Roasted Honeynut Squash Recipe - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

This honeynut squash recipe needs just a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes. Roasted until tender and sweet, it makes the perfect veggie side dish.

If winter squash is a staple during the cooler months, you must add roasted honeynut squash to your rotation.

Compared to the butternut variety, this squash is smaller in size and often available between September and December. It has a sweeter taste and softer texture, perfect for roasting or steaming. The best way to describe this squash is that it’s a mix between kabocha squash and delicata squash.

I often find this squash at farmers’ markets and greengrocers, but thanks to its popularity, more and more mainstream grocery stores like Whole Foods and Costco are now stocking it. I even saw it at Trader Joe’s last week!

Why this recipe works

• It’s healthy.Packed with fiber, beta carotene, vitamins, and slow-releasing carbohydrates, this vegetable is quite the superfood. During the cooler months, it’s a popular and easy side dish for many family dinners.
• Ready in 30 minutes.Likecauliflower steak, so long as you don’t slice the squash too thickly, it will take less than 25 minutes to cook through. It cooks faster than butternut, so it’s a popular veggie option for many of our dinners.
• Perfect texture and flavor.The texture of the roasted squash is tender on the outside and soft and creamy in the middle. It’s naturally sweet and savory and pairs well with almost anything!
• Vegan and gluten-free. And also dairy-free!

Ingredients needed

I like roasting this squash with minimal seasonings to let the natural flavor shine. Here is everything you’ll need:

• Honeynut squash. Cut into ¼ inch strips.Like pumpkin or butternut, the skin is edible so you can keep it intact.
• Olive oil. To drizzle over the squash before baking it. Don’t skip this step because even a little oil helps to caramelize the edges and take this veggie up a notch.
• Spices. Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning are all we’ll be using for this dish.

How to make roasted honeynut squash

Step 1- Cut the squash: Using a sharp knife, start by cutting the squash in half and remove the seeds from then cavity using a spoon. Slice the squash into strips that are ¼ inch thick.

Step 2- Season: Arrange the vegetable strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle some olive oil on top. Season the squash, rubbing the spices and herbs on each slice.

Step 3- Bake: Roast the squash for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through baking.

Tips to make the best recipe

• There is no need to peel honeynut squash. Unlike butternut squash, this has a thinner skin that becomes tender and flavorful once baked.
• I like to chop the squash in advance and keep them in the fridge so the prep work is done when I need to whip them up as part of a family dinner.
• Although honeynut is technically a root vegetable, I don’t recommend adding it to a baking sheet or pan without parchment paper. No matter how much oil you grease the sheet pan with, this squash always sticks!
• If you prefer your squash really sweet, swap out the savory spices I used here for some warming ones like cinnamon and nutmeg. Also, If you love sweet potato casserole, you can also drizzle some pure maple syrup on top with some pecans for crunch.

Storage instructions

To store.Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat.Rewarm roasted squash in the oven preheated to 350F degrees. Alternatively, use the microwave.

To freeze.Flash freeze baked squash, then transfer it into an airtight container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

What to serve with this squash

The natural sweetness of this roasted vegetable pairs SO well with red meat and hearty dishes. Here are some of our favorites:

• Baked chicken tenderloins
• Bacon wrapped filet mignon
• Grilled beef tenderloin
• Stuffed salmon
• Stuffed pork chops

Frequently asked questions

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.