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Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is a cozy and comforting fall side dish combining the natural sweetness of tender roasted butternut squash with the warm aroma and flavor of cinnamon. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey and seasoned with salt and pepper, this simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, snacks, or adding a seasonal touch to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 to 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into evenly sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization.
  2. Toss with Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the squash cubes with olive oil, ground cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated to infuse flavor throughout.
  3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated squash cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Ensure the pieces have enough space to roast properly without steaming.
  4. Roast Until Tender and Golden: Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through cooking to encourage even browning. The squash is done when fork-tender and caramelized on the edges.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: After roasting, gently toss the squash and transfer it to a serving dish. Enjoy warm to fully appreciate the cozy cinnamon and sweet roasted flavors.

Notes

  • Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
  • Thoroughly coat the squash cubes with oil and spices to develop rich flavor and crispy edges.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • Flip the squash cubes halfway through roasting to promote even caramelization.
  • For a milder sweetness, drizzle the maple syrup halfway through roasting instead of all at once.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, cinnamon roasted squash, fall side dish, roasted vegetables, healthy side dish, seasonal recipe, vegan, gluten free