The Ultimate Cinnamon Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Meta Description: Learn how to make delicious cinnamon maple roasted butternut squash. This easy, festive recipe is a perfect side dish for any meal, packed with sweet and savory flavor

There’s a special kind of magic that happens in my kitchen when the leaves start to change color and the air gets a little crisper. It’s the season for cozy, comforting foods, and my absolute favorite is anything involving winter squash. But for the longest time, I was intimidated by butternut squash. Its tough skin and strange shape made it seem like a culinary challenge. I’d pick one up at the grocery store, feel its weight, and then put it back, opting for something easier.

My a-ha moment came when a friend convinced me to give it a try. She swore that roasting was the only way to go. I took her advice, and the result was this incredible recipe for cinnamon maple roasted butternut squash. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The squash becomes incredibly tender, and the simple glaze of maple syrup and cinnamon creates a beautiful caramelization that is simply irresistible. This recipe has completely changed my mind about butternut squash, and I have a feeling it will change yours, too.

🌟 The Magic of Roasting Squash

Roasting is hands-down the best way to cook butternut squash. It’s a method that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The high, dry heat of the oven not only softens the squash but also caramelizes its natural sugars, bringing out an incredible depth of flavor that you can’t get from steaming or boiling. For this recipe, the roasting process is even more important because it creates a perfect canvas for our cinnamon maple glaze.

We’ll start with a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps the squash get that beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy exterior. Then, we’ll add the simple glaze of maple syrup and cinnamon. The maple syrup gets all sticky and delicious as it roasts, and the cinnamon infuses the squash with a warm, comforting spice. The end result is a tender, sweet, and savory side dish that is so good you’ll want to eat it all on its own. The hands-off nature of roasting makes this a perfect dish to prepare while you’re busy with other things in the kitchen.

✅ Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, accessible ingredients. The quality of your ingredients, especially the pure maple syrup and a good-quality cinnamon, will make a big difference in the final flavor.

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Maple Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground ginger

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

Total Preparation and Cooking Time: 45 minutes

1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup incredibly easy.
2. Prep the Squash: The most challenging part of this recipe is peeling and cutting the squash, but with a few simple tricks, it’s a breeze. First, use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin. Then, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center. Finally, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes.
3. Roast the Squash: Place the cubed butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Make the Maple Glaze: While the squash is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
5. Glaze and Finish Roasting: After the first 20 minutes of roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Pour the maple glaze evenly over the squash and toss to coat. Return the squash to the oven and continue to roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and beautifully caramelized.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cinnamon maple butternut squash cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. As it cools, the glaze will become even stickier and more delicious. Serve warm and enjoy!

😋 Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

This maple roasted butternut squash recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious creations. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste or to use up ingredients you have on hand.

• Add a Crunchy Element: For a little extra texture, you can add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the baking sheet for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
• Make it Savory: If you’re not a fan of the sweet glaze, you can easily make this a savory dish. Omit the maple syrup and spices, and instead toss the squash with fresh rosemary, thyme, and a little garlic powder.
• Try a Different Spice: While cinnamon is a classic, you can easily swap it out for other warm spices. A little bit of cardamom, allspice, or even a hint of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick would all be delicious.
• Serving Ideas: This roasted butternut squash is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple vegetarian lentil soup. It also makes a fantastic addition to a grain bowl or a warm salad.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I leave the skin on the squash?

While the skin is edible, it can be tough and chewy, so it’s best to peel it off for this recipe. A good vegetable peeler works wonders, and if you’re having trouble, you can microwave the whole squash for a minute or two to soften the skin just enough to make it easier to peel.

Can I use a different kind of squash?

Yes! This recipe works beautifully with other winter squashes. Acorn squash, kabocha squash, or even delicata squash would all be delicious. You don’t even need to peel the delicata squash! Just wash it well and slice it into rings.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftover roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can pop it in a toaster oven or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. The microwave will work, but it may make the squash a little softer.

📊 Nutritional Information

Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

✨ The Side Dish That Steals the Show

This cinnamon maple roasted butternut squash is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of cozy, comforting flavors. It’s a testament to the fact that you can turn a humble vegetable into something truly special and delicious with a little bit of heat and a simple glaze. The tender squash, the sweet maple, and the warm spice of cinnamon all come together in a way that is incredibly satisfying and comforting. It’s the perfect way to make a simple weeknight dinner feel a little bit more festive.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get into the kitchen and give butternut squash a try. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead, grab that squash, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to share your experience or any creative variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!