Oven Roasted Whole Butternut Squash is a delicious vegetable packed with warm fall flavors. Our fool-proof method results in perfectly tender and caramelized butternut squash loaded with flavor. Serve as a side or add to soups, salads, ravioli, and more.
Prepare butternut squash - Heat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem and cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Line the butternut squash flesh side up on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the flesh with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg to taste. You may also add maple syrup at this time. Turn the squash over flesh side down on the prepared baking sheet.
1 butternut squash, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, or to taste, maple syrup
Bake squash - Bake the squash on the middle rack for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. To test doneness, use a paring knife to pierce the skin. If it goes in easily, the squash is done.
Serve - Turn the squash over cut side up on the baking sheet and use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds then transfer the squash to a serving dish. Serve the squash flesh side up and season with more salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Enjoy as is or use in other recipes, like butternut squash soup.
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Notes
Top Tips
Use a sharp knife and hold the squash firmly when you cut the stem off and cut it in half. Squash can be hard to cut and you may need to rock your knife back and forth to get a clean cut.
Bake squash that are relatively the same size so they cook evenly.
Do not open the oven when checking on the squash or the hot air will release and the squash cook slowly and unevenly.
Save your butternut squash seeds and roast them to enjoy later.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover roasted squash in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. To reheat leftovers, heat oven to 350 degrees F and bake on baking sheet for 6-8 minutes until warm.