Easy Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter Parmesan

This Easy Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter Parmesan is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion! Tender rounds of butternut squash are roasted until caramelized and sweet, then infused with the savory goodness of garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. I absolutely love roasting butternut squash - it brings out its natural sweetness beautifully, and this recipe takes it to the next level. While often enjoyed in the fall and winter, butternut squash stores well, making this Roasted Butternut Squash dish accessible and delicious year-round!

Why You'll Love This Roasted Butternut Squash

• Simple and Flavorful: Uses basic ingredients to create a side dish bursting with savory, slightly sweet, and cheesy flavor.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep work and straightforward roasting instructions.
• Tender and Caramelized: Roasting brings out the best texture and flavor in butternut squash.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with chicken, pork, beef, or even as part of a vegetarian meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A delicious and comforting side dish that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash

Here's what you'll need to make this flavorful roasted vegetable dish. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Large butternut squash (specifically the neck portion) (Vegetable)
• Extra-virgin olive oil (Oil)
• Unsalted butter, melted (Fat)
• Fresh sage sprig (Herb)
• Garlic cloves, crushed (Aromatic)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Dairy)
• Fresh lemon juice (Acid)

Seasoning

• Italian seasoning (Spice Blend)
• Coarse salt (Seasoning)
• Freshly ground black pepper (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Roasted Butternut Squash recipe as is, but here are a few delicious variations:

• Different Squash: Try this method with acorn squash or delicata squash (adjust roasting time as needed).
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the squash during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
• Different Herbs: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of or in addition to sage.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a touch of maple syrup along with the lemon juice at the end for a sweeter finish.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter Parmesan

Let me show you how easy it is to make this delicious Roasted Butternut Squash:

Prep Squash and Oven

1. First, I preheat my oven to 425ºF (210ºC) for 15-20 minutes. A hot oven helps with caramelization!
2. I cut the neck off of the butternut squash (saving the base for another use, like soup!).
3. I cut the stem from the end and peel the squash neck.
4. Then, I cut the squash neck into eight slices crosswise, about ½ inch thick each.

Season and Arrange

1. I transfer the butternut squash rounds to a lightly oiled baking pan or sheet.
2. I arrange the crushed garlic cloves and the fresh sage sprig around the butternut squash slices on the pan.
3. In a small bowl, I combine the olive oil and melted butter together.
4. I drizzle this mixture over the butternut squash slices.
5. Finally, I sprinkle each round evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Roast

1. I roast the garlic butter parmesan butternut squash in the preheated oven for 25 - 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of my butternut slices. I look for them to be tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown on the edges.

Finish and Serve

1. I remove the pan from the oven.
2. I drizzle the baked butternut squash slices with fresh lemon juice.
3. Then, I transfer them to a serving platter along with the roasted garlic cloves and sage sprig (if desired for presentation).
4. I sprinkle with more coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper if I like.
5. Serve this amazing roasted butternut squash immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Roasted Squash

Here are my secrets for making this Roasted Butternut Squash truly exceptional:

• Use the Neck: The neck of the butternut squash is less fibrous and easier to cut into uniform rounds compared to the bulbous end.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and get nicely caramelized.
• High Heat: Roasting at 425°F (210°C) helps achieve that desirable caramelization and tender texture.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded Parmesan.
• Don't Skip the Lemon: The final drizzle of lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter Parmesan is a perfect side dish for:

• Holiday Meals: A fantastic addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Complements poultry beautifully.
• Pork Dishes: Delicious alongside pork loin or pork chops.
• Steak: A flavorful vegetable side for steak night.
• Vegetarian Main: Serve alongside quinoa or lentils for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Serve warm.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can cut the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Leftover roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQs about Roasted Butternut Squash

• Can I use a different type of winter squash?
  • Yes, acorn squash or delicata squash (no need to peel delicata!) would also work well, though roasting times might vary slightly.
• Can I make this vegan?
  • Absolutely! Substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of dairy Parmesan.
• What if I don't have fresh sage?
  • You can use dried sage (use about ½ teaspoon) or substitute with fresh rosemary or thyme.

Enjoy this flavorful, easy, and comforting Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter Parmesan! It's a perfect side dish for almost any meal.

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