Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar

Savor the goodness of roasted butternut squash with brown sugar and butter, the ultimate hit with kids as a side dish. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 35 minutes, and it’s totally gluten-free!

Now, if you’re like me, dealing with kiddos who might give that bright orange veggie the side-eye, don’t worry – this butternut squash recipe is a game-changer for toddlers, tweens, and grown-ups alike. It’s all about making that squash irresistible with a dash of sweetness and a touch of richness. So, let’s dive into a yummy adventure that’s perfect for every age group!

For more kid-approved recipes featuring vegetables, check out our Slow Cooker Chunky Vegetable Soup, Green Beans For Kids and Brussels Sprouts Recipe For Kids.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons melted butter ✅
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar ✅
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon ✅
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make Brown Sugar Butternut Squahs

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees. Then, use a vegetable peeler to peel the outside of the squash. Slice in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

Cut the squash into similar-sized cubes for even cooking then spread out on a baking sheet.

Kitchen Tip: Make sure to use a very sharp knife when slicing the squash in half.

Blend the sugar mixture

Blend brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper into melted butter in a small bowl.

You could add or substitute nutmeg or allspice for more flavor in the mixture too. We especially love to add these spices around the holidays.

Pour the butter mixture over the squash, using a spoon or spatula, and blend well.

Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping squash with a spatula halfway through.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for later, reheating in the microwave or oven. 

Serving Suggestions

I love serving roasted butternut squash with brown sugar as a side dish with Baked Chicken Thighs, Tater Tot Casserole, and Baked Taco Cups. Caramelizing squash brings out the sweetness of the vegetable, which pairs extremely well with these savory dishes.

This side dish is great to serve around the holiday season too. Just imagine this squash served as part of your next Thanksgiving Menu. It is sure to impress everyone around the table!

Variations

You can absolutely keep things simple by following these written directions then serving. However, if you are looking for a few ways on how to vary this recipe, we have some ideas for you!

• Nuts – add chopped pecans or walnuts to the baking tray
• Sweetener – instead of brown sugar, drizzle with 2 Tablespoons of honey, agave or maple syrup.
• Vegetables – add a vegetable blend to the tray such as Brussels sprouts, baby carrots or tri-color carrots
• Fruit – add a fruit blend to the tray such as fresh or dried cranberries, pineapple or apple chunks

Click here for more Squash Recipes or click here to find out more Ideas To Do With Butternut Squash.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Choose the Right Squash: Select a ripe butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a matte, unblemished skin. This will ensure a sweeter and more flavorful result.
• Use a Good Quality Vegetable Peeler: A sharp and sturdy vegetable peeler will make peeling the squash much easier and safer.
• Uniform Cubes: Try to cut the squash into uniformly-sized cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly, and you won’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are overly caramelized.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: The brown sugar adds sweetness to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices or herbs to customize the flavor. Nutmeg, cloves, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an interesting twist.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent the squash from sticking to the pan.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the squash while it’s baking. It should be tender and caramelized but not overly mushy. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the squash cubes.
• Serve Hot: Roasted butternut squash is best when served hot from the oven. It tends to lose its crispiness as it cools.
• Pair with Complementary Dishes: Consider serving the roasted butternut squash with dishes that complement its flavors, such as roast chicken, pork chops, or a hearty salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Instructions

To store your leftover roasted butternut squash with brown sugar and butter, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to prevent air from getting in. Place the container in the refrigerator where it can be kept for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, labeled with the date. Frozen roasted squash can maintain its quality for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to use frozen squash, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that reheated squash may not be as crispy as when fresh, but it will still retain its delicious flavor.

Butternut Squash Recipes

• Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
• Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup in the Crockpot
• Gluten Free Butternut Squash Ravioli
• How To Freeze Butternut Squash
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Walnuts
• How To Make Butternut Squash on the Stove

• How To Roast Acorn Squash
• Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Grilled Spaghetti Squash
• How To Make Spaghetti Squash
• Crockpot Butternut Squash
• Mac & Cheese with Butternut Squash
• Butternut Squash Casserole With Pecans

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