Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Thyme and Sugar Pecans Recipe
This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash recipe is a delightful and simple way to prepare tender, caramelized squash with a sweet and savory glaze. Featuring a blend of olive oil, honey, butter, and fresh thyme, it’s perfect for a comforting side dish. Garnished optionally with chopped sugar pecans, it adds a wonderful crunch and extra layer of flavor, making it ideal for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pound butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
Optional Garnish
- ¼ cup sugar pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting of the squash.
- Prepare Squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut it into evenly sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches, to ensure uniform cooking.
- Toss Squash with Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Honey Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and fresh thyme together until fully combined.
- Roast Initial Phase: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the squash uncovered for about 25 minutes, allowing it to begin softening and browning.
- Glaze and Finish Roasting: Remove the squash from the oven and drizzle the honey butter glaze evenly over the pieces. Toss gently to coat, then return to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Add Optional Garnish: If using, sprinkle the chopped sugar pecans over the roasted squash just before serving to add a sweet, crunchy texture.
- Serve: Transfer the honey roasted butternut squash to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Uniform cube size helps ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, but toasted walnuts or almonds make a great substitute.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or additional olive oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the oven for best texture.
