Roasted Squash with Brown Sugar (Printable)

Tender roasted squash caramelized with brown sugar and warm spices. An easy, elegant side for any meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Squash

01 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Seasonings & Sweetener

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme
09 - 2 tablespoons toasted pecans or walnuts

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cubed squash with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until squash is tender and caramelized on the edges.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped herbs and toasted nuts if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The brown sugar creates a glossy caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender, like nature's candy.
  • You can prepare everything in advance and simply pop it in the oven when guests arrive, letting those warm spice aromas work their magic.
02 -
  • Cutting the squash into consistently sized cubes is crucial for even cooking, otherwise you'll end up with some pieces mushy while others remain too firm.
  • Turning the squash halfway through roasting isn't optional, it's essential, as I learned when one distracted cooking session left me with perfectly caramelized tops but pale undersides.
03 -
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper rather than foil, as the sugar can stick stubbornly to foil but releases perfectly from parchment.
  • Reserve any leftover roasted squash for tomorrow's breakfast, reheated and topped with a dollop of yogurt and granola, a discovery that happened by happy accident when I was running late one morning.

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