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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F, positioning rack in center for optimal roasting conditions.
- Cutting: Transform butternut squash into precise, uniform cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size to guarantee consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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