Sweet & Savory Honey Butter Butternut Squash Cubes (Print Version)
Make tender, sweet & savory Honey Butter Butternut Squash Cubes. A simple side, perfect for any meal, with a touch of personal kitchen charm.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Butternut Base
01 -
1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Sweet & Savory Glaze
02 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
3 tablespoons honey
04 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
05 -
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
06 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Aromatic Touches
07 -
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
08 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Finishing Flourishes
09 -
Optional: pinch of flaky sea salt
10 -
Optional: extra drizzle of honey
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's tackle that butternut squash. Grab your sharpest peeler and carefully remove the skin. Honestly, this can be the trickiest part, so take your time! Once peeled, slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out those stringy bits and seeds (a spoon works great here), then chop it into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them pretty even so they cook at the same rate. I usually end up with a few wonky pieces, but hey, that's real cooking, right?
02 -
Now for the good stuff! In a small saucepan over low heat, or even a microwave-safe bowl, combine your unsalted butter and honey. Let it melt gently, stirring until it's smooth and beautifully golden. You want it just barely simmering, not boiling. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating that irresistible coating for our Honey Butter Butternut Squash. Don't forget to stir; I once let it sit too long and the butter separated a bit – oops!
03 -
Time to get everything mingling! In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with the olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and that glorious honey butter mixture. Make sure every single cube is coated; you want them glistening and ready for the oven. This step is crucial for getting those delicious caramelized edges on your Honey Butter Butternut Squash. I sometimes get a little messy here, but it's all part of the fun!
04 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me on the parchment, it saves so much cleanup! Spread the seasoned butternut squash in a single layer. This is where I learned my lesson about overcrowding; if they're piled up, they'll steam instead of roast. Pop it in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. You'll start to smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen – that's the Honey Butter Butternut Squash doing its thing!
05 -
After 20 minutes, carefully pull the baking sheet out. Give the squash a good stir or flip them over with a spatula to ensure even cooking and browning. Those edges should be getting beautifully golden and slightly caramelized. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and has those lovely browned bits. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it!
06 -
Once your Honey Butter Butternut Squash is perfectly tender and caramelized, take it out of the oven. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and/or a little extra drizzle of honey. Serve it warm, right away! It's incredible as a side dish, but honestly, I've been known to just eat a bowl of it by itself. The smell, the sweetness, the tender texture – it's just pure comfort.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan; it steams instead of roasts.
02 -
Leftovers are great for meal prep, but a quick re-roast is better than microwave.
03 -
Maple syrup is a decent swap for honey if you're out.
04 -
A sprinkle of pecans after roasting adds a lovely crunch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large baking sheet
02 -
parchment paper
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
05 -
sharp peeler
06 -
sharp knife
07 -
spoon
08 -
spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 2g