Perfectly Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple & Thyme

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy learning how to cook butternut squash ? i used to think squash was just for halloween pumpkins. but honestly, roasting it brings out a sweetness that’s pure magic, especially with a bit of maple and thyme.

Brief Overview

Butternut squash, believe it or not, hails from central america. it's been a staple for centuries. this recipe is super easy.

We are talking prep time of around 20 minutes. 40 minutes in the oven. it yields enough for four people.

It's perfect as a side dish.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about butternut squash ? it's packed with vitamin a. good for your peepers! this best butternut soup recipe is great for a chilly autumn evening, or really any time you need a bit of comfort.

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the combination of earthy squash, sweet maple syrup, and fragrant thyme. it's a flavour explosion!

Let's dive into those ingredients.

What You'll Need: Your Shopping List

For this roasted butternut squash masterpiece, you’ll need:

• One medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs / 900g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (15ml) - the good stuff!
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried) (5ml/2.5ml)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (2.5ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml)

Don’t skimp on the maple syrup, it really makes a difference. Right, next up is equipment!

Getting Started: Your Kitchen Arsenal

Before you even think about touching a butternut squash , gather your tools. a decent chef's knife is essential. a vegetable peeler, a sturdy cutting board, and a large baking sheet are crucial.

Parchment paper is optional, but saves on the washing up. i can never be bothered to use it though, honestly!

Now, let's get cooking!

How to Cook Butternut Squash: step-by-step

First things first, crank up that oven to 400° f ( 200° c). if you're using parchment paper, line your baking sheet now.

Then comes the fun bit. get your butternut squash soup roasted , ready for the oven. peel, halve, and scoop out those pesky seeds.

Cube the squash into 1 inch (2.5cm) pieces.

Next, in a bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper. make sure everything is evenly coated.

Spread the seasoned squash on your baking sheet. roast for 35- 45 minutes. remember to flip halfway through for even browning.

Look for caramelization! that is where the magic happens!

Serving Up Perfection: Finishing Touches

Once it's out of the oven, serve immediately. this roasted butternut squash is divine on its own. or, add to salads, grain bowls, or as a side with your sunday roast.

It's super versatile. i often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

Enjoy your fall healthy soups ingredient! it’s like a warm hug in food form. you can also vary it with a butternut and acorn squash soup .

This will be a best squash soup . this is the best butternut squash soup if you ask me! also, perfect for fall soups with butternut squash .

Right then, let's talk about what you need to nail this perfectly roasted butternut squash! It's easier than you think, honestly.

Ingredients & Equipment: Time to Get Sorted

Alright, before we even think about how to cook butternut squash, let's gather our supplies!

Main Ingredients The Stars of the Show

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs / 900g ): Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a matte, even tan colour. Avoid any with soft spots or bruises. A good squash is a happy squash.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ): Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavour, but any good quality olive oil will do the trick.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup ( 15ml ): Now, proper maple syrup is the bee's knees here. Skip the fake stuff if you can.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried ) ( 5ml/2.5ml ): Fresh thyme is always best, but dried works in a pinch.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt ( 2.5ml ): It enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25ml ): Freshly ground is always best, adds a nice kick.

This recipe is perfect as a base for butternut squash soup vegetarian! imagine this roasted squash blended into a creamy soup.

Mmm! if you are looking for fall healthy soups, look no further.

Seasoning Notes Let’s Get Spicy!

Thyme and maple syrup are the classic combo for a reason. They're like Ant & Dec, they just work! But don’t be afraid to experiment.

• For a bit of warmth, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg is lush.
• A tiny dash of chili flakes can add a cheeky kick.
• Rosemary makes an excellent thyme substitution if you're feeling fancy.

This Best Butternut Soup Recipe starts here, with a flavourful roasted base. You can also make a Butternut And Acorn Squash Soup by roasting them together with same instructions.

Equipment Needed Keep it Simple

You don't need loads of fancy kit to how to cook butternut squash , thank goodness.

• Chef's knife : A decent, sharp knife is key, especially for tackling that squash. Be careful though, these can be hard to cut safely.
• Vegetable peeler : Essential for getting that tough skin off.
• Large cutting board : Plenty of room to chop without making a mess.
• Large baking sheet : For roasting the squash, of course.
• Parchment paper (optional): Makes cleanup a breeze!

Honestly, that's it. nothing too intimidating, eh? i've made this recipe with just a basic set of knives and a cheap baking sheet, and it always turns out great.

No excuses! for those who want that butternut squash soup roasted this recipe is perfect, you will want to get that browning for the best result.

Now you're ready to start cooking. You will be so proud of how delicious the best squash soup is, it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Alright, let’s get ready how to cook butternut squash the absolute best way! forget bland and boring. we're going for squash so good, it'll make your taste buds sing.

Honestly, this recipe is so simple, even i can't mess it up! get ready for some sweet, savory goodness!

Get Your Prep On: Butternut Squash Blitz

Essential Mise en Place

Right, first things first, let's get organized. you'll need 1 medium butternut squash, roughly 2 lbs / 900g. grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of proper maple syrup (the real deal!), 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried), ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

Oh, and your trusty knife and peeler!

Time Saving Tips

Peeling butternut squash can be a right pain, you know? here’s a nifty trick: poke a few holes in it with a fork and microwave it for 2- 3 minutes .

This softens the skin just enough to make peeling much easier. honestly, it's a game changer.

Safety First!

Sharp knives are your friend, but only if you respect them. always cut away from yourself, and keep your fingers tucked in.

A stable cutting board is key too, avoid any slips and slides.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

Roast that Squash!

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Get that bad boy nice and toasty!
2. Peel, halve, and deseed the squash. Cube it into 1 inch (2.5cm) pieces.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Get it all coated nicely.
4. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. No overcrowding!
5. Roast for 35- 45 minutes , flipping halfway. You're looking for tender and slightly caramelized edges. Think 'golden brown' not 'burnt to a crisp'!

Visual Cues for Doneness

You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides easily into a piece of squash. Keep your peepers peeled for that lovely caramelization.

Critical Temperature Points

We’re aiming for a sweet spot of tenderness, so be sure to check the squash regularly. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.

Pro Tips for Butternut Squash Bliss

Expert Techniques

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. This leads to steaming instead of roasting. If you've got loads of squash, use two baking sheets!

Common Pitfalls

Undercooked squash is no fun, so make sure it’s properly tender before serving.

make-ahead Magic

This butternut squash soup vegetarian side can be prepped in advance. chop the squash and toss with the seasonings, then store in the fridge until you're ready to roast.

It'll save you time on a busy weeknight or before a big fall healthy soups dinner. plus, using this as the base of a best butternut soup recipe is chef's kiss .

Try some butternut squash soup roasted for the best squash soup too! this is the best butternut squash soup . want something else? there's the butternut and acorn squash soup .

These are fall soups with butternut squash , and also fall healthy soups .

So there you have it! Perfectly roasted butternut squash that will be the star of your meal. Enjoy, my friend. You deserve it!.

Right then, let's wrap up this how to cook butternut squash guide with some extra bits and bobs to make sure yours turns out top-notch! It's all about those little touches, innit?

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Making it a proper meal!

Right, so you've got your perfectly roasted butternut squash. now what? honestly, it's so versatile! plating wise, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of balsamic glaze can make it look like something from a fancy restaurant.

Serve it up with a roast chicken or some proper sausages for a sunday dinner vibe. or, fancy a bit of butternut squash soup vegetarian option? blitz some of this roasted squash with stock, cream, and a bit of ginger and you're laughing! a crisp glass of apple cider complements the sweetness of the squash perfectly too.

Storage Tips: Keeping the goodness fresh

Honestly, if you've got leftovers (which is rare in my house!), refrigeration is your friend. pop the roasted squash in an airtight container.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. freezing? yeah, you can do that too. spread it out on a baking sheet first, then bag it up once it's frozen solid.

Reheating? microwave it, oven bake it, or even pan-fry it. a little tip, for reheating instructions , try adding a splash of water for extra moisture when microwaving to stop it from drying out.

Variations: Mixing it up a bit!

Fancy a bit of a twist? one of the best parts of this best butternut soup recipe is that it can easily become the base of soup!.

For a healthy squash soup , try adding some red lentils when you're roasting the squash, then blend it all together with vegetable stock.

Boom! also, try swapping out the thyme for sage if you're feeling autumnal. or, for a vegan version, use agave instead of maple syrup.

Sorted! you can make butternut and acorn squash soup very easy by roasting both types of squash together. the options are endless!

Nutrition Basics: Good for you, innit?

Fall soups with butternut squash are not only tasty, but they’re good for you too! butternut squash soup roasted really brings out the flavor and helps retain nutrients.

I read somewhere that one serving's got loads of vitamin a. it's a good source of fibre too. roughly, you're looking at around 175 calories per serving.

This squash is a powerhouse! it's also a good source of potassium. as a bonus, fall healthy soups are ideal for watching your weight.

So there you have it! roasting butternut squash is a doddle, really. just follow these tips, and you'll be chowing down on the best butternut squash soup or a stunning side dish in no time.

Now go on, get roasting! and remember, if i can do it, anyone can. 😉