Get ready to transform the humble butternut squash into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds! This Hot Honey Roasted Butternut Squash is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and caramelized goodness. Imagine golden-brown squash cubes glistening with a hot honey glaze, each bite promising a tantalizing combination of warmth and sweetness that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler or knife. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and then cube the flesh into roughly 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure even roasting.
- Place the cubed butternut squash in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with salt. Toss the cubes thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with oil.
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization and roasting.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The squash should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately drizzle hot honey over the roasted squash. Gently toss to coat the cubes evenly with the sweet and spicy honey.
- Transfer the hot honey roasted butternut squash to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the caramelized edges and the sweet-spicy flavor of the hot honey glaze.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all squash cubes are roughly the same size (about 1-inch) to guarantee even roasting and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the squash in a single layer with some space between pieces. Overcrowding will steam the squash instead of roasting, preventing those delicious caramelized edges.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F creates those beautiful golden-brown edges that add incredible depth of flavor.
- Honey Hack: Warm your hot honey slightly before drizzling to help it coat the squash more evenly.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: The fresh thyme isn't just for looks – it adds a subtle earthy note that complements the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side for roasted meats, mix into salads, or even enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
