Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

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This incredible Roasted Butternut Squash is tender and packed with flavor and it comes out perfectly every time! Use it in soups, chilis, on salads, and more, or serve it as a healthy side dish!

Cubed roasted butternut squash on a baking sheet with a silver spatula on it.

I am a huge fan of butternut squash and I have already made butternut squash soup a few times this fall. When squash is in the season it is just so inexpensive and packed with flavor, that it is hard to pass it up at the grocery store. Once you roast it, it just becomes so buttery and flavorful, it’s AMAZING!

Although, I know a lot of people that are intimidated by peeling and cutting it. But it is actually very easy to work with. The steps for roasted butternut squash are pretty straightforward: peel, cut, season, and roast. So simple and so worth the minimal effort in my book!

Once you do it a few times and get the hang of it then it is something you can have on hand all the time!

Plus you prep and store it in advance then use it when you are ready.

Why you’ll love this butternut squash recipe

It is the most delicious roasted squash ever!
Super easy to do once you get the hang of it.
Simply seasoned but packed with incredible flavor!
It makes a wonderful healthy side dish that goes with so many things.
Great for meal prepping.

Ingredients you will need

Whole butternut squash with a small white bowl filled with olive oil next to it and a small white bowl filled with salt and pepper in front of it.

Butternut squash – one whole butternut squash that is about 2.5-3 pounds.
Oil – avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil.
Salt and pepper – kosher salt and ground black pepper.

How to roast butternut squash

First, you need to peel the squash. Cut the ends off of the squash about 1/2 inch from the stem. Then cut it in half where the base meets the neck of the squash. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off of the neck of the squash until you reach the dark orange flesh.

Then use a sharp kitchen knife to cut the skin off of the base of the squash. You can also use a vegetable peeler to do but it is easier to use a knife.

Next, you need to cut the squash. First cut the neck of the squash in half vertically then cut it into planks, then into 1-inch cubes. Then cut the base of the squash in half, remove the seeds, and cut it into half-moon shapes then into 1-inch cubes.

Butternut squash cut into planks on a wood cutting board with a knife next to it.

Wooden cutting board with cut squash on it with a knife on the cutting board next to the squash.

Finally, you need to season and roast the squash.

Season the squash. Spread the cubes of squash onto a lined baking sheet, drizzle it with oil then season it with some salt and pepper and toss.
Roast. Cook the cubed squash in the oven at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, until tender and slightly golden around the edges.

Cubed, seasoned uncooked squash on a baking sheet.

Roasted cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet.

Recipe Tips

Use a nice ripe butternut squash that is dark and beige in color, with little to no blemishes and no soft spots. Select a squash that is heavy for its size as well. This means it is ripe. A ripe squash is also easier to cut.
Cut the squash into even size pieces for even cooking.
Season it well with oil salt and pepper.
Cook the squash until it is tender and slightly golden.

Tender cooked cubes of squash on a baking sheet.

What to do with roasted butternut squash

Flavorful roasted butternut squash makes an amazing healthy side dish you can add to any meal. But there are also some other delicious ways to use it.

Add it as a topping to salads like in this Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash Salad.
Use it in buddha bowls.
Blend it into a butternut squash soup.
Use it as a topping on pizza!
Use it to make mashed butternut squash!
Stir it into soups and chilis.

What to serve with roasted butternut squash

Try it mixed with some roasted beets, a perfect compliment to this recipe.
Enjoy this squash as a healthy side dish with some Crispy Breaded Chicken Breast or Healthy Turkey Meatballs.
Serve it with this lentil soup for a hearty meatless dinner!

cubed roasted butternut squash on spinach salad with parmesan cheese and cranberries on it

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pick a ripe butternut squash?

Ripe squash will be dark beige in color, with little to no blemishes or dark spots, with the stem intact. You also want to select a squash that feels heavy for its size, which means it will have more flavor.

How do you store butternut squash?

Uncooked, whole butternut squash can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 2 months. Roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What does butternut squash taste like?

Butternut squash has a delicate, nutty, sweet flavor. When roasted It becomes very soft, light, and tender. It is sweeter than other winter squash. Many people feel it has almost a butterscotch flavor to it and it lends well to herby seasonings like rosemary and oregano.

Close up of cubed roasted squash on a baking sheet.

More delicious butternut squash recipes

Other roasted veggie recipes

Did you try this Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe? If you did then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how it turned out!

This post and recipe have been updated with better recipe process shots and instructions.