Description
Introduce a heartwarming touch to your dining table with the Cinnamon-Spiced Butternut Squash Delight! This dish not only captivates the palate with its blend of sweet and spicy flavors but also offers a nourishing treat that pairs splendidly with any main course or stands out as a savory snack. The roasted butternut squash, coupled with a delightful honey glaze sprinkled with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne, offers a perfect balance for those seeking a burst of autumn flavors in their meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup cranberries, halved (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring that it is at the right temperature before you start roasting the squash.
Step 2
Cube the butternut squash into 1-2 inch pieces if you have not done so already. Preparing the squash in such sizes ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization.
Step 3
Spread the cubed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the pieces evenly with avocado oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss the squash well to coat each piece adequately.
Step 4
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. The squash should be fork-tender with edges that are nicely browned and caramelized, highlighting its natural sugars.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, mix the honey, ground cinnamon, halved cranberries, and cayenne pepper. This concoction will be used to glaze the roasted squash, infusing it with complementary sweet and spicy notes.
Step 6
Remove the squash from the oven, and evenly pour the honey mixture over it, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Once done, return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent any burning.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or small gatherings. The total preparation and cooking time amounts to roughly 45 minutes, including both preparation of ingredients and roasting time.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or oven until warm throughout. If using an oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Delve into the enticing world of autumn flavors with this Cinnamon-Spiced Butternut Squash Delight. A simple yet sophisticated side dish, it promises to satisfy your cravings with its delightful meld of sweet, spicy, and earthy tones. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Butternut Squash Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Introduce a heartwarming touch to your dining table with the Cinnamon-Spiced Butternut Squash Delight! This dish not only captivates the palate with its blend of sweet and spicy flavors but also offers a nourishing treat that pairs splendidly with any main course or stands out as a savory snack. The roasted butternut squash, coupled with a delightful honey glaze sprinkled with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne, offers a perfect balance for those seeking a burst of autumn flavors in their meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup cranberries, halved (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring that it is at the right temperature before you start roasting the squash.
- Cube the butternut squash into 1-2 inch pieces if you have not done so already. Preparing the squash in such sizes ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization.
- Spread the cubed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the pieces evenly with avocado oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss the squash well to coat each piece adequately.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. The squash should be fork-tender with edges that are nicely browned and caramelized, highlighting its natural sugars.
- In a separate bowl, mix the honey, ground cinnamon, halved cranberries, and cayenne pepper. This concoction will be used to glaze the roasted squash, infusing it with complementary sweet and spicy notes.
- Remove the squash from the oven, and evenly pour the honey mixture over it, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Once done, return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent any burning.