Looking for the perfect fall side dish recipe that’s both delicious and simple? This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. As a holiday side dish, it’s become a staple at my family gatherings, and I’m excited to share this Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash recipe with you. The natural sweetness of butternut squash paired with warm cinnamon creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash will surely be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Benefits of Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Enjoying Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is not only satisfying but also a healthy choice for your meals. You can incorporate this dish into various dietary plans without sacrificing flavor.
In addition to its delightful taste, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, and when combined with cinnamon, it can help regulate blood sugar levels.
This healthy butternut squash recipe combines natural sweetness with warm spices, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The best part? It needs just a few ingredients from your pantry, making it one of my favorite easy holiday recipes. The edges caramelize beautifully in the oven, while the inside becomes perfectly tender. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this dish, as the natural sweetness of the squash shines through with the complementary warmth of cinnamon.
Use Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash as a topping for salads or grain bowls for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Essential Tips for Perfect Roasted Fall Vegetables
- Cut squash cubes to an even 1-inch size for consistent cooking
- Pat the squash dry before roasting to achieve better caramelization
- Preheat your baking sheet for extra crispiness
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Give the squash enough space on the baking sheet to roast properly
- Choose a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a matte skin
- The skin should be free from cuts, soft spots, or blemishes
- A ripe butternut squash will have a beige color without any green patches
- If your squash is too hard to cut, microwave it for 1-2 minutes to soften slightly
Creative Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Variations
Want to put your spin on this roasted butternut squash recipe? Try these tasty twists:
- Add maple syrup for extra sweetness
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans
- Mix in other roasted fall vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes
- Add rosemary and thyme for a savory twist
- Top with marshmallows for a dessert-like treat
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for sweet heat
- Add garlic powder and parmesan cheese for a savory version
- Mix with cranberries and pecans for a festive touch
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
This versatile Thanksgiving side dish pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Honey-glazed ham
- Green bean casserole
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- Roasted brussels sprouts
- Mashed potatoes
- Wild rice pilaf
- Quinoa salad
What Flavors Go Well with Butternut Squash
The mild, sweet flavor of butternut squash with cinnamon works wonderfully with:
- Warm spices (nutmeg, ginger, allspice)
- Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
- Sweet additions (maple syrup, honey, brown sugar)
- Nuts (pecans, walnuts, pepitas)
- Dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, apricots)
- Cheese (parmesan, feta, goat cheese)
- Aromatics (garlic, shallots, onions)
Can You Freeze Butternut Squash
Yes! You can freeze raw cubed butternut squash for up to 3 months in an airtight container. For cooked squash, let it cool completely before freezing, and use within 2 months for best results. To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. Remember to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.
If you’re looking for a quick meal prep option, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Combining Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash with proteins like chicken or turkey makes for a complete meal.
Store leftover squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave leftovers, but the texture won’t be quite as nice. For best results when reheating, sprinkle with a little olive oil and additional cinnamon before warming.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes You’ll Enjoy
PrintCinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss squash cubes with olive oil until well coated.
- Add cinnamon, salt, and pepper, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Spread squash on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Check doneness with a fork – it should slide in easily.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4th of the recipe (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4g (without added brown sugar or syrup)
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
The sweet and spicy flavors of Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash make it an ideal addition to any fall menu.
Try serving Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
During the holiday season, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash can be a festive dish that complements your traditional favorites.
For those who enjoy meal prepping, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is perfect for storing and reheating throughout the week.
This Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash dish not only tastes great but is also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Don’t forget, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any meal.