Baked Butternut Squash

This baked butternut squash recipe is a simple and delicious way to embrace seasonal produce.

Baked Butternut Squash Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this easy baked butternut squash:

• Butternut squash: Look for a solid beige butternut squash that feels heavy for its size.
• Butter: A tablespoon of butter adds richness and moisture. You could substitute olive oil, if you like.
• Seasonings: This baked butternut squash is simply seasoned with salt and pepper. You can add more spices, such as cayenne pepper or garlic powder, to taste.

How to Bake Butternut Squash

Making baked butternut squash is incredibly easy. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this top-rated baked butternut squash recipe:

Place the squash halves in a baking dish with two cups of water. Bake in the preheated oven until the squash is tender, then top with butter and seasonings.

Tips:

• Adjust the baking time if using a smaller squash. Drizzle with olive oil instead of butter, if desired.
• To serve without the skin, let squash cool slightly after removing from the oven. Carefully remove the skin with a fork (it should be very easy to remove) and continue with Step 4.

How Long to Bake Butternut Squash

Your large butternut squash halves should be perfectly baked after about 90 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. If you're using a small or medium squash, adjust the bake time.

How to Use Baked Butternut Squash

This baked butternut squash is a simple, elegant side dish as-is. You can also use it to make one of these autumnal recipes:

• Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli
• Butternut Squash and Cranberry Muffins
• Autumn Butternut Squash Casserole

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“Wonderfully easy and tasty recipe,” says Deborah Norris. “We topped it off by mashing squash with butter, brown sugar and salt. So tasty.”

“So simple, yet so delicious,” according to KellyBB. “Followed the recipe as written, wouldn’t change a thing. I plan on making this instead of candied sweet potatoes this Thanksgiving.”

“This recipe is super easy (and it makes your house smell fabulous!),” raves Cookdap Allstar Jamie Justice Yost. “I’m baking the squash to actually add to a butternut squash ravioli recipe and I couldn’t be more excited.”