How To Roast Butternut Squash Halves (Oven 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!

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.