Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Discover a simple and tasty side dish with roasted butternut squash. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it's perfect for a healthy family dinner.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon is a delightful dish that combines simplicity, taste, and health benefits, making it an excellent addition to any family dinner. The preparation is straightforward and accessible, even for those new to cooking.

With minimal ingredients

With minimal ingredients—just fresh butternut squash, olive oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon—you can achieve an aromatic and flavorful side dish that captures the essence of fall. The sweet, caramelized edges of the squash balance perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon, offering a comforting experience that's perfect alongside any main course.

For hectic weekdays or relaxed weekends,

For hectic weekdays or relaxed weekends, this dish fits effortlessly into your schedule. It requires only about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of roasting, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or enjoy more time with your family.

Butternut squash is delicious and boasts numerous health benefits.

Butternut squash is delicious and boasts numerous health benefits, reinforcing its suitability as an intelligent choice for health-conscious families. It's rich in vitamins A and C, crucial for maintaining healthy vision and immune function. The high fiber content supports digestive health and promotes satiety, making it a satisfying complement to your main dishes.

This versatile dish can adapt to various dietary preferences,

Adding olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while the natural sweetness from the brown sugar allows for a lower-calorie dessert-like flavor without excessive sugar. This versatile dish can adapt to various dietary preferences, being naturally gluten-free and easily vegan-friendly.

Elevate family dinners with its appealing taste and texture

Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon elevate family dinners with its appealing taste and texture. Its nutritional profile supports your family’s well-being and dietary goals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

1. Butternut Squash
   • Portion: 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 to 3 pounds)
   • Preparation: Peeled, seeded
2. Olive Oil
   • Portion: 2 tablespoons
   • Purpose: To lightly coat the squash for roasting.
3. Brown Sugar
   • Portion: 2 tablespoons
   • Purpose: To add sweetness and help with caramelization.
4. Ground Cinnamon
   • Portion: 1 teaspoon
   • Purpose: To provide a warm, aromatic flavor.
5. Salt
   • Portion: ½ teaspoon
   • Purpose: To enhance the flavors of the dish.
6. Black Pepper (optional)
   • Portion: ¼ teaspoon
   • Purpose: To add a subtle heat and depth.
7. Nutmeg (optional)
   • Portion: ¼ teaspoon
   • Purpose: To add layer of warm flavor.

Directions

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3. Wash the Squash:
   • Rinse the outside of the butternut squash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
4. Cut the Squash in Half:
   • Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Be cautious as the skin can be tough.
5. Scoop Out the Seeds:
   • Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and stringy bits from the interior of each half.
6. Score the Flesh:
   • With a sharp knife, score the flesh of the squash in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. This will help the flavors penetrate the squash.
7. Prepare the Sugar-Cinnamon Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves if you like for additional aroma and flavor.
8. Season the Squash:
   • Brush the flesh of the squash generously with olive oil or melted butter using a pastry brush. This will help the sugar mixture stick and create a nice caramelized surface.
   • Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the scored flesh of the squash halves, gently pressing it into the cuts.
9. Roast the Squash:
   • Place the squash halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and nicely caramelized on top. The time may vary slightly depending on the size of the squash.
10. Serve:
    • Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it directly in its shell with a spoon, or scoop out the flesh and plate it. Enjoy your roasted butternut squash as a delightful side dish!

This method allows you to enjoy the sweet and spiced flavors of roasted butternut squash without the need for cutting it into cubes.

Here are some helpful tips and variations to consider when making Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon:

Helpful Tips:

1. Choosing the Squash:
   • Select a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm skin with no soft spots. This ensures good flavor and texture.
2. Peeling the Squash:
   • Use a sharp vegetable peeler or a paring knife to remove the skin. This can help prevent cuts and make the process easier.
     
3. Uniform Cutting:
   • Aim for cubes that are evenly sized to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.
4. Mix Thoroughly:
   • Coat each piece of squash evenly with oil and seasonings. This ensures consistent flavor and caramelization.
5. Avoid Crowding:
   • Spread the squash in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding can cause the squash to steam and become mushy instead of roasting properly.
6. Check While Roasting:
   • Stir the squash halfway through cooking for even browning and to prevent sticking to the pan.
7. Adjusting Sweetness:
   • If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or try using honey or maple syrup as an alternative sweetener.
8. Storage and Reheating:
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Variations:

1. Spice Variations:
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or try using pumpkin pie spice for a more complex fall flavor.
2. Savory Twist:
   • Swap out the cinnamon and brown sugar for savory herbs like rosemary and thyme, and add garlic powder for a different flavor profile.
3. Nut and Seed Toppings:
   • Sprinkle roasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds over the squash just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
     
4. Citrus Zest:
   • Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest before roasting for a fresh, zesty note.
5. Dairy Addition:
   • Before serving, drizzle with a little melted butter or sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta for richness.
6. Herbal Infusion:
   • Infuse the olive oil with sage or rosemary before tossing with the squash for an herbaceous flavor boost.

Using these tips and variations, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences better. Enjoy experimenting!

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