The Ultimate Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Barefoot Contessa roasted butternut squash transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that beckons comfort and warmth.

Golden-edged cubes glisten with fragrant herbs, promising a symphony of rustic flavors.

Seasonal produce meets elegant preparation in this straightforward recipe that elevates humble ingredients.

Aromatic olive oil coats each morsel, creating a rich, caramelized exterior with tender inner flesh.

Thyme’s earthy notes dance alongside the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a harmonious balance.

Simple techniques unlock extraordinary taste, turning basic ingredients into something truly remarkable.

The result is a side dish that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully approachable.

Fall in Love with Roasted Butternut Magic

• Unlock Effortless Elegance: This roasted butternut squash recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Maximize Flavor Explosion: Roasting at high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash, creating a gorgeous golden exterior with sweet, deeply concentrated flavors that burst in every bite.
• Quick and Foolproof Technique: With just five minutes of prep and simple pantry ingredients like olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, anyone can achieve a professional-looking dish that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a gourmet chef.
• Versatile Comfort Classic: Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe adapts beautifully to various cuisines and complements countless main courses with its rich, warm, and comforting profile.

Gather the Essentials for Butternut Brilliance

• Butternut Squash: A sweet, nutty vegetable that becomes caramelized and tender when roasted, with a smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and ensures even roasting of the squash.

• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic herbs and seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and add depth of flavor.

• Metal Spatula: Perfect tool for turning the squash evenly during roasting to ensure uniform caramelization.

Master the Art of Roasting Butternut Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This high heat will transform your butternut squash into a golden, caramelized delight.

Step 2: Slice and Prep the Squash

Grab your butternut squash and carefully slice it into bite-sized cubes. Make sure your pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Grab a spacious baking tray that will let your squash spread out comfortably.

Step 3: Season and Coat

• Fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Use your hands to massage the ingredients, ensuring every squash piece gets cozy with the flavors.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes, giving the squash a gentle turn halfway through with a metal spatula. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and tender texture.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Once out of the oven, do a quick taste test. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve piping hot as a scrumptious side dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Pro Tricks for Butternut Roast Excellence

• Slice Smartly: A sharp chef's knife makes cutting butternut squash safer and more precise, reducing the risk of slipping and ensuring uniform pieces for even roasting.
• Pat Dry for Perfection: Remove excess moisture from squash cubes with a clean kitchen towel to guarantee crispy, caramelized edges instead of steamed, soggy results.
• Hands-On Seasoning: Using your hands to toss the squash ensures every cube gets an even coating of oil, salt, and pepper, maximizing flavor in each bite.
• Metal Tray Magic: Choose a sturdy metal baking sheet over glass or ceramic to achieve better heat distribution and create those irresistible golden-brown caramelized surfaces.
• Rotate for Radiance: Flipping the squash midway through roasting prevents burning and promotes an all-over golden crispness that elevates the entire dish.

Freshness Secrets for Your Roasted Butternut

• Cool Completely: Let roasted butternut squash cool to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth. Spread squash pieces on a baking sheet for faster cooling.
• Vacuum Seal: Pack cooled squash in vacuum-sealed bags to extend refrigerator and freezer storage life. This method removes air, preventing freezer burn and maintaining optimal flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
• Portion Control: Divide roasted squash into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. This strategy allows quick reheating of exact amounts needed, reducing food waste and making meal prep easier.

Creative Spins on Roasted Butternut Delights

• Herbal Infusion Squash: Replace thyme with rosemary and add fresh sage leaves for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired roasted butternut squash.
• Spicy Maple Roast: Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy flavor profile that adds warmth and complexity.
• Parmesan Crunch Squash: Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the roasted squash during the last 5 minutes of cooking, creating a crispy golden crust with nutty undertones.
• Garlic Herb Blend: Mince fresh garlic and mix with chopped parsley and oregano before roasting, introducing a robust and bright herb-infused dimension to the classic recipe.

Summing Up the Butternut Roast Journey

Roasted butternut squash emerges as culinary poetry, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant side dish.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe showcases seasonal produce with remarkable simplicity.

Warm autumn flavors dance across each golden-edged morsel, inviting sensory exploration.

Mediterranean herbs whisper complexity through delicate thyme notes.

Butternut squash’s natural sweetness caramelizes under high-temperature roasting, creating irresistible depth.

Passionate cooks and dinner companions will savor this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece – so snap that gorgeous plate, share your kitchen triumph on social platforms, and let fellow epicureans celebrate seasonal magic with delightful comments and enthusiasm.

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa roasted butternut squash showcases autumn’s rich flavors with simple Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Caramelized edges, fragrant herbs, and olive oil create a delicious side dish you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (about 1.8 kilograms / 4 pounds), peeled, deseeded, and cut into 2.5 centimeters / 1-inch cubes

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1.5 teaspoons sea salt)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a precise temperature of 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) or 400°F, ensuring the gas mark is set to 6 for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Carefully dice the butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes to promote even cooking and attractive presentation.
3. Arrange the squash pieces in a single layer on a spacious baking tray, ensuring no overcrowding to allow proper caramelization and roasting.
4. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cubed squash, creating a light, even coating that will enhance both flavor and texture.
5. Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme leaves across the squash, distributing the aromatic herb to infuse a subtle, earthy essence throughout the vegetable.
6. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, using your hands to toss and ensure each squash piece is thoroughly coated with oil and seasonings.
7. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, using a metal spatula to carefully turn the squash midway through cooking to achieve an even, golden-brown caramelization.
8. Check the squash for tenderness by piercing with a fork; the pieces should be soft and easily penetrated with a slight resistance.
9. Remove from the oven and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed with additional salt and pepper to perfect the flavor profile.
10. Serve immediately while hot, presenting as a delectable side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

Notes

• Squash selection matters: pick firm, heavy gourds with smooth, unblemished skin for the best roasting results.
• Seasoning depth enhances flavor: experiment with combinations like smoked paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs to elevate the dish.
• Room temperature ingredients roast more evenly: let squash sit out for 30 minutes before preparing to ensure consistent cooking.
• Spacing prevents steaming: leave enough room between cubes on the baking tray so hot air circulates and creates crispy edges.
• Leftovers transform wonderfully: store roasted squash in airtight containers for salads, grain bowls, or quick lunch additions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg