:

• Olive oil: Coating the squash cubes in olive oil before roasting helps to keep them moist and promotes even browning.
• Salt and pepper: A generous pinch of salt and pepper is a classic combination that enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.
• Garlic: Minced or crushed garlic adds a savoury kick to the squash.

Herbs and Spices:

• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, woody flavour to the squash.
• Thyme: This herb complements the squash's sweetness and can be used fresh or dried.
• Sage: Sage has an earthy, slightly pungent flavour that pairs well with the squash.
• Cinnamon: A bold spice that adds a warm, spicy note to the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
• Paprika: A hint of smoked paprika can enhance the squash's flavour.
• Cayenne: A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish.
• Nutmeg: Grated nutmeg has a warm, nutty flavour that complements the squash.
• Garam masala and turmeric: These Indian spices add an exotic, savoury twist to the squash.

Sweet Variations:

• Maple syrup or agave syrup: A drizzle of syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the squash.
• Brown sugar: Sprinkle on some brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Additional Toppings:

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note to the dish.
• Shaved Parmesan: Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami-rich contrast to the sweetness of the squash.
• Toasted pine nuts: These nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to the dish.
• Goat cheese: This tangy, creamy cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the squash.

When seasoning butternut squash, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and sweet additions. You can also adjust the amount of each seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions