Olive Garden Recipes

Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

The ultimate tribute to golden autumn afternoons, this squash is exactly what I crave as soon as the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp. A perfect combo of caramelized, sun-kissed edges, naturally sweet squash, and a light, floral glaze from the white wine reduction—it’s a side dish that feels like a cozy sweater for your soul. It is the kind of recipe that proves how a few simple ingredients can create something truly sophisticated.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Ingredients

  • 8 cups butternut squash (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sweet white wine (such as Riesling or Moscato)
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

How To Make Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks during the final glaze.
  2. Season the squash: In a large mixing bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with the vegetable oil and salt. Make sure every piece is evenly slicked and seasoned.
  3. First roast: Spread the cubes onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. It is important to use a flat sheet first so the squash can brown properly without steaming. Roast for 30 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown.
  4. Add the wine: Transfer the par-roasted squash into your prepared 9×13 baking dish. Pour the sweet white wine over the top; the aroma of the wine hitting the hot squash is absolutely incredible.
  5. Bake again: Return the dish to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until the squash is fork-tender and the wine has reduced into a syrupy, sweet glaze. Keep an eye on smaller pieces as they may finish a few minutes early.
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Uniform Cubes: Try to cut your squash into even 1-inch pieces. This ensures that every bite is perfectly cooked at the same time, preventing some pieces from being mushy while others are still firm.
  • The Rimmed Sheet: Always use a baking sheet with a rim for the first step. Not only does it prevent oil from dripping, but it also provides the surface area needed for that beautiful caramelization.
  • Don’t Over-Stir: Once you add the wine and put the squash in the baking dish, try not to stir it too much. Let the wine reduce undisturbed to create a clear, beautiful glaze.
  • Choosing the Wine: You don’t need an expensive bottle, but pick something you’d actually enjoy drinking. A sweet Riesling or a fruity Moscato works best to complement the squash’s natural sugars.

What To Serve With Roasted Butternut Squash

This elegant side dish pairs beautifully with hearty roasted meats and earthy flavors.

  • Roasted turkey or herb-crusted chicken
  • Grilled pork chops with applesauce
  • A wild rice pilaf with dried cranberries and pecans
  • A glass of the same chilled Riesling used in the recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

How To Store Roasted Butternut Squash

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: To maintain the texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is faster but may make the squash a bit softer.
  • Freeze: You can freeze the roasted squash for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven to help crisp up the edges again.

Roasted Butternut Squash Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~165 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, you can use pre-cubed frozen squash to save time. However, do not thaw it before roasting; toss it with oil and salt while frozen and add an extra 5–10 minutes to the initial roasting time to ensure it gets crispy.

What if I don’t want to use alcohol?

If you prefer to cook without wine, you can substitute the Riesling with an equal amount of high-quality apple juice or white grape juice mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice to provide that necessary sweetness and acidity.

Do I have to peel the squash?

While the skin of a butternut squash is technically edible, it can be quite tough and waxy. For this specific recipe, where the texture should be velvety and soft, I highly recommend peeling it thoroughly.

Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Recipe by LuluCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

165

kcal

A sweet and savory roasted side dish featuring caramelized butternut squash finished with a delicate white wine reduction glaze.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups butternut squash, cubed

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 cup sweet white wine (Riesling)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Toss the squash cubes with vegetable oil and salt until coated.
  • Roast on a rimmed baking sheet for 30 minutes until browned.
  • Transfer the squash to the baking dish and pour the wine over it.
  • Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the squash is soft and the wine has reduced.
  • Serve warm as a sophisticated side dish.

Notes

  • Ensure the squash is spread in a single layer during the first roast to get the best color.
  • If you want a more savory profile, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme during the final bake.
  • The wine reduction will be very hot; let the dish sit for two minutes before serving to let the glaze thicken.

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