Cocoa Roasted Butternut Squash
Transform your autumnal side dishes with this irresistibly unique Cocoa Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. Sweet, earthy cubes of butternut squash are coated in a luscious blend of unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and paprika, creating a dish that’s both savory and subtly sweet. Perfectly caramelized in the oven, this side dish features a tender yet slightly crisp texture that’s sure to impress at your next meal. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a simple yet elevated option for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve warm as a showstopping side or even enjoy it as a snack with a gourmet twist—your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
Step 2
Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizes for uniform roasting.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth coating mixture.
Step 4
Add the cubed butternut squash to the bowl and toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the cocoa-spice mixture.
Step 5
Spread the coated squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are not overlapping to promote even roasting.
Step 6
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through for even caramelization. The squash should be tender and slightly crisp on the edges when done.
Step 7
Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
Step 8
Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or enjoy as a unique snack. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1411.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 859.1 |
| Total Fat 29.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1237.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 159.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 45.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 40.2g | |
| Protein 13.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 578.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3931.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories