Easy Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash: Your Perfect Fall & Thanksgiving Side Dish

Welcome to your new favorite autumn delight! This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash recipe transforms humble butternut squash into a warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious side dish. Each piece of perfectly roasted butternut squash caramelizes beautifully with butter and brown sugar, creating a luscious glaze that’s enhanced by the aromatic spice of cinnamon. It’s truly a fall side dish everyone will adore, whether served on a casual weeknight or as the star alongside your holiday feast.

I absolutely love preparing this butternut squash recipe during the fall season. It’s incredibly easy to prep, allowing you to focus on other dinner preparations while it bakes to perfection in the oven. Beyond everyday meals, this dish shines as a must-have addition to your Thanksgiving dinner, complementing a wide array of festive mains and sides. Imagine it alongside a savory Italian Sausage Stuffing, a creamy Bacon Green Bean Casserole, and, of course, fluffy Lion House Rolls. Its sweet and savory profile, combined with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes it an unforgettable part of any meal.

Why This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Works Wonders

There are countless reasons why this particular recipe for cinnamon roasted butternut squash stands out and will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and flavor to any table.

• Effortlessly Delicious: Easy Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash. This isn’t just a simple butternut squash recipe; it’s a culinary hack that delivers an incredible flavor punch with minimal effort. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a sophisticated and satisfying side dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Unforgettable Texture and Taste: The Best Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash. What makes this the “best”? Once the butternut squash, generously coated in cinnamon and brown sugar, roasts in the oven, it undergoes a magical transformation. The squash becomes incredibly soft and tender, with edges that are perfectly caramelized and slightly crispy. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, a subtle warmth from the cinnamon, and a rich, buttery depth that truly melts in your mouth. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and perhaps even thirds!
• Versatile Perfection: A Perfect Holiday Side Dish. While it’s fantastic for everyday meals, this Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash truly shines on your holiday table. Its vibrant color, appealing aroma, and delightful flavor profile make it an ideal companion to a wide array of main dishes, from roasted poultry and succulent pork to hearty vegetarian options. It’s a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, adding a touch of elegance and comfort that guests will rave about.

Key Ingredient Notes for Flavorful Success

The beauty of this cinnamon roasted butternut squash lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect sweet, savory, and tender result. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for best results:

• Butternut Squash: The star of our show! When selecting a whole butternut squash, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of soft spots or blemishes. Its skin should be smooth and a uniform dull tan color. For proper preparation, ensure you thoroughly wash the outside, carefully peel the tough skin, and scoop out all the seeds and fibrous strings from the cavity. Then, chop the butternut squash into roughly equal pieces—aim for 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes. This uniformity is key for even roasting, ensuring every piece cooks through at the same rate. If you’re looking to save time, feel free to use store-bought pre-cut butternut squash, which is often available in the produce section.
• Cinnamon: This warm, sweet spice is what gives the dish its signature comforting aroma and flavor. Ground cinnamon blends beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and sugar. If you’re a cinnamon lover and desire a more potent, pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can certainly increase the amount to your liking. Consider using Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, sweeter flavor or Cassia cinnamon for a stronger, spicier kick.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and creating that gorgeous caramelized glaze. The molasses in brown sugar also adds a deeper, richer flavor compared to white sugar. If you prefer a less sweet dish or wish to avoid refined sugar, you can opt to omit the brown sugar entirely during roasting. Instead, once the squash is cooked, you can drizzle it generously with pure maple syrup or a touch of honey for natural sweetness.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil is the secret to both flavor and perfect texture. Olive oil helps in achieving a beautiful exterior crispness and preventing sticking, while butter infuses the squash with a rich, decadent flavor and contributes significantly to the caramelization process. Using both ensures a balanced fat profile that enhances the overall taste and helps the spices adhere beautifully to the squash.
• Kosher Salt: Don’t forget the salt! A touch of kosher salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. It helps to bring out the natural savory notes of the squash and prevents the dish from tasting overly sweet.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Roasted Perfection

Creating this delicious Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a perfectly cooked side dish:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For the easiest cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This also helps prevent the squash from sticking and encourages better caramelization.
2. Prepare the Squash. Begin by thoroughly washing the outside of your butternut squash. Using a sturdy vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully peel off the skin. Once peeled, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits. Now, cut the squash into small, uniform cubes, aiming for pieces approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size. Consistency in size is important for even roasting. Place all the cubed squash in the center of your prepared baking sheet.

3. Season with Oil and Butter. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the cubed squash on the baking sheet. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the squash thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. This initial coating helps the spices adhere and promotes even browning.
4. Sprinkle with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt over the coated squash. Toss everything together again, making sure the squash is well-covered with the sweet and savory spice mixture. Spread the seasoned squash out into a single, even layer across the entire baking sheet. Ensure the pieces aren’t overlapping too much, as this helps them roast rather than steam.
5. Bake to Perfection. Place the baking sheet with the cinnamon butternut squash into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-35 minutes at 425ºF (220°C). Begin checking the squash for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The squash is ready when it is fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce a piece, and the edges are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. If needed, continue cooking for a few more minutes until desired tenderness and caramelization are achieved. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a moment, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Top Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Achieving perfectly roasted butternut squash is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your dish is as delicious as possible:

• Uniform Cubes are Key: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Do your absolute best to keep the diced butternut squash pieces uniform in size. Whether they are 1/2-inch or 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are all roughly the same size will allow for a much more even bake. No one wants some pieces mushy and others still hard.
• Adjust Roasting Time for Size: If your squash was cut into larger chunks (closer to 1 inch or slightly more), you will definitely want to roast the squash for a longer period than the recipe suggests. Always keep a close eye on it, especially after the 25-minute mark.
• Check for Fork-Tenderness: The ultimate sign of perfectly roasted squash is its tenderness. Remove the squash from the oven when you can easily insert a fork into the center of a piece with minimal resistance. It should be soft and yielding, not crunchy or tough.
• Customize Sweetness to Your Liking: The amount of brown sugar can be easily adjusted to match your preference. If you like a sweeter dish, add an extra tablespoon. For a less sweet option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener. Alternatively, you can omit the sugar entirely during roasting and drizzle with maple syrup after baking.
• Single Layer for Optimal Roasting: For the best caramelization and texture, arrange the squash pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will cause the squash to steam instead of roast, leading to a softer, less appealing texture. If you have too much squash, use two baking sheets.
• Effortless Cleanup with Parchment Paper: To make cleanup a breeze, always line your baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking, especially with the caramelized sugar.
• Hot Pan for Better Searing: For an even crispier exterior, preheat your baking sheet in the oven while it’s coming to temperature. Then, carefully add the seasoned squash to the hot pan. This helps create an instant sear and a more golden crust.
• Fresh Spices Make a Difference: While not mandatory, using fresh, fragrant cinnamon can significantly elevate the flavor profile of this dish. Older spices tend to lose their potency, so check your spice rack!

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is wonderful fresh, but it’s also a great candidate for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers.

Make-Ahead: To get a head start, you can prepare the butternut squash by washing, peeling, seeding, and cubing it up to 24 hours in advance. Store the cubed squash in an airtight container or a sealed zip-top bag in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply toss it with the oil, butter, and seasonings, then follow the roasting instructions as usual. This makes holiday meal prep significantly easier!

Storing: Leftover Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for adding to salads, grain bowls, or as a quick side dish for lunch or dinner. Reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot. The oven method will help restore some of its caramelized texture.

Freezing: While this dish is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can freeze roasted butternut squash if you have an abundance of leftovers. Allow the roasted squash to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave. Be aware that the texture may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the delicious flavor will still be there!

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More Delightful Butternut Squash Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with butternut squash, you’re in luck! This versatile winter squash can be used in a myriad of delicious dishes. Here are some other fantastic recipes featuring butternut squash that you might enjoy:

• Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo with Maple Glazed Bacon
• Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
• Hearty Butternut Squash, Mushroom, and Sage Pasta
• Simple Butternut Squash and Kale Sauté
• Quick and Easy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce