Butternut squash is one of the most versatile and delicious of all the winter squashes. It's also easy to get in just about any grocery store. Here's how to cut, peel, cube and roast butternut squash so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish, vegetable dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: butternut squash, winter squash
Servings: 1butternut squash
Ingredients
1butternut squash
1 Tbspcanola oil
1tspsalt
1/2tspblack pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash butternut squash well and towel dry.
Cut the stem end off the squash.
Make a cut horizontally through the squash where the long neck portion meets the round bulb so that the neck and bulb are separated. See video for details.
Use a vegetable peeler or a knife to peel the squash.
Cut the neck piece in half lengthwise so you have a nice big flat surface. Lay each piece flat and slice the neck into 1/2" slices. Repeat with the other half. Turn slices on side and slice into 1/2" rows. Cut the rows into cubes. Try to keep the size as uniform as possible.
Cut the bulb end in half vertically to reveal the inside cavity. Remove the seeds and stringy bits from the center. Continue to cut to form 1/2" cubes.
To roast the cubes, spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil. and add salt and pepper. Massage to coat evenly. Place in oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
When tender and lightly caramelized, enjoy as a side dish or use to top a salad or pasta dish.
Video
Notes
Change things up - try different herbs and spices instead of or with the salt and pepper.You can also add other veggies for stunning and tasty roasted veggie side dishes.Squash Tip!When you cut squash and work with it raw, you may feel your fingers get a weird drying out sensation. That's totally normal! When cut, squash will release a sap to protect itself by drying out the area. It's a self healing mechanism. I think that's so amazing. When this sap gets on your fingers, it will work it's drying out magic on you. It's not always noticeable, but if you've ever had a weird sensation after cutting squash that's what it is. Nothing to be alarmed about. Wash it off with soap and water and a little scrubbing. If that doesn't work, try a little lemon juice.