Whole roasted butternut squash is a simple dish perfect for fall. Make it savory, sweet, enjoy as-is, or add it to another recipe!
This recipe for roasting a full butternut squash in the oven is as simple as a recipe gets! Hearty and delicious it pairs great with other fall classics like crockpot ham and pork chops with apples and onions.
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Easy to make – only two ingredients and no prep.
📌 Great to eat on its own or add as an ingredient to other recipes.
📌 Delicious fall flavors perfect for a weeknight or holiday meal.
Whole roasted butternut squash ingredients
- Squash – Butternut squash, halved and seeded.
- Butter – Salted butter, melted. You can also swap this for olive oil if you prefer.
- Seasonings – Optional.
Halved butternut squash and melted butter.
How to roast a whole butternut squash (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, halve the butternut squash and remove the seeds.
⭐ Next, place on a baking sheet cut side up, and brush the tops with melted butter.
⭐ Then, if desired, season liberally.
⭐ Finally, bake until squash is tender and starting to brown around the edges.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Brush the squash with melted butter or olive oil. If desired, sprinkle with brown sugar or seasonings.
Preparation
How do you cut a butternut squash in half?
First, make sure you have a very sharp knife. Use a large chef’s knife, not a dinner knife.
Trim off the stem of the squash, then firmly grip the narrow end of the squash and carefully slice down the center of the exposed area, using a downward angle.
Rotate the squash and repeat on the thick end, meeting your cut from the other side.
What seasonings for whole roasted butternut squash?
We only used butter for the pictured squash, but this recipe is delicious with everything from salt and pepper to our basic spice rub, chili seasoning, or taco seasoning.
You could even do sweet roasted butternut squash halves with some brown sugar and a little nutmeg, or our pumpkin pie spice blend.
Should butternut squash be peeled before roasting?
You do not need to peel the squash for this recipe. Just slice it, scoop the seeds, brush with butter, then roast!
How long does it take for a butternut squash to soften in the oven?
It takes about an hour to cook through and become soft. Keep in mind that this time estimate will vary some depending on the size of your squash.
Bake until tender and browning around the edges.
Storage and leftovers
How long does a whole roasted butternut squash last?
It will keep for 3 – 4 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator or longer in the freezer.
Can you freeze roasted butternut squash?
Yes, allow it to cool, first, then store in a freezer safe container. I like to wrap the halves in foil and then store in freezer bags.
Alternatively, you can scoop the meat out and store it in freezer safe jars or containers.
Parsley makes a nice presentation if you’re serving this at a sit-down dinner or holiday meal.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
🧀 Try adding some crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of honey right before serving for a delicious earthy flavor that balances the sweetness.
🥛 Mash or whip the roasted squash with some coconut milk or heavy cream to make mashed butternut squash.
🍲 Swap the squash for pumpkin in our pumpkin soup recipe.
🥶 Roast several and freeze some for quick meals later!
Sprinkle with cheese or brown sugar, dice and add to salads, or scoop into your chili recipe!
What to eat with roasted butternut squash halves (serving suggestions)
Butternut squash is so hearty, I love it as a meat substitute with some goat cheese or feta cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey alongside something green like air fryer brussels sprouts or creamed spinach.
You can also pair it as a side with grilled ribeye steaks or our easy spatchcock chicken recipe.
Look how tender!
More delicious squash recipes
- Mashed butternut squash
- Butternut squash salad
- Maple acorn squash
- Garlic and blue cheese acorn squash
Other awesome roasted vegetable recipes
- Roasted tomatoes recipe
- Oven roasted red potatoes
- Easy roasted cauliflower
- Butter garlic roasted carrots
- See all our yummy vegetable recipes
😍😍😍
Tools we love
- Santuko knife – My favorite knife for cutting vegetables!
- Silicone baking mats – Nothing sticks to these! Whaaaa?!
- Bakers half sheet – It’s cool, we only have about six of these bakers half sheets because they’re good for absolutely everything.
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How to Make a Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (or olive oil)
Instructions
- Halve the butternut squash and remove the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon.
- Place on a baking dish cut side up, and brush the tops with melted butter or olive oil.
- Cook at 375° F for 1 hour, until squash is tender and starting to brown around the edges.
Notes
- Using a very sharp, large chef's knife (not a dinner knife), start by trimming off the stem of the squash
- Then firmly grip the narrow end of the squash and carefully slice down the center of the exposed area, using a downward angle.
- Rotate the squash and repeat on the thick end, meeting your cut from the other side.
Nutrition
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
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Melissa says
Yum – I love adding this to my protein dinners. Turns out perfect every time!
Natasha says
What a great recipe! I drizzled honey when I made this roasted butternut squash and it turned out delicious, it added so much flavor to it!