Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes with Maplecinnamon Glaze

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get tired of the same old side dishes? This recipe for baked butternut squash cubes will blow your mind. It's sweet, savory, and seriously addictive.

Brief Overview

This Butternut Squash Side Dish has roots in North American fall cuisine. It's super easy, takes about 45 minutes, and serves 4. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or fancy holiday spread!

Main Benefits

Butternut Squash Recipes Roasted like this are packed with Vitamin A. Serve these Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes at Thanksgiving. It's a total crowd pleaser and makes you look like a culinary genius without even trying!

The Magic of Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes

Honestly, roasting brings out the best in butternut squash. You know? Roasting concentrates the natural sweetness of the squash.

Easy Butternut Squash Recipe like this can become a staple. It is perfect when you're craving something comforting.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash isn't just delicious, it's also versatile. I've even thrown it in salads and pasta dishes.

The oven-roasted Butternut Squash Cubes caramelize beautifully. The maple cinnamon glaze is the bomb. It elevates this simple dish to something truly special.

Get Ready to Prep Your Squash

Alright, so the ingredient list is short and sweet. You'll need about 2 lbs of butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg (optional), cayenne pepper (optional), and pumpkin seeds.

Let's get to cooking.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Sauce to Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes

So, you wanna make some killer baked butternut squash cubes ? Awesome! First things first, let's talk ingredients. This ain't rocket science, but using good quality stuff makes a difference.

Honestly, if you buy pre-cubed squash you won't get this recipe done, it will be better.

Main Ingredients for Butternut Squash Side Dish

• Butternut Squash Cubes : 1 medium squash (about 2 lbs / 900g ), peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1 inch pieces. The squash should feel heavy for its size. Avoid ones with soft spots. Honestly you need to watch out to the sizes of the squash cubes.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil. The taste really comes through.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ). I like using sea salt, but table salt works too.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ). Freshly ground is always best. The grind really adds a big difference.

Maple Cinnamon Glaze Time :

• Pure Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Real maple syrup is a must. The fake stuff just doesn't cut it.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon ( 15g ). This adds richness and shine.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ). Cinnamon adds warmth to the fall side dish.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) (Optional). Adds a lovely hint of spice.
• Cayenne Pepper: A Pinch ( 0.625ml ) (Optional). Just a tiny bit for a little kick!
• Pumpkin Seeds: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Adds texture.

Seasoning Notes for the Perfect oven-roasted Butternut Squash Cubes

Cinnamon and nutmeg? It's like Fall Vegetable Side Dish in a jar! For the glaze, don't be afraid to experiment! Vanilla extract or a dash of allspice can add a unique twist.

No maple syrup? Honey works too, but it'll have a different flavor profile. To elevate the flavors of this Easy Butternut Squash Recipe , don't skimp on the spices.

Equipment Needed for This Butternut Squash Dinner Ideas

Okay, gear time! You don't need fancy gadgets for this.

• Large Baking Sheet: Gotta have something to bake on!
• Parchment Paper (Optional): Makes cleanup a breeze. Tin foil works in a pinch.
• Large Bowl: For tossing the squash with oil and spices.
• Small Saucepan: For making the glaze.
• Sharp Knife or Vegetable Peeler: The key here is sharp . Seriously, be careful!

Honestly, the most important thing is a good knife. I struggled with a dull one once, and it was a nightmare! So please remember if you don't have a good knife, it will be harder to create Roasted Squash with Maple Glaze .

But all you need is these simple things to bake the best Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes .

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously tasty baked butternut squash cubes . I'm talking about a side dish that'll make you actually want to eat your veggies.

Forget boring boiled stuff; this is where it's at! It is the epitome of a Fall Vegetable Side Dish

Prepping for Butternut Bliss

Before we get started, a little mise en place is key. That's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff together."

• Essential Mise en Place: Firstly, peel, seed, and cube your squash. Secondly, measure out all your glaze ingredients. Thirdly, preheat that oven, baby.

• Time Saving Organization: Honestly, peeling a butternut squash can be a pain. Microwave it for like 2 minutes to soften the skin. Trust me, it's a game changer!

• Safety First!: Watch your fingers, folks! That squash can be slippery, so use a sharp knife carefully.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes

Here’s the lowdown on getting these oven-roasted Butternut Squash Cubes perfect every time.

1. Chop that squash into roughly 1 inch cubes .
2. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd! One layer only.
4. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 25- 30 minutes , flipping halfway.
5. While the squash roasts, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and cayenne. Simmer.
6. Toss the roasted butternut squash cubes with the maple cinnamon glaze.
7. Serve hot, topped with pumpkin seeds if you fancy.

The visual cues of doneness are when the edges are caramelized and the squash is fork tender. Don't rush it!

Pro Tips for Butternut Squash Recipes Roasted

Want to take your Butternut Squash Dinner Ideas to the next level? These are the tricks that I’ve learned:

• Don't skimp on the glaze! It is the star of the show.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan! Squash needs room to roast, not steam.
• make-ahead Magic: Roast the squash a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it with the glaze before serving.

So there you have it! These baked butternut squash cubes are sweet, savory, and totally addictive. Try this Easy Butternut Squash Recipe today.

You will not regret it. It is the perfect Butternut Squash Side Dish to impress your family and friends. It's a great Roasted Squash with Maple Glaze .

Plus, that Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash flavor is just chef's kiss . It's one of those Butternut Squash Recipes Roasted that just screams Autumn.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Baked Butternut Squash Cubes

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Easy Butternut Squash Recipe . Fab! But before you fire up the oven, let’s chat about a few extra bits to make sure your baked butternut squash cubes are absolute perfection.

Seriously, sometimes the small tweaks make all the difference.

What to Serve with your Roasted Squash with Maple Glaze?

Presentation is key, innit? I reckon a simple pile of these oven-roasted Butternut Squash Cubes looks amazing. You can sprinkle them with chopped parsley for a bit of freshness.

Or, get fancy and serve them alongside a roast chicken, making it the ultimate Butternut Squash Side Dish . For drinks, a crisp apple cider would be ace! If you're after something more substantial, these are awesome Butternut Squash Dinner Ideas , you can use them as part of a warm salad, mixed with quinoa or couscous.

How to Store Your Butternut Squash Cubes

Got leftovers? (I doubt it, but hey, you never know!) Pop the Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Honestly, they taste great cold too! Don't even bother trying to freeze these beauties. They tend to get a bit mushy upon thawing, and nobody wants that! To reheat, just a quick zap in the microwave, or warm them up in a pan on the hob, add the glaze while re-heating to get an extra layer of deliciousness.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a vegan version, swap the butter in the glaze for coconut oil. You won't regret it! And if you're feeling adventurous, try using other squashes instead of butternut.

Acorn squash is a fab substitute, offering a slightly different flavour profile. This recipe is also great for anyone looking for a Fall Vegetable Side Dish .

Nutrition Bits: Goodness in Every Bite

Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, plus loads of fibre. It’s like sunshine in food form! Each serving of these Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes is estimated to have 150 calories , 2g protein , and a whole lotta good stuff.

Obviously, this is just an estimate, but it is a healthier side and it is very tasty.

So there you have it! Follow these tips, and you'll be chowing down on Butternut Squash Recipes Roasted that'll have everyone asking for more. Now, go get cooking! I believe in you!