Cozy Fall Delight: Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Warm, golden roasted butternut squash with a rustic Barefoot Contessa recipe can turn an ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Ina Garten’s approach to cooking always feels effortless and elegant.

The simple combination of cubed squash, olive oil, and delicate seasonings creates a mouthwatering experience that beckons you to the kitchen.

Her method brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, caramelizing the edges to perfection.

Roasting transforms humble vegetables into something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

Each bite promises a rich, comforting flavor that speaks to classic home cooking.

This recipe will become your new go-to side dish for any meal.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: Select a firm, heavy squash with smooth, matte skin and no soft spots, ensuring maximum sweetness and smooth roasting texture.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and helps create crispy, golden edges during roasting.

• Thyme: Fresh thyme adds earthy, aromatic notes that complement the squash's natural sweetness and provides elegant herbal undertones.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the squash and helps caramelize the edges during roasting.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness, balancing the squash's natural sweetness.

• Thyme Sprigs: Fresh thyme sprigs can be used for beautiful visual presentation and additional fragrant garnish.

Equipment List for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash

• Large Baking Tray: Essential for spreading diced squash evenly and roasting to perfection.
• Metal Spatula: Perfect for turning squash midway through cooking, ensuring golden and even roasting.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cleanly dice the butternut squash into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Help you add precise amounts of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing squash with seasonings before roasting.

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the heat to create the perfect roasting environment for your squash adventure.

• Squash Transformation

Slice the butternut into rustic, chunky pieces that will caramelize beautifully during cooking.

• Flavor Infusion

Shower the squash with a generous splash of olive oil, sprinkle fragrant herbs, and dust with a pinch of seasoning. Mix gently to ensure every piece gets cozy with the delicious coating.

• Golden Roasting

Slide the tray into the hot oven and let magic happen. Give the squash a gentle turn midway to ensure even browning and develop deep, rich flavors. Watch for those gorgeous golden edges that promise incredible taste.

• Delicious Finale

Pull out the tray when the squash looks irresistibly caramelized and tender. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, then serve immediately as a stunning side that will make everyone at the table swoon.

Pro Tips for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash

• Mix other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots with butternut squash for a colorful medley of flavors.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, or za'atar instead of thyme to transform the dish with global taste profiles.
• Crumble feta or parmesan over the roasted squash during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a rich, tangy finish.
• Roast the squash in advance and reheat gently in the oven or microwave, keeping the crispy edges intact for a quick side dish.

Serving Suggestions for Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or seared pork tenderloin for a balanced and satisfying meal that brings out the squash's sweet, caramelized flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives over the roasted butternut squash just before serving to add a bright, fresh dimension and pop of color.
• Create a Harvest Bowl: Transform the roasted squash into a hearty grain bowl by adding quinoa, toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a nutritious and delicious vegetarian option.
• Mix into Salad Magic: Toss the warm roasted squash into a mixed green salad with baby spinach, toasted walnuts, and a light vinaigrette for a warm, satisfying autumn-inspired dish.

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash: Storage and Prep Guide

• Maximize Meal Prep Efficiency: Dice squash ahead of time and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, saving precious cooking time during busy weeknights.
• Extend Leftover Enjoyment: Refrigerate roasted butternut squash in sealed containers for 4-5 days, reheating gently in the oven or microwave to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare larger quantities of roasted squash and freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months, creating quick and easy meal additions for future dishes.
• Enhance Meal Versatility: Transform leftover roasted squash into creamy soups, hearty salads, or delicious pasta sauces, maximizing your ingredient's potential and reducing food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s roasted butternut squash recipe delivers a delightful autumn side dish with simple ingredients. Mediterranean herbs and olive oil elevate this warm, caramelized vegetable medley for home cooks who appreciate rustic elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large butternut squash (about 1.8 kg / 4 lbs), peeled, deseeded, and cut into 2.5 cm / 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tsps kosher salt (or 1.5 tsps sea salt)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F, positioning rack in center for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Cutting: Transform butternut squash into precise, uniform cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size to guarantee consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
3. Seasoning: Spread squash cubes in a single layer on a spacious baking tray, generously coating with extra virgin olive oil, freshly chopped thyme, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Thoroughly toss with hands to ensure complete and even coverage.
4. Roasting: Place tray in preheated oven, allowing squash to caramelize for 30-40 minutes. Midway through cooking, gently rotate pieces using a metal spatula to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and prevent sticking.
5. Finishing: Test squash doneness by piercing with a fork; pieces should be tender yet offer slight resistance. Remove from oven, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately as a vibrant, aromatic side dish that complements various culinary creations.

Notes

• Prep with Precision: Cube butternut squash into uniform 1-inch pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization.
• Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and help create a perfect golden-brown exterior during roasting.
• Spacing is Key: Spread squash in a single layer on baking tray, preventing steaming and ensuring each piece roasts beautifully with crisp edges.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh thyme transforms the squash, adding an earthy depth that elevates the overall taste without overwhelming the natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg