Warm, golden butternut squash infused with aromatic cinnamon spice creates a culinary masterpiece that dances on your palate.
Seasonal comfort finds its perfect expression in this delectable dish.
The rich, velvety texture of roasted butternut squash combines beautifully with fragrant cinnamon notes.
Each bite promises a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that melt effortlessly in your mouth.
Autumn’s bounty comes alive through this simple yet sophisticated recipe.
The natural sweetness of the squash perfectly complements the deep, warming cinnamon undertones.
Serve this stunning side dish and watch as dinner companions eagerly reach for seconds, enchanted by its irresistible charm.
Butternut Squash Side Dish Ingredients
For Roasting Base:
Butternut Squash: Sweet autumn vegetable with creamy texture, choose firm and heavy squash with deep color for maximum flavor.
Avocado Oil: Provides smooth, high-heat cooking surface with clean taste and healthy fat profile.
Salt: Enhances natural squash sweetness and helps caramelization process.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to roasted vegetables.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Honey: Natural sweetener that creates beautiful caramelization and glossy finish.
Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements squash's natural sugars with aromatic complexity.
Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle heat that balances sweetness with unexpected kick.
For Textural Contrast:
Cranberries: Tart dried fruit that provides bright bursts of flavor and chewy texture against soft squash.
Parchment Paper: Ensures clean roasting surface and prevents sticking without extra oil.
Tools to Cook Cinnamon Squash
Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting squash evenly.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Sharp knife: Essential for cubing butternut squash precisely.
Cutting board: Stable surface for safe chopping.
Mixing bowl: For combining honey and spice mixture.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning amounts.
Tongs or spatula: Helps toss and coat squash with oil and glaze.
How to Prepare Cinnamon Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash Sensation
Oven Preparation Warm your oven to 425°F, creating the perfect environment for transforming butternut squash into a delectable masterpiece.
Squash Transformation Cut butternut squash into chunky pieces that promise golden edges and tender centers, inviting everyone to savor each delightful bite.
Seasoning Magic Scatter squash cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzling with smooth avocado oil and sprinkling with salt and pepper for a flavor explosion.
First Roasting Wave Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven, letting the squash caramelize and develop rich, deep flavors for about 25-30 minutes.
Flavor Fusion Whip together honey, cinnamon, cranberries, and a touch of cayenne to create a glaze that will dance across the roasted squash.
Final Flavor Blast Pour the honeyed mixture over the roasted squash, returning it to the oven for a final 10-minute transformation that melds all the extraordinary flavors together.
Pro Tips for Butternut Squash Perfection
Roasting Rhythm: Master the art of even roasting by cutting squash into uniform cubes, which guarantees consistent caramelization and prevents uneven cooking spots.
Spice Symphony: Experiment with different warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create your unique flavor profile that complements the butternut squash's natural sweetness.
Texture Transformation: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans over the roasted squash during the final glazing stage, adding delightful textural contrast.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the roasted squash up to two days in advance and gently reheat in the oven before serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious dish.
Dietary Dance: Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use coconut oil instead of avocado oil to accommodate different dietary preferences without sacrificing rich, complex flavors.
Serving Cinnamon Squash with Style
Flavor-Packed Salad Centerpiece: Transform the roasted butternut squash into a vibrant salad by tossing it over mixed greens with crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a light balsamic vinaigrette for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Cozy Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin to add a warm, sweet-spicy dimension to your main protein, creating a balanced and comforting plate.
Rustic Grain Bowl Base: Create a wholesome grain bowl by layering the cinnamon-spiced squash over quinoa or brown rice, topped with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a satisfying and nutritious lunch option.
Festive Holiday Appetizer: Arrange the glazed squash pieces on a decorative platter with toothpicks, offering guests a delightful small bite that showcases the squash's rich caramelized flavor and festive spice profile.
Storage for Cinnamon Squash Recipes
Fridge Storage Magic: Transfer cooled squash to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep it sealed tight to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
Freezer-Friendly Stash: Let the roasted squash cool completely, then pack in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. These delicious cubes will stay good for 2-3 months, ready for quick meal additions.
Reheat with Finesse: Warm refrigerated or thawed squash in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. A quick stint in the oven helps restore the crispy edges and revive its original roasted texture.
Meal Prep Champion: Chop extra squash during your weekend cooking session. These golden cubes can elevate salads, grain bowls, or serve as a quick side dish throughout the busy workweek.
Classic cinnamon-spiced butternut squash delight brings warmth from Mediterranean kitchens to dining tables. Home cooks can savor rich flavors and seasonal comfort with simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
⅓ cup (50 g) cranberries, halved (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsps (30 ml) avocado oil
2 tbsps (42 g) honey
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Sequence: Ignite the oven to 425°F, establishing an optimal roasting environment for the butternut squash.
Transformation Stage: Cube the butternut squash into uniform 1-2 inch pieces, ensuring consistent texture and caramelization potential.
Seasoning Technique: Distribute squash cubes across a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating strategic spacing for optimal roasting, then coat thoroughly with avocado oil, salt, and black pepper.
Roasting Protocol: Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden-brown and the interior becomes tender, developing a rich caramelized exterior.
Glaze Creation: Simultaneously whisk together honey, ground cinnamon, chopped cranberries, and a subtle cayenne pepper accent to craft a vibrant, complex flavor profile.
Flavor Infusion: Remove roasted squash, generously drizzle the spiced honey mixture, ensuring complete coverage of each cube with the aromatic glaze.
Final Caramelization: Return glazed squash to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and exterior to achieve a perfect caramelized finish without scorching.
Notes
Precise Cutting Technique: Ensure uniform 1-2 inch cubes for even roasting and consistent caramelization, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
Oil and Seasoning Strategy: Use avocado oil for high-heat roasting and thoroughly coat each squash cube with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors and promote crispy edges.
Spacing Matters: Spread cubes with generous gaps on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing crisp exteriors and preventing steaming or soggy results.
Glaze Application Timing: Add spiced honey mixture near the end of roasting to prevent burning and maximize flavor infusion, creating a perfect balance of caramelization and sweetness.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.