An Easy Fall Side Dish

 Say hello to roasted butternut squash! It’s an easy, no fuss, healthy fall side dish full with seasonal flavors (depending what you do or don’t add to it.) Every piece is a bite of delicious natural sweetness.

I have to say, I never get tired of roasted butternut squash. It’s one of those beautiful orange fleshed fall squashes that always tastes delicious — sweet, tender, and perfectly caramelized when it comes out of the oven. 

 Make Butternut Squash the Easy Way

The best part? A scant spray of olive oil and a hot oven are all it takes for this easy roasted butternut squash to shine. You really don’t need any seasoning to make it delicious, but a little pumpkin pie spice sprinkled on top takes it to the next level for me. Cut it up into chunks or wedges or roast it in halves face down and poke with a few fork holes in the skin. 

Versatile- Can Be Added To Many Dishes

Once the butternut squash is roasted in the oven or even the air-fryer, you can incorporate the firm roasted squash into many dishes —  toss it into salads, blend it into a creamy soup, serve it as a healthy side dish, or honestly, just eat it straight off the baking pan (I do!). 

Anti-inflammatory and Valuable Nutrients

The great news is that butternut squash provides you with anti-inflammatory nutrients too and it’s packed with valuable fiber, Beta carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A, Vitamin  C and lesser amounts of other nutrients.  If you’ve never roasted butternut squash before, you’ll be surprised by how simple it is and how sweet and flavorful it turns out.

I always like to keep a few butternut squash on hand during the fall and winter months. The nice thing is, they last a long time. A whole, uncut butternut squash will keep for one to three months in a cool, dry spot — no fridge needed. However, once you cut it open, just store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use them within four or five days. You can even roast or steam extra squash and freeze it for up to three months.

How To Store Butternut Squash

A whole butternut squash actually keeps really well for weeks — that’s one of the great things about it! Buy one or two in advance and keep it on hand.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 🏠 Whole, uncut butternut squash:

  • Store it in a cool, dark, dry place (like a pantry or cupboard, not the fridge).

  • It will keep for 1 to 3 months, sometimes even longer if your kitchen isn’t too warm.

  • Make sure it’s firm, with no soft spots or cuts in the skin.

• 🧊 Once cut or peeled:

  • Store pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • It will stay fresh for about 4–5 days.

  • You can also freeze cubed squash for longer storage — just roast or steam it first, then freeze in portions. It keeps for up to 3 months frozen.

How to Tell if Butternut Squash Has Gone Bad

Before you cut into it, take a quick look at the outside of your butternut squash. If you notice soft spots, mold, or wrinkled skin, it’s a sign it’s past its prime. A good squash should feel firm and heavy for its size, with smooth, matte skin. Once it’s cut, check for slimy texture or an off smell — both mean it’s time to toss it. When in doubt, it’s always safer (and less smelly!) to let it go and grab a fresh one. 

My Experiences With Stored Butternut Squash: 

That being said, I have never had a butternut squash go bad even after keeping it for over two months on my pantry shelf. The worst that ever happened to me when storing a butternut squash was that  the seeds sprouted inside and the butternut squash became too dry to want to cook it.

How to Roast Butternut Squash (The Easy Way)

If you’ve never roasted butternut squash before, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is. You only need a few ingredients, and the oven does most of the work. Here’s how to make perfectly roasted butternut squash that’s golden, sweet, and delicious every time.

Questions?? 

To Peel or not to Peel before cooking? 

The well washed skin of a roasted butternut squash is actually edible – or it can easily be removed after roasting. Peeling it requires the right tool. I find that this inexpensive small peeler works extremely well and quickly. I used to struggle in the past, but this peeler zips off the skin.

Should I Cut Into Wedges or Simply Cut the Butternut Squash in half to Roast it? 

Either way will work- I prefer to cut into thick wedges for the best crispiness and caramelization. But either way will work. Just adjust the cooking time. The larger the cooking pieces, the more time it will take to roast. 

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Peel (or don’t peel) and cut your butternut squash into wedges ( or smaller pieces if you prefer or you can even buy them pre-cut.

3. Lightly Spray the wedges or cubes.. Make sure each piece is lightly coated — this helps it caramelize beautifully.

4. Spread it out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding the pan can make the squash steam instead of roast.

5. Roast for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and the inside is soft and tender.

6. When done sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (my favorite)

Roasted butternut squash is one of those dishes that proves simple really is best. It’s naturally sweet, full of flavor, and makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients — the perfect easy fall recipe.

Ways to Use Roasted Butternut Squash