When it comes to side dishes, oven-roasted butternut squash is a true standout. With its lightly sweet and savory flavor profile, this dish brings a delightful warmth to your table—perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts. The secret? A touch of brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and the magic of roasting that transforms humble squash into golden, caramelized perfection.

Ingredients:

4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. You can line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
Prepare the Squash: If you’re working with a whole butternut squash, peel it carefully, remove the seeds, and cut it into 1-inch cubes. If you’ve opted for pre-cut squash, pat yourself on the back for saving time!
Season to Perfection: In a large mixing bowl, toss the squash cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Season and Roast: Place the olive on your baking sheet. Toss the squash cubes with olive oil. Spread the squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pieces aren’t overcrowded. This helps them roast rather than steam. Sprinkle on the brown sugar, cinnamon and season with salt and pepper to taste making sure every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor. Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
Check for Doneness: The squash is ready when it’s fork-tender and beautifully golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Why This Dish Shines

Oven-roasting enhances the natural sweetness of butternut squash, while the brown sugar and cinnamon add a subtle, aromatic depth. The olive oil ensures a silky texture and helps the edges crisp up just right. A touch of salt and pepper balances the sweetness, making this side dish irresistibly addictive.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with Proteins: Serve alongside Marinated Steak Cubes, Teriyaki pork Chops, or roasted chicken for a balanced meal.
Add to Salads: Toss these golden cubes into a fall-inspired salad with arugula, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and candied pecans.
Elevate Grain Bowls: Mix the roasted squash into quinoa or farro bowls with roasted chickpeas, feta, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.

Tips for Success

Even Cubes: Cut your squash as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking.
Customize the Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Storage: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain the crisp edges.

Whether you’re a long-time oven-roasted butternut squash lover or trying it for the first time, this simple recipe is sure to win you over. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of oven magic, you’ll have a side dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. So go ahead—preheat that oven and let the roasting begin!

Happy Cooking!

P.S. Please check my Facebook page Joyful Little Things, or my Pinterest page Joyful Little Things for more recipes.

Oven Roasted Butternut Squash

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy side, quick recipe, rice recipe, sidedish, squash

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 50

Servings: servings

Calories: 91kcal

Equipment

1 Roasting pan
1 Cutting board
1 Knife
1 Measuring spoons
1 Measuring cups

Ingredients

4 cups Butternut squash peeled, cleaned, diced
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 tbsp Brown sugar
½ tsp Cinnamon
1 Salt & Pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite sized pieces.
Place 2 tbsp olive oil on the baking sheet.
Place the squash on the baking sheet and toss in the olive oil. Sprinkle on the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste.
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through the baking time. The butternut squash is done when the pieces are fork tender.
Let it cool slightly before serving.