Roast frozen butternut squashĀ easily with this simple oven recipe. The roastedĀ squash cubesĀ come out crispy,Ā golden brown, and perfectly seasoned. Serve the caramelized cubes as aĀ delicious side dishĀ for everyday or holiday dinners.
This recipe yieldsĀ golden brown, crispy butternut squash that is simply seasoned and irresistible. It starts like most roasted vegetable recipes, withĀ olive oil, salt, andĀ black pepper. UtilizingĀ frozen squashĀ eliminates lengthy prep time and added work.Ā
Like theseĀ crispy roastedĀ sweet potatoes, frozen butternutĀ squash cubesĀ are roasted at aĀ high temperatureĀ to achieve a crispy outside and a soft, tender interior. ThisĀ simple side dishĀ is aĀ great optionĀ for busy weeknights but an equally delicious option for holiday meals.Ā
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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.
- RoastedĀ frozen butternut squashĀ 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 orĀ roast butternutĀ squash?Ā 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 PepperĀ -Ā Black pepperĀ is optional but adds depth and a savory taste.
See theĀ recipe cardĀ for the ingredient quantities.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425Ā degrees F.Ā
- In aĀ large bowlĀ or on aĀ baking sheet, toss theĀ frozen butternutĀ squashĀ cubesĀ inĀ olive oil, salt, andĀ black pepperĀ to coat.
- Arrange theĀ squash cubesĀ in aĀ single layerĀ on a large non-stick orĀ parchment paper-linedĀ sheet pan.
- Roast, turning them halfway through, for 40-45 minutes until they are lightlyĀ golden brownĀ on the outside and soft on the inside. **Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the butternutĀ squash cubes.
CookingĀ Squash CubesĀ in the Air Fryer
While roasting squash is theĀ best wayĀ to cook it. You can achieve a similar cook using an air fryer. Air frying is an alternativeĀ cooking methodĀ to achieve aĀ golden brown, crispy exterior, and creamy interior.Ā
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Toss theĀ frozen butternutĀ squashĀ cubesĀ inĀ olive oilĀ 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 butternutĀ squash cubes. CookĀ 1-inch cubesĀ 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 Ā½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Garlic: Add Ā½ teaspoon of garlic powder alongside the salt and pepper.
- Rosemary: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary when seasoning and oiling theĀ squash cubes.
What To Serve WithĀ Oven-Roasted ButternutĀ Squash
RoastedĀ frozen butternut squashĀ is theĀ perfect side dishĀ for weeknight meals or holiday feasts.Ā
- 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 withĀ slow-cooker BBQ chicken thighs.Ā
- Sandwiches/Burgers: Serve roasted squash as a healthier alternative to french fries or tater tots. Enjoy it with your favorite burger or sandwich, likeĀ 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 350Ā degrees FĀ oven (or air fryer) until heated through.
Easy Side DishĀ 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,Ā 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, roastedĀ squash cubes on a sheet tray and freeze until frozen through. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freeze bag orĀ 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.Ā
If you make the recipe, donāt forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below!Ā Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me onĀ InstagramĀ orĀ Facebook.Ā
š Recipe
How to Roast Frozen Butternut Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen butternut squash cubes
- 1Ā½ tablespoon olive oil
- Ā½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Ā¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425Ā°F.
- In a bowl or on aĀ baking sheet, toss theĀ frozen butternutĀ squashĀ cubesĀ inĀ olive oil, salt, andĀ black pepperĀ to coat.
- Arrange theĀ squash cubesĀ in aĀ single layerĀ on a large non-stick orĀ parchment paper-linedĀ baking sheet.
- Roast, turning them halfway through, for 40-45 minutes until they are lightlyĀ golden brownĀ on the outside and soft on the inside.Ā **Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the butternutĀ squash cubes.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me onĀ Instagram,Ā Facebook,Ā orĀ Pinterest!
Joyce Milton
I tried doing this with my thawed butternut squash, but it did not get crunchy on the outside. I had to mash them as they had become very soft and did not brown. I followed your instructions with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Maybe I should have baked from frozen, was that my issue?
Katelyn Theofanis
Hi, Joyce! I am sorry this happened to you. You do have to roast the squash from frozen. As vegetables thaw, they release moisture. The extra moisture of the thawed squash kept it soft and prevented it from browning on the outside.