This parmesan‑roasted butternut squash is tender on the inside with crispy, cheesy edges. Roasting brings out the squash’s natural sweetness, and the parmesan adds savory richness — it’s simple but irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it’s easy, flavorful, and pairs with almost anything. The crunchy parmesan crust makes every bite satisfying, and it’s a great way to elevate a humble squash into something special.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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olive oil
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garlic powder
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onion powder
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dried thyme or rosemary
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salt and pepper
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grated Parmesan cheese
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optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I toss the cubed squash with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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I spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet.
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I roast for about 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until the squash is tender.
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I sprinkle grated Parmesan over the squash and roast for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is golden and crisp.
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I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
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I add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for heat.
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A drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting adds a sweet tang.
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Toasted pecans or walnuts give extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crisp again — the microwave works too but softens the texture.
FAQs
Can I roast butternut squash without peeling?
Yes — if your squash has thin skin, I roast it unpeeled after a good scrub.
What’s the best size for the cubes?
I cut them about 1‑inch so they cook evenly and get nicely browned.
Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely. Asiago or pecorino Romano work well too.
How do I prevent the squash from steaming?
I make sure it’s spread out in one layer and not overcrowded on the pan.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — I roast it earlier and reheat just before serving to keep the parmesan crisp.
Conclusion
Parmesan‑roasted butternut squash is one of my favorite easy sides — sweet, savory, and packed with texture. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Print
Parmesan‑Roasted Butternut Squash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This parmesan-roasted butternut squash is tender on the inside with crispy, cheesy edges. Roasting brings out the squash’s natural sweetness, and the parmesan adds savory richness — it’s simple but irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the squash is tender.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the squash and return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts add extra crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness, or microwave for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
