Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m beyond excited to welcome you to my corner of the internet, where comfort food dreams come true! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a flavor adventure that’s near and dear to my heart: Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash. I’m so ready to turn ordinary meals into something truly special with this dish.

I remember one late-night kitchen experiment – fueled by a serious craving for something sweet and savory – when this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash was born. I was playing around with spices, a little brown sugar, and a whole lot of hope! It was a happy accident that quickly became a family favorite.

This isn’t your average side dish. We’re talking about Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash that’s so good, it might just steal the show! Think caramelized sweetness, tender squash, and a burst of warmth that’ll make you do a little happy dance. Get ready to fall in love!

It’s time to create some delicious magic together. Let’s make some Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 large butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, your choice!)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Raw ingredients for brown sugar roasted butternut squash, including butternut squash, olive oil, brown sugar, and spices

No worries if you don’t have maple syrup – I often skip it and it still tastes amazing! This flavor-packed Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash gets its amazing taste from the combination of brown sugar and spices.

Here’s my secret that takes this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash from good to incredible: don’t skimp on the spices! They add a depth of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.

For a little kick, I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash. It’s unexpected and adds a delightful warmth!

Store your butternut squash in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Once peeled and cubed, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash – watch the delicious magic happen!

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, prep your butternut squash. Peel, seed, and cube it into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious brown sugar glaze!
Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of roast. I usually use two baking sheets for my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized. In my kitchen, this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash usually takes closer to 30 minutes. I like it extra roasted!
If you’re using maple syrup, drizzle it over the squash during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This step will make your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash extra sticky and delicious!
Let the Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash cool slightly before serving. This is where the magic starts happening! Your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash should smell absolutely incredible right now!

Don’t worry if your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash looks a little unevenly roasted. That’s part of its charm! The slightly charred edges are the best part.

While your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!

Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a little extra crunch. It’s one of my favorite happy accidents! This butternut squash recipe is one that can be enjoyed so many ways!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash hits the table with… well, pretty much anything! But here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

As a side dish: This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork, or fish. It’s also amazing with a simple salad for a light and healthy meal.
In a grain bowl: Add this roasted butternut squash to a bowl of quinoa or brown rice with some grilled chicken or chickpeas, and a drizzle of tahini dressing. Talk about a flavor explosion!
As a pizza topping: Trust me on this one! Add some Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash, crumbled goat cheese, and a sprinkle of sage to your next homemade pizza. You won’t regret it!
In a salad: Toss the Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash with mixed greens, dried cranberries, pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a festive fall salad.
As a soup garnish: Add a spoonful of Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash to your favorite butternut squash soup for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It also makes a stunning addition to any holiday table.

For presentation, I love to garnish my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary. It adds a pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can easily transform them into a delicious butternut squash puree. Just blend the Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash with a little broth or cream until smooth. You can even add a little of the brown sugar glaze! It’s amazing as a dip or spread.

Looking for more fall vegetable recipes? This flavor packed Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash pairs wonderfully with dishes that have earthy flavors.

FAQs:

I get so many questions about this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash! Here are some of the most common ones, along with my tried-and-true answers:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash?

Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. If you can peel and chop a butternut squash, you’re golden. The brown sugar glaze does most of the work, so even if you’re not a seasoned pro, you’ll still end up with something delicious.

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash to save time?

Definitely! Using pre-cut squash is a great shortcut for busy weeknights. Just make sure the pieces are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use white sugar instead?

While brown sugar gives this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash its signature flavor, you can use white sugar in a pinch. I’d recommend adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor.

What if I mess up my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! Even if you overcook it a little, the caramelized edges will still be delicious. And if you undercook it, just pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes. I promise, it will still taste incredible!

How can I prep this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash for busy weeknights?

You can peel and cube the squash a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mix the spices together ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just toss everything together and roast!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Totally! Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and apples all pair beautifully with this version of Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash. Just add them to the baking sheet along with the squash.

How long does Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash last in the fridge?

This delicious Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to store it in an airtight container. It makes great leftovers!

CONCLUSION:

This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and comforting. It’s a dish that everyone loves, and it’s so easy to make. I love how it transforms a simple vegetable into something truly special.

My Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Flavor Secrets:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a little extra heat.
Roast, roast, roast! The longer you roast the squash, the more caramelized and flavorful it will become.
A little drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting adds a tangy sweetness that takes this **Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash** to the next level.

I’ve tested a few delicious Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash variations:

Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans: Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Spicy Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash: Great for adding a kick to a weeknight meal.
Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash with Apples and Cranberries: A festive and flavorful side dish for any holiday gathering.

I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you love.

I’m so excited for you to try this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash. I know you’re going to love it! Remember, it’s not just a recipe, it’s a flavor adventure! Let’s turn every meal into something special!

If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Lemon Raspberry Cookies! This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe! And for more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Marshmallow Swirl Fudge!

For more inspiration, here is a Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans – Sara Haas … and for another delicious Butternut Squash Recipe here is a recipe Brown Sugar Butternut Squash Recipe – From Michigan To The Table. Also check out this Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli (Video … for a delicious butternut squash fusion favorite! I’m so ready for you to dive into the bold flavor of this version of Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash.

Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash

Print Recipe

This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for fall. The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by the rich caramel notes of brown sugar, creating a comforting and flavorful vegetable.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts after roasting for added texture and flavor.