Roasted Butternut Squash With Cinnamon Maple Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of fall with the perfect touch of sweetness from maple syrup, making it an irresistible side dish that reminds me of cozy autumn evenings. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and makes me feel like a total kitchen pro when I serve it to friends or family!

When fall arrives, and the warm days of summer recede, I cherish preparing uncomplicated, satisfying dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Maple. This mellow autumn dish of cubed squash, olive oil, pure maple syrup, and ground cinnamon seems to exude the very essence of the fall harvest.

Nutritious and refreshing, it makes a perfect and “inside-season” vegetable side for transitional dinners.

Ingredients

Rich in fiber and vitamin A, offering natural sweetness, is what describes the butternut squash best.

Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats that add taste and texture to an array of dishes.

Maple Syrup: A sweetener that is natural, has a rich flavor, and is antioxidant-rich.

Cinnamon in its powdered form: Contributes congeniality and a hint of spiciness; helps keep blood sugar in line.

Sodium chloride: Increases palatability; use in moderation for a balanced diet.

Black Pepper: Offers a gentle spiciness and depth of taste.

Nutmeg (optional): Fragrant spice that lends depth and a sense of laid-back comfort to the drink.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this makes for an easy cleanup after the cookies are baked.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix the butternut squash cut into cubes, the olive oil, the maple syrup, the ground cinnamon, the salt, and the black pepper.

3. Coat the squash as evenly as possible with oil and seasonings. If you’re using ground nutmeg, this is when you should mix it in.

4. Place the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not too close together so that they can roast evenly.

5. Put the baking sheet in the warmed oven.

6. Squash should be roasted for 25 to 30 minutes, with stirring at the midpoint—at least as necessary for the tender and golden-brown edges that caramelization demands.

7. To check if squash is done, pierce it with a fork; the flesh should be soft but still hold its shape.

8. Take the baking sheet out of the oven when the squash is tender, sweet, and fully cooked.

9. Let the roast squash cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Place in a dish suitable for serving, adorn as you wish, and hopefully take some pleasure in the Roasted Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Maple.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Fork
9. Spoon or spatula (for mixing and stirring)

FAQ

• Q:Is it possible to use a different kind of squash for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use acorn squash or kabocha in place of butternut squash if it is unavailable.
• Q:How do I ensure my squash is evenly roasted?
  A: Ensure that the squash is sliced into even 1-inch cubes and that these are laid out flat on the baking sheet.
• Q:Q: Is there a substitute for maple syrup? A: You can use honey or agave nectar as substitutes for maple syrup.
• Q:Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the squash by roasting it before your event and then warm it up before eating.
• Q:With what can I pair this dish?
  A:
  It complements well with roasted chicken, turkey, or as a side to your favored grain dish.
• Q:How might I increase the flavor? A: Think about a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for additional warmth.

Substitutions and Variations

Coconut oil or melted butter can be used in place of olive oil for a different flavor.
If you prefer, you can substitute honey or agave nectar for pure maple syrup.
For a more complex flavor, use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for ground cinnamon.
Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt may be used in the place of table salt, depending on your fancy.
White pepper can be used instead of black pepper for a less intense flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Uniform Sizing Ensure the cubes of butternut squash are cut evenly to 1-inch sizes. This promotes even roasting so that all pieces are tender at the same time.

2. Preheat Importance Properly preheating the oven can make a significant difference in achieving that perfect caramelization. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before placing the squash inside.

3. Ample Space When spreading the squash cubes on the baking sheet, ensure they have enough space to roast rather than steam. Overcrowding can lead to softer, less caramelized squash.

4. Midpoint Stir Stirring the squash halfway through the roasting process not only helps in even browning but also allows you to check on their progress and adjust cooking time if necessary.

5. Flavor Boost Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the last few minutes of roasting for an extra layer of flavor that complements the squash’s sweetness.