The Sunny Ina Garten’s Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Autumn brings a golden cascade of flavors that dance through kitchens, and this Ina Garten roasted butternut squash recipe captures the season’s warmth perfectly.

Buttery, caramelized edges hint at the delectable journey ahead.

The simple ingredients blend into a symphony of comfort that warms every corner of your dining space.

Roasting coaxes out the squash natural sweetness, creating a side dish that steals the spotlight from main courses.

Fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil elevate this humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety experience that celebrates the bounty of fall.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: A sweet, nutty vegetable that transforms with roasting, bringing rich autumn flavors and gorgeous golden color to your dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior while adding a smooth, fruity undertone to the squash.
• Thyme: A fragrant herb that provides earthy, slightly minty notes that complement the squash's natural sweetness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the squash's inherent flavors and helps draw out moisture for better caramelization.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth that balances the squash's mellow sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting squash evenly and creating crispy edges.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for safely and precisely dicing the butternut squash.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Hands: Great for tossing squash with oil and seasonings for even coating.

Simple Instructions for Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash

• Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen toasty by heating the oven to a perfect roasting temperature that’ll transform your squash into golden deliciousness.

• Squash Prep

Slice the butternut into delectable cubes that’ll cook evenly and look super appetizing on the plate.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle herbs and spices generously across the squash chunks, creating a mouthwatering coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Roasting Magic

Spread those squash pieces on a spacious baking sheet, giving each cube room to caramelize and develop a gorgeous crispy exterior.

• Delicious Finish

Pull out the pan when the squash turns a stunning golden brown and smells absolutely heavenly, ready to be devoured by hungry guests.

Creative Tips for Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash

• Experiment with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cumin to add depth and complexity to the roasted butternut squash.
• Swap thyme for fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley to create different flavor profiles that complement the squash's natural sweetness.
• Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, or crispy bacon bits over the roasted squash for an exciting textural contrast.
• Transform the roasted squash into a complete meal by adding crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving.

Serve Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash Like a Pro

• Pair with Hearty Grains: Serve the roasted butternut squash over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to create a filling, nutritious meal that adds extra texture and protein.
• Elevate as Side Dish: Present alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or pork tenderloin for a colorful and delicious complement that transforms your main course into a gourmet experience.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or crispy sage leaves just before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant green color that makes the dish visually appealing and more complex in taste.
• Add Crunchy Element: Scatter toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans over the roasted squash to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that enhances the overall eating experience.

How to Store Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its delicious flavor and texture intact.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm refrigerated squash in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, restoring its crispy edges and maintaining its original delectable taste.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled squash to freezer-safe containers or bags, storing up to 3 months for quick meal additions or future side dishes.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a large batch of roasted butternut squash at the beginning of the week, using it in salads, grain bowls, or as a standalone side dish to simplify your cooking routine.

Rustic Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Roasted butternut squash by Ina Garten offers a delightful autumn side dish with caramelized edges and rich flavor. Olive oil, salt, and pepper create a simple yet elegant preparation that elevates this seasonal vegetable for you to savor.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil, good quality
• 1 large butternut squash (4 pounds/1.8 kg), peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, fresh and minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and warm to 400°F / 200°C, creating an ideal roasting environment for the butternut squash.
2. Cube Transformation: Skillfully slice the butternut squash into precise, uniform 1-inch cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and visual appeal.
3. Seasoning Ritual: Meticulously spread the cubes on a spacious baking sheet, drizzling extra virgin olive oil to coat each piece. Sprinkle thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper, massaging the seasonings thoroughly to ensure comprehensive flavor infusion.
4. Strategic Arrangement: Position the seasoned cubes in a single, uncrowded layer, allowing maximum heat exposure and preventing moisture-induced steaming.
5. Roasting Performance: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes. Midway through, rotate the sheet to promote even caramelization and prevent potential scorching.
6. Doneness Verification: Test the squash cubes with a fork – they should tender effortlessly and showcase a rich, golden-brown exterior with crisp, enticing edges.
7. Resting Phase: Withdraw from the oven and allow 2-3 minutes of rest, permitting residual heat to finalize the cooking process and concentrate the squash’s natural sweetness.

Notes

• Cube Consistency Matters: Cut squash into uniform 1-inch pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent some chunks from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Oil Distribution Technique: Massage olive oil thoroughly to create a complete, light coating that helps achieve golden caramelization and enhances natural squash sweetness.
• Spacing Is Critical: Spread cubes in a single layer with deliberate gaps between pieces, preventing steaming and ensuring each piece develops crispy, roasted edges.
• Seasoning Strategy: Use hands to evenly distribute thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring every cube receives maximum flavor penetration and balanced taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg