The Best Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe with Sage

Roasted butternut squash transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that bursts with rustic elegance and sophisticated flavor.

Warm, caramelized edges hint at the deep, nutty essence waiting to captivate your palate.

Seasonings dance across the golden surface, creating a symphony of aromatic sensations that elevate this humble ingredient.

The rich, amber-hued flesh promises a velvety texture that melts seamlessly on your tongue.

Sage and brown butter weave complex notes through each tender morsel, promising a dining experience far beyond simple side dishes.

Earthy undertones complement the natural sweetness inherent in this remarkable vegetable.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a luxurious preparation that feels simultaneously comforting and refined: prepare to be amazed.

Roast Squash to Caramelized Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Select a large baking sheet and set aside.

Step 2: Prep Butternut Squash

Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Slice squash in half lengthwise. Remove seeds with a spoon. Cut squash into half-inch thick semicircle pieces.

Step 3: Season Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss ingredients until squash is evenly coated. Spread pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.

Step 4: Roast Squash

Place baking sheet in preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning pieces occasionally. Look for golden edges and tender texture.

Step 5: Create Brown Butter Sauce

• Fresh sage leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Swirl pan continuously for 2-3 minutes until butter turns golden and smells nutty. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer roasted squash to serving platter. Drizzle warm brown butter sauce over squash. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips for That Deep, Brown Butter Flavor

• Slice with Precision: Uniform butternut squash cuts guarantee perfectly roasted pieces that cook evenly and look stunning on the plate.
• Select Sage Wisely: Choose bright green, fragrant fresh sage leaves from your local farmers market or herb garden for maximum aromatic flavor.
• Master Brown Butter Technique: Swirl the pan gently and watch closely as butter transforms from yellow to golden brown, releasing a delightful nutty aroma without burning.
• Roast with Confidence: Gently flip squash pieces midway through cooking to develop beautiful caramelized edges and ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
• Brighten with Citrus Zest: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest just before serving to cut through the richness of brown butter and add a subtle, tangy brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Keep Butternut Fresh After Roasting

• Freeze: Seal cooled butternut squash in freezer-safe containers, ensuring maximum preservation for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate: Store leftover roasted squash in airtight glass containers, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days. Position containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Revive chilled or frozen squash by spreading pieces on a lined baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil to restore moisture. Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and crisp edges.

Try These Butternut Add-Ons

• Maple Glazed Sage Squash: Replace brown butter with a maple syrup and sage glaze, adding a sweet caramelized flavor that complements the roasted butternut squash.
• Spicy Moroccan Squash: Incorporate ras el hanout spice blend instead of salt and pepper, creating a warm, complex North African-inspired version with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon notes.
• Parmesan Herb Roasted Version: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting and garnish with chopped fresh thyme and rosemary for an herbaceous, cheesy enhancement.
• Harissa Roasted Option: Drizzle harissa paste over squash before roasting, adding a spicy and smoky Tunisian-style kick that transforms the original recipe with bold Mediterranean flavors.

One Last Spoonful of Buttery Bliss

Roasted butternut squash becomes extraordinary with Ina Garten’s signature brown butter sage approach.

Seasonal ingredients meld into pure culinary magic through careful technique and thoughtful preparation.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors elevate this simple side dish into an elegant centerpiece for autumn gatherings.

Sage-infused brown butter creates nutty undertones that complement caramelized squash’s natural sweetness.

Garten’s method transforms humble ingredients into restaurant-quality cuisine with minimal effort.

Savor each golden-edged slice, share this recipe with passionate cooks in your circle, double-tap if this speaks to your kitchen soul, comment with your favorite fall dish, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms.

Why Roasted Butternut with Sage Feels So Cozy

• Elevate Flavor Complexity: The brown butter sage sauce transforms ordinary butternut squash into a restaurant-quality side dish with its rich, nutty undertones and aromatic herbs that dance across your palate.
• Simplified Gourmet Technique: Roasting the squash creates beautiful caramelized edges while keeping the interior tender, and the brown butter sauce adds a professional chef-level finish without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Butternut squash delivers amazing health benefits like vitamin A and fiber, making this recipe a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable that feels more like an indulgent treat than a healthy side dish.
• Quick Weekend Showstopper: From prep to plate, this recipe takes under 45 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive weekend gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Gather Ingredients for This Fall Classic

Main Ingredients:

• Butternut Squash: Sweet winter squash with smooth, creamy texture and rich orange color, perfect for roasting and absorbing flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy edges and ensures even roasting of the squash.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the squash.

• Butter: Creates a rich, nutty brown butter sauce with depth of flavor.
• Fresh Sage: Adds earthy, aromatic herb notes that complement the butternut squash.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and warm background spiciness.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the dish with fresh, citrusy notes and adds a light tang.

Ina Garten Roasted Butternut Squash With Brown Butter & Sage Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Roasted butternut squash with brown butter and sage delights palates with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a rustic side dish that warms winter dinner tables and invites seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) butternut squash

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Finely grated lemon zest

Fats and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) good olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (43 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 200°C (400°F), ensuring an even temperature for optimal roasting.
2. Transform the butternut squash by carefully removing its outer skin, then slice it lengthwise, extracting the inner seeds. Cut the vegetable into elegant half-inch (1.3cm) crosswise segments.
3. Prepare the squash for roasting by generously coating the pieces with premium olive oil. Distribute of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper across the surface, gently massaging to ensure complete coverage.
4. Arrange the seasoned squash pieces on a baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even caramelization. Roast for 25-30 minutes, periodically rotating the pieces to achieve a golden, tender consistency.
5. Simultaneously craft the aromatic brown butter by melting high-quality butter in a small pan over medium heat. Introduce fresh sage leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a delicate pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Swirl the butter mixture continuously for 2-3 minutes, watching for a rich golden hue and detecting a nutty fragrance. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
7. Transfer the roasted squash to an elegant serving platter, creating an appealing presentation. Gently rewarm the brown butter if needed, then cascade it gracefully over the squash.
8. Finish the dish by zesting fresh lemon across the surface, adding a bright, citrusy note. Optionally, enhance with a final delicate pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.
9. Serve immediately while the squash remains warm and the brown butter glistens, inviting immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Brighten the dish with a final sprinkle of lemon zest, releasing its fresh, citrusy aroma just moments before serving.
• Ensure even caramelization by gently flipping squash midway through roasting, allowing each slice to develop a golden-brown exterior.
• Monitor butter carefully during browning, watching for that perfect nutty transformation without crossing into burnt territory.
• Select fresh sage leaves for maximum flavor intensity, steering clear of dried alternatives that lack the vibrant herbaceous punch.
• Slice butternut squash with precision, maintaining consistent thickness to guarantee uniform roasting and perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
• Calories: 236
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 349mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg