Imagine transforming a humble butternut squash into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Apple Cider Roasted Squash isn't just another vegetable side dish—it's a symphony of sweet, savory, and caramelized flavors that captures the essence of fall in every single bite. With just a few simple ingredients and some clever roasting techniques, you'll create a dish that's both elegantly simple and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler, removing the tough outer skin. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and then cube the flesh into roughly 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, olive oil, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the squash.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the apple cider mixture.
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure the pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning the squash halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- Remove from the oven when the squash is tender and edges are golden brown and slightly crispy. The squash should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Let the roasted squash rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the exterior to crisp slightly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm butternut squash with smooth, unblemished skin for the best results.
- Cut squash cubes as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give each squash cube breathing room to help it crisp up beautifully.
- Use a high-quality apple cider for maximum flavor depth.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary before roasting.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter result, drizzle a touch of maple syrup into the marinade.
- Let the squash rest after roasting to allow the flavors to meld and the exterior to crisp up perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
