Caramelized Butternut Squash Gems

Transform your roasted veggie game with these irresistibly sweet and savory Caramelized Butternut Squash Gems! This easy side dish combines tender, golden cubes of butternut squash coated in a luscious glaze of melted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick prep time of 15 minutes, this recipe delivers beautifully caramelized edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any cozy occasion. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hint of brightness, these roasted squash bites are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're meal-planning or entertaining, this dish hits the sweet spot between comfort food and gourmet flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs butternut squash
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2

Peel the butternut squash and cut it in half. Scoop out the seeds and discard them, then dice the squash into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 30 seconds. Stir in the brown sugar, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4

Place the diced butternut squash in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter and spice mixture over the squash, tossing until all pieces are coated evenly.

Step 5

Spread the squash cubes in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. This helps them caramelize properly.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through, until the squash is tender and the edges are caramelized.

Step 7

For an extra touch of caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 8

Remove the squash from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(985.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	871.2

Total Fat 51.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 93mg	0%
Sodium 638.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.0g	0%
Total Sugars 35.4g
Protein 8.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 413.8mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 2626.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.2%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 48.1%