• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Blues Best Life
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • How To
  • Contact
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • How To
    • Contact
    • About
    • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sides

    How To Roast Butternut Squash Halves (Oven Recipe)

    Published: Nov 16, 2023 by bobbieblue

    49 shares
    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Butternut squash is so sweet and delicious and makes a wonderful side dish that can be added to so many different recipes. If you have ever wondered how to roast butternut squash halves then I have an oven recipe that is foolproof and creates soft and delicious butternut squash every time!

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Recipe

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Blue's Best Life.

    Roasted butternut squash halves on a platter.

    (Blue's Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Programs.  I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links.  This helps me keep the blog going!)- Bobbie

    Table of contents

    • Why You’ll Love These Roasted Butternut Squash Halves!
    • What Is Butternut Squash?
    • Love Butternut Squash? Try These Recipes Next!
    • Equipment Needed
    • Key Ingredients
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • How Do I Pick The Right Butternut Squash?
    • Substitutions And Additions
    • How Long Does An Uncooked Butternut Squash Keep?
    • Storage
    • Love Roasting Vegetables? Try These Recipes Next!

    Why You’ll Love These Roasted Butternut Squash Halves!

    Some people like to skip cutting the butternut squash and prefer to roast the whole butternut squash. Not only does this take a much longer time in the oven but you can not add any flavors to the squash while it roasts.

    Halving the butternut squash is the key and is the best way to cook it in my opinion. This speeds up the cooking process and also enables the vegetable flesh to caramelize more than it would if you baked it whole. This gives an earthy and nutty flavor that is utterly delicious. I have used some extra ingredients to enhance the flavor and I will be sharing some great ways to use the butternut squash once it is roasted. You have to try it!

    • Family-friendly - As the flavor is quite sweet this is a vegetable gets the family approval. It is also a great way to sneak some extra veggies into sauces and casseroles for the picker eaters.
    • Easily sourced - This is one of those vegetables that is easily sourced all year round. 
    • Super easy method - While there are many cooking methods including steam, sauté, and slow cook your butternut squash. My roasted butternut squash requires minimal prep and skips the extra time of peeling or cutting it into squash cubes. This is the easiest option!

    What Is Butternut Squash?

    Butternut squash is a type winter squash. It is a great alternative to pumpkins or other root vegetables and has a nutty yet sweet flavor. It is delicious roasted or mashed. The roasted squash is perfect added to soups and different savory dishes.

    Love Butternut Squash? Try These Recipes Next!

    • Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
    • Easy Sautéed Butternut Squash with Brown Butter
    • Roasted Butternut Squash Soup {Vitamix Recipe}
    • Butter Cream Sauce For Butternut Squash Ravioli

    Equipment Needed

    • Casserole dish or baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    • Sharp knife
    • Cutting board

    Key Ingredients

    Butternut squash - The star of the show. Look for a large butternut squash. It will need to be cut in half and the seeds removed. You can keep the seeds and roast them separately. Cooking butternut squash has never been easier. 

    Unsalted butter - As I add extra seasoning I like to brush my butternut squash with unsalted butter. 

    Pure maple syrup - Maple syrup is a bit of a game changer and a secret weapon in terms of flavor. It helps to caramelize the butternut squash and add extra sweetness without it being too overpowering. 
    Salt and Pepper - I like to season mine with some salt and cracked black pepper.

    The ingredients to make roasted butternut squash.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a rimmed baking tray or casserole dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

    Using a sharp knife, cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.

    Cutting the squash and scooping out the seeds.

    Place the squash cut side up on the lined baking tray or baking dish. Brush the cut side of the squash with the melted butter and maple syrup. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

    Bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes or until it is fork-tender. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. The flesh of the squash will be golden brown in color.

    Preparing the squash on a baking tray.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Sauces - As it is fork tender it means that it can be added to sauces to make a creamy, savory butternut squash pasta sauce.  
    • Casseroles - Instead of a sweet potato casserole you can use butternut squash in place of sweet potatoes and add a topping of pecans and brown sugar.
    • Mashed side dish - Butternut squash could be added to different side dishes as well as be one on its own. Instead of mashed potatoes this butternut squash is a simple side dish and will make a great mash alternative. Serve with chicken, pork, or beef. It would make a great Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish. Perfect with all roasted meat and vegetables. 
    • Soups - Add the butternut squash to make hearty soups. It would work perfectly with carrots and root vegetables in creamy soups. A butternut squash soup can be blended quickly and easily.
    • Serve the roasted squash- slice the tender squash halves into sections and serve with an extra drizzle of butter and maple syrup.
    A spoon scooping out the roasted butternut squash.

    How Do I Pick The Right Butternut Squash?

    Here are a couple of things I have learned about picking up the best butternut squash at the market or in the grocery store. First, the heavier the better. This isn’t necessarily to do with the size of the squash, just weight. So pick a few up and see how they feel. 

    Second, make sure the flesh is a nice beige color. The third and final point is to check out the skin and ensure there isn’t too much damage. Light surface scratches are to be expected but any soft spots or deep scratches I would avoid.

    Substitutions And Additions

    • Butter - You could use a drizzle of olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. 
    • Maple syrup - You can omit the maple syrup if you wish or use a little honey instead. 
    • Spices - Why not add some extra flavor? You could add some warm spices such as nutmeg or even add ground cinnamon to make cinnamon roasted butternut squash. 
    • Cheese - another great addition is to sprinkle some parmesan cheese 10 minutes before the end of the roasting time.

    How Long Does An Uncooked Butternut Squash Keep?

    You will need to store it in a cool dark place so a pantry is ideal. When stored correctly it will keep for up to two weeks before you need to roast it.

    Storage

    If you have any leftovers or you have roasted the butternut squash ahead of time then allow it to cool completely and transfer the cubes or mashed flesh to an airtight container. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

    You could also freeze roasted butternut squash. Transfer cooled flesh to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. You will need to allow it to thaw overnight before using it.

    Love Roasting Vegetables? Try These Recipes Next!

    • Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts (Oven Roasted)
    • Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes With Brown Sugar
    • Easy Roasted Carrots and Green Beans Recipe
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze

    Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!

    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    How To Roast Butternut Squash Halves (Oven Recipe)

    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time45 minutes mins
    Total Time50 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Bobbie Blue

    Ingredients

    • 1 large butternut squash
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a rimmed baking tray or casserole dish with parchment paper.
    • Using a sharp knife, cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
    • Place the squash cut side up on the lined baking tray. Brush the cut side of the squash with the melted butter and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until it is fork tender.

    More Sides

    • Roasted Baby Potatoes With Garlic And Parmesan
    • Greek-Inspired Mediterranean Bean Salad
    • Grilled Mexican Street Corn- An Authentic Elote Recipe
    • Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Elote-Inspired)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kerri Trottier

      January 11, 2024 at 5:11 am

      5 stars
      I haven't made the recipe yet. I love butternut squash. I'm looking forward to trying this. The article was interesting and very helpful-- good ideas and other recipes related to using the roasted butternut for soap or freezing. Thanks for the encouragement to cooking butternut again. It's been too long since I have. Thanks, Kerri

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self-taught cook that loves to cook wholesome meals while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Kitchen Sink Cookies
    • Honey Roasted Peaches (Oven Baked Peaches)
    • Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
    • Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper

    Copyright © 2025 Blue's Best Life

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.

    Privacy Policy