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This oven roasted butternut squash recipe is an easy addition to your holiday table! These caramelized squash bites are melt-in-your-mouth tender, and everyone will ask for seconds.

If you love roasted vegetables, you may also like my Honey Roasted Carrots or my Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

close-up of honey cinnamon butternut squash in a bowl

Why you'll love it

You only need four ingredients (plus salt & pepper) to make an elevated side dish that involves hardly any effort. Roasting butternut squash is so easy, and I serve this simple butternut squash recipe with many of my seasonal meals. It's a must-have at my Thanksgiving and Christmas table especially and is one of the first side dishes to disappear!

The warm, sweet and savory flavor combo of squash, cinnamon, and honey is just so good in these soft, bite-sized cubes. Your house will smell irresistible. Butternut squash is really a versatile ingredient, and I can't get enough of it this time of the year. I use it in everything from a classic Butternut Squash Soup to my Easy Mashed Butternut Squash to this golden, cozy side dish.

Ingredients for it

Butternut squash - it tastes kind of like pumpkin but more nutty. If you've never bought one before, look for one that's a deep beige color and seems heavy for its size. It should be blemish free.
Olive oil - this coats the squash to get that delicious caramelized exterior
Honey - for a hint of sweetness
Cinnamon - this warm spice plays really well with the honey
Salt & pepper - I'm fairly generous with both to bring out the flavors

close-up of halved butternut squash with seeds scooped out

How to peel butternut squash

I find butternut squash a pain to peel with a standard potato or vegetable peeler, so I use this method instead.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds with a spoon, and then cut the squash into a few large pieces.
I then use a sharp knife to cut the tough skin off. Just make sure you keep the pieces of squash secure on the cutting board to avoid any accidents. Cutting it into cubes takes a little more effort, but that means more surface area for that golden caramelized exterior!

What do I do with butternut squash seeds?

I often don't discard the butternut squash seeds and roast them instead so they don't go to waste. They're tasty to snack on or add to soups and salads as a crunchy topping!
Let them dry, coat them in a bit of olive oil and salt & pepper, and then roast them at 375F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway. That's it.

beige bowl with easy honey roasted butternut squash pieces

How to roast butternut squash

This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Preheat the oven to 400F. Halve the squash and remove the seeds and stringy fibers. Carefully peel it, and cut it up into roughly the same size cubes.
Toss the squash with oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt & pepper until coated, either in a bowl or right on the baking sheet, and then arrange in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until soft and golden. Pierce with a knife to check if done. Enjoy right away.

Substitutions and variations

Many grocery stores sell pre-cut cubes of fresh butternut squash, which really lessens the effort and prep for this recipe if you find it difficult to do yourself or are short on time.
You don't have to include the cinnamon if you don't want to, but to me it's a nice festive touch.
If you're unable to find butternut squash for whatever reason, simply swap it out for sweet potatoes! The technique will stay the same, and the seasonings will go with it as well.

What to serve with roasted butternut squash

It makes a great holiday side dish to serve alongside an Easy Roast Turkey and Baked Mac and Cheese and homemade Green Bean Casserole.
Since it's so easy to make, you definitely don't need to save this one for special occasions. I like to pair butternut squash with everything from this Easy Baked Chicken Breast recipe to a more seasonal dish like Easy Pork Chops and Apples.
You can also toss them into your favorite pasta or salad. So many options!

Leftovers and storage

Leftovers of this honey butternut squash will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days.
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through. A small saucepan should be fine too.
I wouldn't recommend freezing leftovers. The texture is bound to come out different when thawed.

More easy vegetable side dishes

honey roasted butternut squash in a beige bowl

Questions about this roasted butternut squash with honey recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I'd love to hear if you made it. You can also find me on Instagram.