Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to drop a bomb of deliciousness on you: Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash.
This isn’t your grandma’s bland side dish. This is a sweet, savory, caramelized explosion that’ll have you fighting over the last bite.
I’m talking about the kind of Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash that makes you close your eyes and hum with pure culinary joy. This recipe is pure Cuba Queen – bold, unapologetic flavor that transforms the simplest ingredients into something unforgettable.
I spent weeks perfecting this recipe, and let me tell you, there were some serious butternut squash fails along the way. But after countless taste tests and tweaks, I finally nailed the ultimate Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy.
Get ready to unleash your inner flavor boss. I’m beyond hyped to share this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash recipe with you!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed: Size matters, flavor adventurers! Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Don’t skimp on the good stuff. Extra virgin olive oil adds a richness you won’t get with other oils.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: This is the key to that caramelized, candy-like goodness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warmth is crucial! Cinnamon complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little nutmeg adds a touch of magic and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Don’t underestimate ginger. It brings a subtle zing that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds a surprising kick.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: For added crunch and nutty flavor.
This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!
The secret to epic Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is using fresh spices. Trust me, they make all the difference. You’ll find the best ingredients for this easy Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash recipe at your local farmers market. The fresher, the better!
Here’s the Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash game-changer that will blow your mind: a touch of maple syrup. Drizzle a teaspoon or two over the squash before roasting for an extra layer of sweetness.
Splurge on good quality olive oil for this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash ingredient – trust me! The flavor payoff is huge.
Pro Tip: You can peel and cube the butternut squash a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can cut down on prep time so that you can make an easy butternut squash recipe even easier.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure that oven is HOT, flavor adventurers!
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece of squash is coated in that sweet, spicy goodness. This is where the magic starts, folks!
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan! This is important for even roasting and caramelization.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through. Pro tip for Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash perfection: Keep an eye on it! You want those edges to be nice and brown, but not burnt.
- If using, add the chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting. They’ll get nice and toasty.
Here’s where most people mess up their Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash – but not you! Don’t be afraid to let it get a little bit browned and crispy around the edges. That’s where the real flavor is.
Don’t stress – your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is going to be incredible.
Sensory Alert: Your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash should look golden brown and smell like a warm, sweet dream. It should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
In my kitchen, this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash takes exactly 28 minutes to reach peak perfection. But ovens vary, so trust your instincts.
While your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
This is where your Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash transforms into pure magic.
Efficiency Hack: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
This roasted butternut squash recipe is so easy to make!
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is KEY, flavor adventurers! This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash deserves to be shown off.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash at Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving. It’s always the first thing to disappear.
Arrange the Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash in a beautiful serving bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs like sage or thyme for a pop of color.
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle with a balsamic glaze. The tangy sweetness is a perfect complement. This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash absolutely slays at dinner parties!
This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash absolutely slays at dinner parties!
Bold Pairing Suggestion: Serve this alongside roasted chicken or pork for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a hearty salad.
Leftover Transformation: Use leftover Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash in a creamy soup or as a filling for ravioli. No flavor should be wasted!
For a seasonal variation, try adding a sprinkle of dried cranberries during the last few minutes of roasting.
Instagram-worthy plating technique: Swirl a dollop of goat cheese on the plate and arrange the squash around it. It’s beautiful and delicious.
FAQs:
Can I make this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash spicier?
Absolutely, flavor adventurer! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the spice mixture. I love a little heat with my sweet. Testing this flavor combination was a win for me!
What if I don’t have brown sugar for my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash?
No problem! You can use regular granulated sugar. Just add a tablespoon of molasses for that signature brown sugar flavor. This easy butternut squash recipe doesn’t have to be stressful!
How do I know when my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is perfectly done?
It should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork and have caramelized edges. The sugar will be bubbly and slightly sticky. I did this testing myself until I knew the perfect texture!
Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes! Acorn squash or kabocha squash would also work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I store leftover Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. I always say make extra so you have more on hand!
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan.
CONCLUSION:
This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and unapologetic deliciousness. This recipe is truly one of my best!
My Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Power Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! This is crucial for even roasting.
- Don’t be afraid to let it get a little browned. That’s where the flavor is.
- Use fresh spices! They make all the difference.
Here are three Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash variations I’ve created and loved:
- Maple-Glazed Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash: Drizzle with maple syrup before roasting for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Spicy Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans: Add dried cranberries and pecans during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
The Maple-Glazed Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash gets the biggest reactions, every time.
I’m confident that you can make this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash your signature dish! With my recipe, you will succeed.
Now go forth and create some memories with this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash! And don’t forget to share your results with me. I can’t wait to see what you create! Check out more bold flavor adventures at Cuba Queen. If this butternut squash recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers and Raspberry White Chocolate Cake Roll. If your kids love this Brown Sugar Butternut Squash, they’ll go crazy for Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar – Dinner at the Zoo. This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash reminds me of another family favorite, Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash – Grilled Cheese Social. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Oven Roasted Butternut Squash + Brown Sugar.
I can’t wait to hear about your successes with this Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash!
Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash
This Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple yet delicious side dish. The sweet and savory flavors are perfect for any fall or winter meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the squash before roasting. Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.