Honey Garlic Roasted Butternut Squash

$- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can swap butternut squash with acorn squash for a different taste. Maple syrup works well if you need a honey substitute. Use garlic powder if you lack fresh garlic. If you want a nutty flavor, try adding a sprinkle of ground almonds. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. You will need a sharp knife for cutting the squash. A large mixing bowl helps in tossing the ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper promotes easy cleanup. Finally, a spatula will assist in stirring the squash during roasting. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab your medium butternut squash. Peel it carefully with a sharp knife. Then, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, take a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Add the cubed squash to the bowl. Toss everything well until each piece is coated. This step is key for great flavor. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated squash cubes onto the sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast well. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir the squash halfway through. This ensures even cooking and caramelization. You will know it’s done when it turns golden brown and is tender. After roasting, take the baking sheet out. Let the squash cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. To roast butternut squash perfectly, start by cutting it into even cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. Spread the squash in a single layer on the sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the squash instead of roasting it. Stir the pieces halfway through cooking. This step ensures even caramelization and a rich flavor. I love adding a twist to my honey garlic roasted butternut squash. Try including a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or sprinkle some smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You can also swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch. For a fresh touch, consider mixing in some chopped rosemary or thyme. These herbs pair well with the squash and enhance the dish's aroma. A great presentation makes any dish stand out. Serve your roasted butternut squash in a shallow bowl. Drizzle any leftover honey mixture over the top for a glossy finish. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright color contrast. You can also use pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and a sweet bite. This not only looks great but also adds texture and flavor, making your dish even more appealing. Pro Tips Choose the Right Squash: Opt for a firm butternut squash with a smooth skin and no blemishes. This ensures the best flavor and texture. Perfectly Minced Garlic: For an even distribution of flavor, ensure your garlic is finely minced. This allows it to caramelize beautifully during roasting. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick or a smoky flavor. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Replace honey with maple syrup. This swap keeps the sweet flavor while staying plant-based. You can also use agave syrup if you prefer. As for gluten-free, this recipe is already free from gluten. Just ensure any additional products, like spices, are certified gluten-free. Want to play with flavors? Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. It gives a nice kick! You can also mix in some balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. Fresh ginger adds a zesty touch, too. If you love herbs, consider rosemary or thyme. They pair well with the sweetness of the squash. Serve your honey garlic roasted butternut squash as a side dish. It goes great with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also add it to salads for extra flavor. If you want a hearty meal, serve it over quinoa or brown rice. For a festive touch, add pomegranate seeds on top before serving. This adds color and a burst of flavor! After enjoying your honey garlic roasted butternut squash, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure the squash cools down before sealing the container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. To reheat, place the squash on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the squash in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm. You can freeze the roasted butternut squash for later meals. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as directed above for a tasty dish ready to enjoy! Yes, you can use other squash types. Acorn squash or pumpkin works well. They add unique flavors. Just cut them into 1-inch cubes. Adjust cooking time if needed. Always check for tenderness. You can add spices to boost flavor. Try paprika for a smoky taste. Add cayenne for heat. A pinch of ginger can give warmth. Mix spices into the honey and oil. This allows the flavors to blend well. Serve it warm for the best taste. You can place it in a shallow bowl. Drizzle leftover honey mixture on top. This adds sweetness and shine. Add fresh parsley for color. It makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. In this post, we explored the ingredients needed for honey garlic butternut squash, with tips on substitutes and tools. I detailed the prep, mixing, and roasting steps, along with tricks for perfect results. We discussed variations for dietary needs and how to store your dish properly. Remember, cooking is about joy and creativity. Enjoy making this dish your own! With a little practice, you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills.$

Honey Garlic Roasted Butternut Squash

A delicious roasted butternut squash dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper. Ensure all pieces are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Carefully spread the seasoned squash cubes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer to promote even roasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, gently stir the squash to promote even caramelization. The squash should be tender and have developed a beautiful golden-brown hue when done.
Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the squash to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

To enhance the visual appeal, serve the roasted butternut squash in a shallow bowl. Drizzle any remaining honey mixture over the top for an enticing gloss and sprinkle additional freshly chopped parsley for an eye-catching finish.

Keyword butternut squash, honey garlic, roasted, vegetarian