Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
This easy oven-roasted butternut squash is buttery, maple-sweetened, and perfectly seasoned with cinnamon. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients and makes the perfect fall side dish.

One of the things I look forward to most this time of year is seeing those big 32-ounce containers of already-cut butternut squash at the grocery store! I love butternut squash, but I do not love cutting up my own. It’s a pain, and if someone else is willing to do the hard part for me, I am all for it! This recipe takes that easy shortcut and turns it into the most delicious buttery, maple-cinnamon roasted butternut squash. It’s sweet, savory, and so easy to throw together that it has become one of my favorite fall side dishes.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package cut-up butternut squash, larger pieces cut to a similar size
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 stick butter, cut into tablespoons
- Cinnamon, to taste
- Salt, to taste
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- 2
Place the pieces of butter evenly across the bottom of a large sheet pan.
- 3
Season the squash. Add the butternut squash to a large bowl. Pour in the olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Toss until the squash is evenly coated.
- 4
Spread the seasoned butternut squash evenly over the butter on the sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- 5
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir the squash.
- 6
Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and lightly caramelized.
- 7
Taste and add additional salt or cinnamon if desired before serving.
📸 More Photos


💡 Tips for Success
- Cut the squash evenly: Keeping the pieces close in size helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Spread the squash into as close to a single layer as possible so it can roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a more savory side dish, start with less maple syrup and add more to taste.
- Let it caramelize: Don't be afraid to give the squash a few extra minutes if you want those delicious browned edges.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of pre-cut?
Absolutely! Peel and cube a whole butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Just try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the squash ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey can be used in the same amount, although it will give the squash a slightly different flavor.
How do I know when butternut squash is done?
It should be fork-tender and easily pierced with a fork. The edges should also be lightly browned and caramelized.
🍴 You Might Also Like
Dinner20 minutes
Pecan Chicken
This easy orange pecan chicken combines tender pan-seared chicken with a creamy orange-Dijon sauce and toasted pecans for a sweet, savory, and crunchy weeknight dinner.
Dinner25 minutes
$10 Pork Tenderloin Orzo with Asparagus
This $10 Pork Tenderloin Orzo with Asparagus comes together in about 20 minutes and is the pork tenderloin hack you never knew you needed! Juicy, seared pork served over lemony orzo and tender asparagus makes this an easy, budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
Dinner6 hours
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Tortellini
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Chicken breasts slowly cook in your favorite red pasta sauce, then get combined with creamy Boursin cheese and tender tortellini for a cheesy, comforting meal that takes very little hands-on time.
Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!Recipe from Holley in the Kitchen: https://holleyinthekitchen.com/recipe/oven-roasted-butternut-squash

