This Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash is an effortless side dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. The butternut squash is roasted to a golden crisp and lightly coated with spices, making it ideal for a casual weeknight meal or a festive holiday table.
I find this mildly spiced squash to be the ideal side dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken and a crisp, spicy kale salad recipe. The sweet and spicy flavors make this dish my family's go-to fall favorite.
This spicy roasted butternut squash recipe is easy to prepare, with simple steps and pantry-staple ingredients.
Whether you're a fan of fiery flavors or prefer just a bit of heat, you can easily tweak this recipe to match your preference.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
⭐️Highly adaptable.
⭐️Easy to make with a few ingredients.
⭐️ Crowd-pleaser, scale up, and get ready for the party.
Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Butternut squash has tough skin, so carefully handle the knife while chopping and peeling.
- Olive Oil: I opted for extra virgin olive oil, but you may also substitute vegetable oil or any other neutral-flavored cooking oil.
- Paprika adds a warm, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount to control the spiciness to your heat tolerance. Feel free to substitute with red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Powder coats the butternut squash pieces evenly(than freshly minced garlic).
How To Make Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash?
- Peel and cut the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.
- Toss the butternut squash pieces in a bowl with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy on the edges.
- Serve as a side or salad topping.
Storage Reheating
- Spicy roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- You can reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave in short intervals until warmed through-Moisten with water for soft, moist, spicy roasted butternut squash.
♨️How To Adjust The Spice Level?
- This Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash is made with medium heat and has a noticeable spiciness.
- To control the heat, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference. You can substitute it with paprika or skip adding it entirely.
- Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to enhance the heat.
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Variations
- Cinnamon Twist: Toss maple or brown sugar, then sprinkle with cinnamon before roasting for a sweet variation.
- Herb Delight: Add rosemary sprigs or thyme for a flavored, spicy roasted butternut squash.
- Curried: Mix in some garam masala or a Moroccan spice mixture for a flavorful twist.
- Cheesy crust: Add grated goat cheese or Parmesan in the last few minutes of roasting for a savory, cheesy delight.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Even Cubes: Cut the butternut squash into uniform bite-sized pieces, as every piece roasts perfectly at the same rate.
- Increase the Spice: For more heat, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper before roasting.
- Broil for Crispy Edges: To achieve perfectly crispy edges, broil the butternut squash for the last few minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can enjoy this spicy roasted butternut squash soup with grilled meats, or serve it with grains/pasta, or with a hearty soup (like this spicy chicken noodle soup).
Any fresh, firm butternut squash will work. Look for ones that are heavy for their size and have a uniform tan color, with no soft spots or blemishes.
Yes, peeling the squash before roasting is recommended, as the skin can be tricky and is not typically eaten. However, you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic dish.
If your spicy roasted butternut squash is too hot, drizzle it with maple syrup or honey. This will balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 2 lbs butternut squash /medium size
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat level
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- First things first, let's get that oven hot! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel the butternut squash, then cut it into pieces that are 1 inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, add butternut squash pieces, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt and olive oil.
- Toss well until the the butternut squash cubes are coated evenly with the spices.
- Line with parchment paper, or lightly grease a baking sheet. And spread the butternut squash cubes in a single layer.
- Place the baking sheet in the middle rack in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn crispy.
- Serve as a side dish or as topping to a salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Additional Info
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