A whole butternut squash can seem daunting, especially when it comes to peeling and chopping it into neat cubes. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by this task in the produce aisle, don't worry! The simplest whole roasted butternut squash recipe is right here.

whole roasted butternut squash

What's the best method for cooking butternut squash?

I've come to love the technique of roasting vegetables whole. Have you tried this whole roasted cauliflower? It's a method you won't soon forget. Roasting the squash whole first makes everything easier and quicker.

If you've attempted to peel a raw butternut squash, you know it requires some serious muscle. But roasting it first results in a beautifully golden peel that's soft to cut and allows for easy seed removal.

For this recipe, you simply place the whole butternut squash in the oven for two hours without any prep. Just pop it in and wait.

Consider all you can accomplish in two hours: a full laundry load, a refreshing shower, or a nice chunk of work. By the time your squash is done roasting, you can finish the rest of the recipe in just 20 minutes. I wasn't kidding when I called it the easiest method! This once-daunting task is now a delicious cooking hack.

whole roasted butternut squashbutternut squash recipes

After roasting, cut the squash into sections and scoop out the seeds. I like to mash the flesh right in the peel to absorb the flavors. Add lemon zest, a generous pinch of salt, and a drizzle of honey and hot sauce. Then return the sections to the oven to caramelize further.

butternut squash recipes

How to season your whole roasted butternut squash?

Along with the sweet and spicy toppings mentioned above, I enjoy adding toppings that transform this into a full meal. Since it's vegetarian, I include crispy chickpeas for a satisfying crunch and plant-based protein. To achieve the crispiest chickpeas, rinse and dry them thoroughly before roasting, as moisture will prevent crispiness. They're best enjoyed fresh, as they soften with time. I also like to include goat cheese and lemon for a zesty kick, along with salt, everything seasoning (because it's fantastic), and fresh cilantro.

Feel free to mix it up with any toppings that suit your taste. If you do, tag me! Check out these additional delicious ways to enjoy butternut squash:

Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Pizza with Arugula and Almond Ricotta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Bacon & Sage

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Description

This might be the simplest (and tastiest) butternut squash recipe you'll ever make.

Ingredients

  • One butternut squash
  • One lemon (juice and zest)
  • Honey, to taste
  • Hot sauce, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Goat cheese
  • One can of crispy chickpeas
  • Everything seasoning, to taste
  • Cilantro, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the whole butternut squash on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast at 400 degrees for 2 hours (keep the oven on afterwards).
  3. After roasting, slice it into sections and remove the seeds.
  4. Mash the squash in the peel.
  5. Add lemon zest, drizzle with honey and hot sauce, and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
  7. Finish with lemon juice, goat cheese, crispy chickpeas, salt, everything seasoning, and cilantro.
Prep

20 minutes

Cook

120 minutes

Categories

Ingredients

  • One butternut squash
  • One lemon (juice and zest)
  • Honey, to taste
  • Hot sauce, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Goat cheese
  • One can of crispy chickpeas
  • Everything seasoning, to taste
  • Cilantro, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the whole butternut squash on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast at 400 degrees for 2 hours (keep the oven on afterwards).
  3. Once roasted, slice into sections and remove the seeds.
  4. Mash the squash in the peel.
  5. Top with lemon zest, drizzle with honey and hot sauce, and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Roast for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Add lemon juice, goat cheese, crispy chickpeas, salt, everything seasoning, and cilantro.