Deliciously Sweet & Savory Caramelized Butternut Squash: Your Ultimate Fall Side Dish
Prepare to be amazed by this Caramelized Butternut Squash, undoubtedly one of the tastiest and most beloved side dishes you’ll ever create! It’s a truly exceptional way to enjoy butternut squash, combining delightful sweetness with a hint of warming spice to create a flavor profile that will absolutely tantalize your taste buds. This butternut squash recipe isn’t just good; it’s sensational, promising to become a staple in your culinary repertoire! (A special thank you to Truvía® for sponsoring this post!)
As the days grow shorter and the crispness of autumn begins to settle in, our thoughts naturally turn to comforting, hearty meals. While the weather might still be hinting at summer in some regions, the back-to-school routines inevitably usher in a yearning for all things fall. Boots, cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced delights, and of course, an array of wholesome casseroles and comforting food – you know exactly the feeling I’m talking about!
And when it comes to fall produce, squash reigns supreme in my kitchen. There’s something inherently satisfying about preparing a beautiful squash, transforming it into a delicious meal. From the delicate strands of spaghetti squash to the rich, earthy notes of acorn squash, and the versatile sweetness of butternut squash, I truly adore them all! They are not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to any healthy diet. Among my absolute favorite preparations, caramelizing butternut squash stands out as a simple yet incredibly rewarding method. It brings out the very best in this humble vegetable, elevating it to an extraordinary side dish with minimal effort.
So, what makes caramelized butternut squash so special and why should it be on your fall menu? It’s all about enhancing its natural qualities. Butternut squash, with its inherently sweet and nutty flavor, transforms dramatically when roasted with a touch of sweetener and fat. The high heat of the oven, combined with brown sugar and butter, initiates a magical reaction known as caramelization. This process deepens the squash’s sweetness, gives it a beautiful golden-brown crust, and creates an irresistible tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture on the inside. It’s a versatile side that complements almost any main course, from a succulent roasted chicken to a hearty vegetarian stew, adding a gourmet touch without the fuss of complicated cooking techniques.
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about the star ingredient: butternut squash. When selecting your squash, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a consistent, dull tan color. Avoid any squash with soft spots, blemishes, or a shiny exterior (which can indicate it was picked too early). For this recipe, you’ll need about 4-5 pounds total, which usually translates to two medium-sized butternut squashes. While many grocery stores now offer pre-cut, cubed butternut squash for convenience, preparing it yourself is straightforward and often yields fresher, more evenly cut results.
To peel a butternut squash, first carefully slice off both ends with a sharp, heavy knife to create flat, stable surfaces. Then, stand the squash upright and use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin, working from top to bottom. Once peeled, carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands from the cavity with a sturdy spoon. Finally, cut the squash halves into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here, as it ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization for every single piece. Now, your beautiful butternut squash cubes are ready for their sweet and spicy transformation!
The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its simplicity and the minimal ingredients required. Once your butternut squash is prepped and cubed, whether you’ve taken the time to peel and chop it yourself or opted for the convenience of pre-packaged cubes, the next steps are incredibly straightforward. You’ll begin by placing your cubed squash onto a large baking sheet, making sure to spread them out in a single layer. This is a crucial step for achieving proper caramelization; overcrowding the pan will cause the squash to steam instead of roast, preventing that desirable golden-brown exterior.
Next, you’ll drizzle a generous amount of melted unsalted butter over the squash cubes. The butter is not just for adding a rich, decadent flavor; it’s also essential for achieving that gorgeous caramelization. It coats each piece, helping the sugar adhere and creating a luxurious, golden crust as it roasts, contributing to both the taste and texture of the final dish.
Now for the magic blend of seasonings that truly sets this recipe apart: liberally sprinkle Truvia Brown Sugar Blend, a good measure of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a subtle hint of cayenne pepper over the butter-coated squash. The Truvia Brown Sugar Blend provides that essential sweetness for the caramelization, allowing you to enjoy all the flavor with fewer calories. The salt balances the sweetness beautifully, enhancing all the natural flavors of the squash. Black pepper adds a foundational warmth, and the cayenne pepper introduces a delightful, unexpected kick, creating an incredibly dynamic taste experience. Don’t be afraid to adjust the cayenne to your preference – a little goes a long way, but it truly elevates this dish from simply sweet to wonderfully complex and irresistible.
With all the delicious ingredients added, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Gently but thoroughly toss everything together. Use your hands to ensure that each butternut squash cube is evenly coated with the melted butter and the seasoning blend. This hands-on approach guarantees that every single piece will develop that coveted caramelized crust and absorb all the incredible flavors during roasting. A proper toss ensures no sad, unseasoned pieces are left behind, promising a consistent burst of flavor in every bite.
Once thoroughly coated, spread the squash back out onto the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring that pieces are not overlapping too much. Overcrowding the pan is a common mistake that leads to steamed, rather than beautifully roasted and caramelized, vegetables. Give your squash room to breathe! Now, slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400ºF oven and let the magic happen. Roast for approximately 45 minutes, or until the squash is perfectly tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully caramelized to a deep golden-brown hue. Remember to stir the squash a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and prevent sticking to the pan.
As your butternut squash roasts to perfection, your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible, intoxicating aroma. It’s the scent of autumn itself – warm, sweet, and comforting, a delightful preview of the deliciousness to come. The sugars will melt and caramelize, transforming the squash into golden-brown morsels with a slightly crisp, glazed exterior and a wonderfully soft, sweet interior. This process not only intensifies the natural flavors but also creates a beautiful texture contrast that makes each bite utterly delightful. Once out of the oven, give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.
While butternut squash is inherently flavorful on its own, caramelization takes it to an entirely new level. The roasting process, combined with the Truvía Brown Sugar Blend, really brings out and amplifies the squash’s natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable. Each piece becomes incredibly fragrant and bursting with rich, sweet notes. But it’s the subtle inclusion of cayenne pepper that truly makes this caramelized butternut squash shine. It provides a gentle, unexpected warmth – a pleasant “kick” that perfectly cuts through the sweetness and elevates the entire dish, creating an irresistible complexity. The resulting combination of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors is incredibly harmonious and utterly addictive. I genuinely believe this method produces the most delicious caramelized butternut squash you’ll ever have!
What makes this recipe even better is the smart choice of Truvia Brown Sugar Blend. By using it instead of traditional brown sugar, you significantly reduce the calorie count without sacrificing any of that incredible caramelized flavor or perfect texture. Truvía’s blend allows you to achieve the same delightful sweetness and golden-brown perfection, but with fewer calories, making this a healthier choice you can feel good about incorporating into your meals. It’s a total win-win: all the delicious taste you crave, with a lighter touch, aligning perfectly with a wholesome approach to cooking. So, even if the autumn leaves haven’t fully fallen yet, or if you’re enjoying this dish in the height of summer, there’s no reason to wait – start enjoying this delightful butternut squash dish any time of year!
This caramelized butternut squash is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to a wide array of meals. It makes an outstanding side dish for almost any fall or holiday feast, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, succulent pork loin, a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, or even a simple grilled salmon. For a wholesome vegetarian main course, serve it alongside fluffy quinoa, a hearty lentil soup, or a vibrant grain bowl. You can also toss it into a fresh fall salad with some tangy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a light vinaigrette for a truly gourmet and satisfying experience. Its sweet, savory, and spicy notes complement so many different flavors, making it a truly adaptable dish for any occasion.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try, allowing you to customize this already fantastic recipe to your personal taste:
- Herbaceous Touch: For an aromatic twist, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the baking sheet during the last 15 minutes of roasting. Their earthy notes will infuse beautifully into the squash.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the squash halfway through cooking for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Maple Glaze (Optional): If you desire an even richer sweetness (and aren’t concerned about extra calories), a modest drizzle of pure maple syrup can be added along with the Truvía blend before roasting.
- Spicier Kick: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a more pronounced fiery element.
- Garlic Infusion: For a savory depth that balances the sweetness, roast a few cloves of minced garlic with the squash. The garlic will soften and mellow as it roasts, adding a wonderful complexity.
No matter how you serve it or choose to customize it, this sweet and spicy caramelized butternut squash is sure to impress everyone at your table and become a much-requested favorite!
Caramelized Butternut Squash
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Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash about 4-5 pounds total
- 1/4 cup Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- fresh cracked black pepper
- cayenne pepper to taste (omit if preferred)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400ºF. Get out a large baking sheet and set aside.
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Peel the squash and cut off the ends. Slice lengthwise and remove the seeds inside. Cut the squash into about 1 1/2 inches cubes and set on baking sheet.
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Pour the melted butter, Truvia Brown Sugar Blend, salt, pepper and cayenne. Using your hands, toss to coat the squash evenly.
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Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for about 45 mins, or until the squash is tender and caramelized, stirring a few times while cooking.
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Taste and season as necessary. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
If you liked this recipe, you might like these squash recipes too:
Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Thai Butternut Squash Soup
Stuffed Acorn Squash