Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash

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.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Butternut Squash Recipe?

• Versatile Side Dish: This mildly spiced squash is the perfect side dish to pair with(from roasted chicken to kale salad).
• Easy to Make: This spicy roasted butternut squash recipe is easy to prepare with simple steps and pantry staple ingredients. 
• Customizable Heat Level: Whether you're a fan of fiery flavors or prefer just a bit of heat, you can easily adjust the chili flakes to suit your taste(like spicy roasted vegetables).
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its delightful blend of sweet butternut and spicy notes ensures this dish is a favorite fall treat. 

The Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: When roasted, butternut squash has a naturally sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture. You can also combine it with Russet potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Olive Oil: I opted for extra virgin olive oil, but you may also swap it for vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Paprika adds a warm, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor that is fabulous in this spicy roasted butternut squash recipe.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount to control the spiciness to your heat tolerance. Red chili flakes or a pinch of chili powder are also the closest alternatives.
• Garlic Powder: It spreads quickly and coats the butternut squash pieces well. 

How To Make Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash?

1. Peel and cut the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.

2. Toss the butternut squash pieces in a bowl with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil until evenly coated.

3. 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.

4. Serve as a side or salad topping.

What To Serve With?

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Serve butternut squash with roasted chicken or grilled fish.
• Vegetarian Entrees: For a hearty vegetarian meal, combine spicy roasted butternut squash with quinoa pilaf or serve it as a complement to rich roasted red pepper soup.
• Salads: Add it to a spicy kale salad for a touch of sweetness and texture, or mix it into a farro salad as a satisfying combo.
• Pasta Dishes:  providing a delightful contrast.
• Grain Bowls: Top a bowl of wholesome grains like rice or quinoa.

The Variations

• Cinnamon Twist: Toss maple or brown sugar and sprinkle cinnamon before roasting for a sweet and aromatic 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 And Tricks

• Even Cubes: Cut the butternut squash into uniform bite-sized pieces, as every piece roasts perfectly at the same rate. 
• Too Spicy? If your spicy roasted butternut squash turned out too hot? drizzle some maple syrup or honey. It balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• 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.