If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful side dish that instantly elevates any meal, this Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe will quickly become a kitchen favorite. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, where tender butternut squash cubes are gently roasted in melted butter, broth, and a generous splash of pure maple syrup, creating caramelized edges and a wonderfully rich glaze. The addition of simple seasonings and optional fresh herbs makes every bite burst with warmth and comfort, making it an ideal companion for everything from roasted chicken to autumnal dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make the Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create a stunning dish. Each element has a purpose — the butternut squash provides a velvety texture and natural sweetness, while buttery richness and maple syrup add layers of flavor that deepen during roasting.
- 3½ cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed: Choose firm, brightly colored squash for the best taste and texture; peeling and cubing ahead saves time later.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds a luscious richness that helps the squash caramelize beautifully.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture to keep the squash tender and adds savory depth; vegetable or turkey broth work wonderfully too.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a subtly woody flavor that perfectly complements the squash.
- ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish; adjust to your preference.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice complexity.
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional): Fresh herbs bring a pop of color and a fragrant note to brighten the dish.
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional): A tangy, salty finish that offers contrast and richness when sprinkled on top right before serving.
How to Make Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when your squash goes in. Grab a casserole dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil; this keeps the squash from sticking and helps with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Place the cubed butternut squash evenly in the casserole dish. Then, pour the melted butter, chicken broth, and pure maple syrup over the squash. This mixture will create a luscious glaze that not only keeps the squash moist but also infuses each morsel with amazing flavor.
Step 3: Season and Add Herbs
Sprinkle the coarse kosher salt, ground black pepper, and any fresh herbs you love such as thyme or parsley. Herbs are optional, but they add a wonderful fragrant dimension that highlights the natural sweetness of the squash.
Step 4: Roast Covered
Cover the dish loosely with foil or a lid to trap steam and allow the squash to soften evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step lets the squash absorb the flavors thoroughly while starting to get tender.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Roasting
After the initial baking time, remove the cover and give the squash a gentle stir. Continue roasting uncovered for another 15 minutes. This allows the squash to caramelize and develop those beautiful golden edges that are packed with flavor.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Once the squash is tender and perfectly roasted, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if desired. The creamy, tangy cheese adds an irresistible contrast and makes this dish feel a little more special. Serve the Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe pop visually and taste-wise, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a lively splash of green and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese adds richness and a touch of saltiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This roasted side is a dream partner for a wide variety of mains. Serve it alongside roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or a rich beef stew to add a burst of sweet and savory goodness. It also complements grain bowls or leafy green salads for a lighter meal option with fall flair.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the squash warm in individual ramekins with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. Layer it over creamy polenta or mix into quinoa bowls for hearty breakfasts or lunches that highlight its comforting sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so it makes an excellent next-day side or addition to salads and wraps.
Freezing
While fresh roasted squash is best, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Frozen squash can be kept for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To bring back the squash’s roasted charm, reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash can work in this recipe, but keep in mind it releases more moisture, so you may want to reduce the broth slightly to avoid sogginess.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave nectar are great alternatives that will provide similar sweetness and help caramelize the squash nicely.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Just swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegan-friendly while maintaining the wonderful flavor.
How do I know when the squash is done roasting?
The squash is perfectly roasted when tender throughout and caramelized around the edges—test with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance.
What other herbs work well in this recipe?
Rosemary, sage, or a pinch of cinnamon can make lovely additions, complementing the natural sweetness and adding an earthy or warm spice note.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe is pure magic in a dish—simple ingredients working together to create something soulful and delightful. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and makes every meal a little more special. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash recipe features tender cubes of butternut squash glazed with a luscious blend of melted butter, pure maple syrup, and savory broth. Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, enhanced with optional fresh herbs and creamy feta cheese for a comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3½ cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
Liquids & Sweeteners
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (½ stick)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey broth or vegetable broth)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Seasonings & Garnishes
- ½–1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add squash and liquids: Place the cubed butternut squash into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the melted butter, chicken broth, and pure maple syrup evenly over the squash to ensure it is well coated.
- Season the squash: Sprinkle the kosher salt and ground black pepper over the squash. Add chopped fresh parsley or thyme if you choose to use herbs for added flavor.
- Initial baking: Loosely cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid and bake for 15 minutes. This helps steam the squash and infuse flavors.
- Uncover and continue baking: Remove the cover, stir the squash gently to coat it again in the buttery syrup mixture, then bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot squash before serving. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the maple syrup amount for less sweetness if preferred.
- Fresh herbs add brightness but are optional—dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main when topped with more feta or nuts.
- Ensure the squash pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
