Candied butternut squash is a delicious side dish that can bring a touch of sweetness to any meal. This recipe takes the natural sweetness of butternut squash and elevates it to new heights by adding a rich caramel glaze made with cane sugar or coconut sugar along with maple syrup or honey. The result is a dish that is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
Fall is all about making recipes with squash. Whether it's Stuffed Acorn Squash or Butternut Squash Curry, the recipe possibilities are endless. If you love all things butternut squash, I have the best roasted squash recipe for you to try.
This Candied Butternut Squash is the perfect side dish for the holiday season! What’s best is that you only need 6 pantry staple ingredients to make this delicious fall and winter vegan squash recipe at home.
The tender and buttery butternut squash is coated in a sticky, glossy glaze that is infused with warm spices and a hint of citrus. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Jump to:
- What is Candied Butternut Squash?
- Why This Is The Best Candied Butternut Squash Recipe
- What You Need to Make Candied Butternut Squash At Home
- How to Make Candied Butternut Squash Step by Step
- Tips For Making the Best Candied Butternut Squash Every Single Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Candied Butternut Squash
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Candied Butternut Squash
- Related Recipes
- Recipe
This candied butternut squash can be served as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying vegetarian option.
Whether you are looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to treat yourself to a special meal, this candied butternut squash recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious candied butternut squash recipe today!
Jump to:
- What is Candied Butternut Squash?
- Why This Is The Best Candied Butternut Squash Recipe
- What You Need to Make Candied Butternut Squash At Home
- How to Make Candied Butternut Squash Step by Step
- Tips For Making the Best Candied Butternut Squash Every Single Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Candied Butternut Squash
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Candied Butternut Squash
- Related Recipes
- Recipe
What is Candied Butternut Squash?
Candied butternut squash is a sweet and savory dish made with butternut squash that has been cooked or baked in a sugary glaze until it becomes tender and caramelized. The dish typically includes ingredients such as cane sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and sometimes maple syrup or other sweeteners.
One of the main highlights of this dish is its delicious flavor. The combination of the sweet glaze and the natural sweetness of the squash creates a rich and satisfying taste. The caramelization process gives the squash a slightly crispy exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Plus, butternut squash is a nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins, fiber and in minerals. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. The natural sweetness of the squash makes it an appealing option for those who may not typically enjoy eating vegetables.
This candied butternut squash dish is truly a tasty and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why This Is The Best Candied Butternut Squash Recipe
Easy to make: This candied butternut squash recipe requires minimal prep work and only a few simple ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. Plus, this sweet butternut squash recipe is made in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean!
Versatile: You can easily add some different spices and herbs or even nuts to change up the flavor of this delicious candied butternut squash recipe.
Perfect for holidays: What's best is that it comes together quickly and easily and is a wonderful addition to the Thanksgiving menu.
Delicious: The combination of the naturally sweet butternut squash with the caramel-like glaze creates a mouthwatering flavor that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, the lemon juice and zest pair perfectly with the cinnamon in this recipe and make the squash extra flavorful and delicious.
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is a hit at gatherings and potlucks, as it appeals to a wide range of tastes and can be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a dessert.
Unique twist: The addition of spices like cinnamon gives this recipe a unique twist, elevating the flavor profile and making it stand out from other candied squash recipes.
What You Need to Make Candied Butternut Squash At Home
All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious candied butternut squash recipe at home.
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Butternut squash: We will be needing butternut squash to make this dish. It will add a rich and creamy texture as well as provide a subtle sweetness. You can either buy prechopped butternut squash or chop it yourself. Make sure the pieces are not big and cut them to be bite-sized.
Cane sugar: We will also need cane sugar or coconut sugar. It will enhance the sweetness of the dish and balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also use regular white sugar but I've opted to keep this recipe refined-sugar free.
Cinnamon: We will need cinnamon which will help in adding a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish. It will also complement the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Lemon juice: Next, we will need lemon juice to make this dish. It will provide a tangy and refreshing taste, adding a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Lemon zest: We will also need lemon zest which will give a bright and citrusy aroma to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Maple syrup: Lastly, we will need maple syrup or honey. It will add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, harmonizing with the other ingredients in the dish
How to Make Candied Butternut Squash Step by Step
Making this incredible candied butternut squash recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
1. Start off by washing and peeling your squash. If you're using a whole squash, lay it flat on the cutting board and cut it in half using a sharp chef's knife. Then, cut each piece in half down the center vertically. Scrape out the seeds.
Cut squash halves into slices and chop each slice into small cubes. I recommend cutting the squash into 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inch cubes.
2. Next, arrange chopped butternut on a parchment-lined baking sheet. With clean hands, toss all the butternut squash with sugar and spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove butternut squash from the oven, sprinkle with cinnamon, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Remove the squash from the oven, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey. Transfer to a bowl and serve.
Your delicious Candied Butternut Squash is ready to be served!
Tips For Making the Best Candied Butternut Squash Every Single Time
Pick the right butternut squash: When picking butternut squash, pick a firm one with a solid beige color. Avoid wrinkly squash or ones with soft spots. Also, make sure the squash doesn't have any cuts. Some scratches are fine, though.
Prep the squash properly: Before cooking the butternut squash, make sure to peel it and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes or slices to guarantee even cooking.
Allow the squash to cool: After cooking, let the candied butternut squash cool slightly before serving. This will allow the sugar coating to harden and enhance the texture of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, on top of the candied butternut squash for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the candied butternut squash as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or turkey. The sweet and savory flavors of the squash will complement the meat perfectly.
- Use the candied butternut squash as a topping for a fall-inspired salad. Combine mixed greens, roasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese, then top with the warm squash for a delicious and hearty salad.
- Incorporate the candied butternut squash into a grain bowl. Start with a base of cooked quinoa or farro, then add roasted vegetables, avocado slices, and a generous serving of the squash. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Try this Roasted Squash and Bean Salad.
- Make a delicious butternut squash and cheese tart. Spread a layer of goat cheese or cream cheese on a pre-baked tart shell, then top with the candied butternut squash. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a savory and sweet appetizer or main course.
- Transform the candied butternut squash into a delicious soup. Puree the squash with vegetable broth, cream, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve hot with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for a cozy and comforting meal.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Candied Butternut Squash
This delicious candied butternut squash recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:
Spicy: Add a kick to your candied butternut squash by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Enhance the warm flavors of the butternut squash by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar mixture along with the cinnamon. This adds a cozy and comforting touch to your candied squash.
Rosemary Infused: Add a savory twist by infusing the brown sugar mixture with fresh rosemary. The combination of the sweet butternut squash and the earthy rosemary creates a delicious and unique dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Although you can bake butternut squash with the skin on, it will make more sense with a whole squash. The skin on butternut squash is chewy and tough. Since we chop the squash into small pieces, peeling it will ensure that they will cook evenly and there're won't be any tough chunks of skin on each piece.
Butternut squash is loaded with nutrients. Just like carrots, it contains beta-carotene which is good for the immunity. In addition, it's high in potassium and fiber which can help with blood pressure and blood sugar.
Yes, you can use other types of winter squash, such as acorn squash or kabocha squash, in this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of squash you use, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
Yes, you can add nuts or other toppings to this recipe for added texture and flavor. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would work well. Sprinkle them on top before baking or toast them separately and sprinkle them on top before serving.
Any holiday dish pair great with this candied squash. This mashed potatoes, Mushroom stroganoff, or Butternut squash pasta.
How to Store Leftover Candied Butternut Squash
Storage. To store leftovers, first, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place the container in the refrigerator and it can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating. To reheat the leftovers, you have a couple of options. One option is to transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven by preheating it to 350°F (175°C), placing the portion in an oven-safe dish, and heating for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing. Unfortunately, this dish is not suitable for freezing as the texture and taste of the squash may alter after freezing and thawing, resulting in a less desirable outcome. Therefore, it is best to enjoy the leftovers within a few days of cooking.
Related Recipes
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Recipe
Candied Butternut Squash With Lemon And Cinnamon4
Ingredients
- 2 lb butternut squash washed and peeled
- 2 tablespoon organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon Maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a large baking sheet with a parchment paper.
- If you're using a whole squash, lay it flat on the cutting board and cut it in half. Then, cut each piece in half down the center vertically. Scrape out the seeds. Cut squash halves into slices and chop each slice into small cubes.
- Arrange chopped butternut squash on a baking sheet. Sprinkle it with sugar, mix and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove butternut squash from the oven, sprinkle it with cinnamon, lemon zest and lemon juice and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the squash in tender.
- Remove squash from the oven, drizzle with the Maple syrup or honey. Transfer to a bowl and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Karen says
Can you use a yellow squash?
Iryna says
Hi Karen,
Although I haven't tried making this recipe with yellow squash, I imagine it would work too. Since yellow squash is much more tender than the butternut squash the roasting time should be reduced to maybe like 10-15 minutes to prevent it from being mushy.