Roast frozen butternut squash easily with this simple oven recipe. The roasted squash cubes come out crispy, golden brown, and perfectly seasoned. Serve the caramelized cubes as a delicious side dish for everyday or holiday dinners.
This recipe yields golden brown, crispy butternut squash that is simply seasoned and irresistible. It starts like most roasted vegetable recipes, with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Utilizing frozen squash eliminates lengthy prep time and added work.
Like these crispy roasted sweet potatoes, frozen butternut squash cubes are roasted at a high temperature to achieve a crispy outside and a soft, tender interior. This simple side dish is a great option for busy weeknights but an equally delicious option for holiday meals.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
- Using frozen squash for roasting eliminates the need for peeling or cutting, saving a lot of time and effort.
- Roasted frozen butternut squash is an easy weeknight or festive occasion side dish everyone will love.
- The roasting process creates tender, caramelized squash.
Baking vs Roasting
- Baking Squash - Baking vegetables requires a lower temperature and longer cooking time. When squash is baked, it softens and cooks throughout. The texture remains soft without caramelization because the squash still retains moisture.
- Roasting Squash - Roasting vegetables requires a high-temperature oven, usually between 400 to 450 degrees f. When roasted, squash remains soft and creamy internally, but the exterior becomes crispy and caramelized.
Is it better to bake or roast butternut squash? The answer to this question depends on personal preference and the texture you seek. That said, roasting butternut squash is the more common preparation process.
Ingredients
- Frozen Butternut Squash Cubes - Frozen butternut squash comes pre-cubed. Squash cube sizes will vary depending on the brand.
- Olive Oil - You need an oil that is safe for high-heat cooking. Olive oil is the prime choice for its flavor and availability. Other good options for roasting vegetables include avocado oil and ghee.
- Kosher Salt - Roasting vegetables bring out all their natural flavors, so little seasoning is needed for great taste. Season the butternut squash simply with kosher salt.
- Black Pepper - Black pepper is optional but adds depth and a savory taste.
See the recipe card for the ingredient quantities.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a large bowl or on a baking sheet, toss the frozen butternut squash cubes in olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat.
- Arrange the squash cubes in a single layer on a large non-stick or parchment paper-lined sheet pan.
- Roast, turning them halfway through, for 40-45 minutes until they are lightly golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. **Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the butternut squash cubes.
Cooking Squash Cubes in the Air Fryer
While roasting squash is the best way to cook it. You can achieve a similar cook using an air fryer. Air frying is an alternative cooking method to achieve a golden brown, crispy exterior, and creamy interior.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Toss the frozen butternut squash cubes in olive oil and seasonings.
- Place the squash cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 - 20 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, tossing the squash halfway through the cooking process.
**Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the butternut squash cubes. Cook 1-inch cubes for approximately 20 minutes. Air fry 1-inch or smaller cubes for approximately 15 minutes.
Variations
- Maple Cinnamon: Omit the black pepper. In addition to the olive oil and salt, toss the squash in 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Garlic: Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder alongside the salt and pepper.
- Rosemary: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary when seasoning and oiling the squash cubes.
What To Serve With Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted frozen butternut squash is the perfect side dish for weeknight meals or holiday feasts.
- Pork: Squash is a delicious accompaniment to pork chops, pork tenderloin, or barbecued pulled pork.
- Chicken/Turkey: Serve roasted squash with cooked poultry. Try it with slow-cooker BBQ chicken thighs.
- Sandwiches/Burgers: Serve roasted squash as a healthier alternative to french fries or tater tots. Enjoy it with your favorite burger or sandwich, like crockpot turkey meatball subs.
- Breakfast: Enjoy roasted squash instead of hashbrowns or breakfast potatoes with eggs and bacon.
- Holiday Dinners: Serve this delicious, easy side dish with Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday feast.
Suggested Equipment
Storage
Store cooled, roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To Reheat: Cook leftover squash in a 350 degrees F oven (or air fryer) until heated through.
Easy Side Dish Recipes
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Roasted Frozen Green Beans
- Frozen Asparagus in an Air Fryer
- Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Expert Tips
- Do Not Thaw - Roast frozen vegetables straight from the freezer (from frozen); do not thaw them. As vegetables thaw, they release moisture.
- High Heat - Roast vegetables at a high temperature to achieve a caramelized, crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Do Not Overcrowd - Place the butternut squash on the baking sheet in an even layer without overlap.
- Cooking Time - Every frozen vegetable brand is different. The roasting time will vary depending on the size of the squash cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many, but not all, grocery stores carry butternut squash in the freezer section. It comes already peeled and cut into cubes. The size of the cubes will vary depending on the brand.
While roasted vegetables are best eaten fresh, you can freeze them. Place cooled, roasted squash cubes on a sheet tray and freeze until frozen through. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freeze bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen or thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat.
Roasted squash is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie side dish that contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It contains healthy amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook.
📖 Recipe
How to Roast Frozen Butternut Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen butternut squash cubes
- 1½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a bowl or on a baking sheet, toss the frozen butternut squash cubes in olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat.
- Arrange the squash cubes in a single layer on a large non-stick or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Roast, turning them halfway through, for 40-45 minutes until they are lightly golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. **Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the butternut squash cubes.
Notes
Nutrition
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