You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the ingredients used in this recipe, yet they come together to create an incredibly rich and satisfying flavor profile. It truly is one of my favorite recipes to make during the fall season!

• Fresh Butternut Squash: The star of our dish! I recommend using fresh butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. These bite-sized pieces ensure even roasting and beautiful caramelization. To save time, look for pre-cut butternut squash in the produce section of your grocery store. When selecting a squash, choose one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of soft spots or blemishes.
• Quality Oil: For the best flavor and a lovely golden-brown exterior, extra virgin olive oil is my top choice. It adds a subtle richness. If preferred, you could also use melted butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil, though each will impart a slightly different flavor to the finished dish.
• Warm Seasoning: We season the squash with a comforting blend of ground nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, along with a touch of sea salt. These spices are the essence of fall, infusing the squash with a wonderfully aromatic and sweet warmth that complements its natural flavor.
• A Hint of Vanilla: Vanilla extract might seem an unusual addition, but it beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and deepens the overall flavor profile. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best results, though vanilla essence can be used in a pinch.
• Brown Sugar for Sweetness: A couple of tablespoons of brown sugar contribute a lovely sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor, aiding in the squash’s caramelization as it roasts, creating those irresistible slightly crispy edges.
• Crunchy Nuts: Pecans are added to provide a delightful textural contrast with their buttery, earthy crunch. They toast lightly in the oven, intensifying their flavor.
• Tangy Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese is a game-changer in this recipe. Its creamy texture and distinctively tangy, savory flavor offer a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the squash and cranberries, adding an extra layer of gourmet depth to the dish.
• Dried Cranberries: These jewel-toned beauties add bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a chewy texture that truly brightens the dish and pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

How to Perfectly Roast Butternut Squash

Achieving perfectly roasted butternut squash is key to this recipe’s success. Follow these simple steps for tender, caramelized squash every time.

Step 1. Prepare Your Squash and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). While the oven heats, carefully peel the butternut squash. A sturdy vegetable peeler works best for this. Once peeled, halve the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. Then, cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is important for even cooking. Place these squash cubes into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2. Season and Toss: To the bowl with the squash, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon of cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Use your hands or a large spoon to thoroughly toss the squash until every piece is evenly coated with the oil and spices. This ensures maximum flavor distribution and beautiful caramelization.

Step 3. Initial Roast: Spread the seasoned squash in a single, even layer onto a non-stick baking sheet or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the squash roasts rather than steams. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently turn the cubes of squash with a spatula to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 4. Add the Finishing Touches and Continue Roasting: After turning the squash, carefully add the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of pecans, and 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese to the baking sheet. Stir everything gently to combine with the partially roasted squash. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is perfectly tender, slightly golden brown, and boasts delicious caramelized edges. The cranberries will soften slightly, and the goat cheese will become wonderfully creamy and slightly melted.

Step 5. Garnish and Serve: Once the squash is beautifully roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the roasted butternut squash with cranberries to a serving bowl. For a burst of freshness and color, garnish generously with fresh thyme, parsley, and/or oregano. Serve warm and enjoy this exquisite fall side dish!

Ways to Modify and Customize This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Different Squash & Vegetables: While butternut squash is fantastic, this recipe works equally well with other winter squashes like pumpkin (especially sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin), acorn squash, delicata squash, or even sweet potato cubes. You can also mix in other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added variety.
• Spice It Up or Down: The spices are easily customizable. If you’re not a fan of a particular spice, feel free to omit it. For those who love a little heat, a pinch of cayenne red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can add a delightful kick. Other great additions include a touch of ginger, allspice, or even a savory herb blend.
• Fresh Herb Variations: Fresh herbs provide a beautiful, fragrant finish. Instead of or in addition to thyme, parsley, and oregano, consider using fresh sage leaves, a sprig of rosemary, or even chopped fresh basil for a different aromatic profile.
• Nutty Swaps: Pecans offer a lovely buttery crunch, but you can easily swap them for other nuts. Pine nuts, pistachios, chopped walnuts, or sliced almonds would all make excellent alternatives, each contributing its unique flavor and texture.
• Fruity Alternatives: Dried cranberries lend a fantastic sweet-tart element. If you prefer, you can experiment with other dried fruits such as golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even diced dried figs for a different kind of sweetness and chewiness.
• Cheese Choices: Crumbled goat cheese provides a distinct tang and creaminess. For a different flavor, try crumbled feta cheese for a saltier, more pungent note, or grated Parmesan cheese for an umami-rich, savory touch. If you prefer to keep the dish dairy-free or vegan, simply omit the cheese entirely.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar. For an even sweeter, more dessert-like side, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can be added before roasting.