Description
A simple, comforting side dish featuring butternut squash roasted with nutty brown butter, sweet honey, and salt. This recipe requires only four main ingredients and delivers sophisticated flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds / 900g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or sage, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the squash, remove seeds, and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk until the butter foams, turns deep golden brown, and smells nutty (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Pour the hot brown butter over the squash cubes. Add honey and kosher salt. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not touching.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are caramelized and centers are tender.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan, as squash will steam instead of roast. Ensure butter is browned but not burnt, as burnt butter tastes bitter. For meal prep, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain texture. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For dairy-free/vegan versions, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 2
Keywords: brown butter, roasted squash, butternut squash, honey roasted vegetables, easy side dish, fall recipes, gluten-free side, weeknight dinner