Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to make and plates perfectly next to all of your other favorite side dishes! Made with just butternut squash, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, this all-natural roasted vegetable side dish is so simple, yet so delicious!

Roasted Butternut Squash

I don’t know what my favorite part of Thanksgiving is. Usually, it’s the turkey, but sometimes the sides steal the show! And although you wouldn’t think that a side dish this simple would be show stopping, you should know that this is a dish EVERYONE goes back for seconds of above all the others. Chunks of butternut squash are roasted to fork-tender, slightly browned perfection with ingredients that compliment all of those delicious natural flavors.

A huge reason I make this easy roasted butternut squash every year is because it’s nice to have something healthy on the plate next to the stuffing and mashed potatoes!

It’s easy to fill up on those heartier side dishes that undoubtedly get smothered in gravy, so it’s always smart to offer something on the plate that gives some nutrients, too. Since the ingredients here are so minimal, this recipe’s even healthier than my favorite Green Bean Casserole! You get all the vitamins and nutrients from the veggies with no added stuff.

And let me be very clear – just because this side dish is healthier does NOT mean that it’s not totally delicious! The roasting process combined with the olive oil, salt, and pepper makes the squash extremely tender and flavorful.

With the light brown color, the squash is almost caramelized in the cooking process, which adds to both the mouthwatering flavor and consistency of it. It’s so good, you forget how good it is for you, too!

How to Roast Butternut Squash

Oh, and I should mention – this side dish is SO easy to make. On a day like Thanksgiving when you have a million things to do and recipes to whip up, you need to have something short and sweet like this to make! No crazy steps or frills to be found here, folks.

1. Heat it up. Preheat oven to 425˚F.
2. Spread it out. Arrange the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Drizzle and toss. Drizzle with olive oil tossing to coat.
4. Make it flavorful. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast! Roast in the oven until tender and caramelized, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Enjoy! Allow the roasted butternut squash to cool for just a few minutes, then serve and enjoy this autumnal, healthy side dish.

We love to use this as the start of our Butternut Squash Puree and this super yummy Butternut Squash Risotto.

Healthy Benefits of Butternut Squash

I’ve talked a lot about this healthy side dish, but what exactly makes it so nutritious? Well, butternut squash is rich in vitamins C, A, and E. It’s also rich with potassium and fiber! My favorite part is that it’s also wonderfully low in calories, so I really never feel bad about going back for seconds or even thirds. However, on a day like Thanksgiving, who’s counting calories?! Just in case you are, though, don’t worry – a cup of roasted butternut squash is only about 80 calories.

How To Store Butternut Squash

In an airtight container in the fridge, this roasted veggie will stay fresh for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend making this ahead of time, though. This side dish is best enjoyed the day that it’s made. If you do have leftovers that you need to reheat, just spread them out on a baking dish and pop them into an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Make all the best side dishes this Fall!

• Roasted Acorn Squash with Gingersnap and Sage
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Easy Brioche Dinner Rolls
• The Very Best Mashed Potatoes

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