Name: Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium (2-3 pounds) butternut squash; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 tablespoons butter (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 25 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and herbaceous goodness that turns simple squash into something truly special. Whether you’re new to roasting veggies or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry herbs and spices to bring out the natural sweetness of butternut squash.
Perfect Roasting Temp: Roasting at 425°F ensures tender squash with those irresistible caramelized edges.
Browned Butter Finish: Adds a nutty richness that takes this side from good to unforgettable.
Versatility: Easy to customize with herbs and add-ins to suit your mood or season.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs, roasted squash recipes, healthy vegetable side dish, easy fall side dish, flavorful roasted squash - This image shows a baking tray filled with roasted orange cubes of butternut squash, evenly spread out in one layer. The squash pieces have a mix of smooth and slightly charred edges with light browning, and tiny dark seasoning bits are scattered on top. There are small green thyme sprigs placed randomly among the squash. A black spoon is scooping a portion of the roasted squash from the tray, creating a slight gap showing the metallic tray surface beneath. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe plays a key role. The squash brings sweetness and creaminess, while olive oil helps achieve that golden roast. Herbs and spices build layers of flavor, and the browned butter at the end adds a lovely toasty note that elevates the dish.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs, roasted squash recipes, healthy vegetable side dish, easy fall side dish, flavorful roasted squash - Flat lay of a medium whole butternut squash, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl of cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of mixed dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl of pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl containing rich golden melted butter, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut Squash: Choose one that feels heavy for its size with unblemished skin for the freshest and sweetest flavor.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best depth of flavor and health benefits.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the squash.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if you can — it adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Dried Italian Seasoning or Herbs de Provence: A fragrant blend that brings herbal brightness and complexity.
Garlic Powder: Offers a mellow garlic flavor without burning, which fresh garlic might under these roasting times.
Butter (Optional): When browned, it adds a rich, nutty layer that’s truly crave-worthy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe is so flexible. Personally, I sometimes add a touch of sweetness or swap herbs depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own — that’s the fun part!

Variation: I sometimes drizzle a teaspoon of honey into the browned butter for a subtle sweet contrast that my family adores.
Dietary Adaptation: Skip the butter if you want a vegan-friendly dish; the oils and herbs still shine beautifully.
Seasonal Change: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary or sage in the fall to deepen the earthy vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Squash with Care

Start by peeling your butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler — I find a sturdy one works best to avoid slipping. Then, carefully slice it lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds with a spoon. Cutting the squash into 1-inch cubes ensures even roasting and perfect tenderness. Remember to arrange the pieces in a single layer on your baking sheet—that’s the secret to crisp, caramelized edges.

Step 2: Coat and Season

Drizzle the olive oil over the squash pieces. Don’t just pour and walk away — use your hands or two spoons to toss each piece, making sure every inch is lightly coated. Next, sprinkle on your salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder evenly. Don’t skip this step; the seasoning turns plain squash into a flavor bomb.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Tender

Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye toward the end of cooking; you want tender squash that browns beautifully on the edges but isn’t mushy. My trick? I test doneness with a fork—it should slide in easily without the squash falling apart.

Step 4: Add a Browned Butter Finish (Optional but Oh-So-Worthy)

While the squash roasts, melt your butter over medium-high heat and let it simmer until it turns a beautiful dark golden brown and smells nutty (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn). Then spoon this luscious browned butter over the roasted squash right before serving. Trust me, this little step makes your Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe something truly special.

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Pro Tips for Making Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe

Uniform Cubes: Cut your squash into evenly-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and browning.
High Heat Roasting: Don’t lower the oven temp—425°F allows the edges to caramelize while keeping the insides tender.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the squash room on the baking sheet to roast properly instead of steaming.
Browned Butter Patience: Watch the butter close as it browns quickly; remove it from heat as soon as it takes on a golden color to avoid burning.

How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs, roasted squash recipes, healthy vegetable side dish, easy fall side dish, flavorful roasted squash - The image shows a white bowl with a thin brown rim filled with small cubed roasted orange vegetables, likely sweet potatoes or butternut squash, some pieces have browned edges for a slightly charred look. The roasted cubes are shiny with a light glaze and sprinkled with small green herb leaves, possibly thyme, scattered across both the bowl and the white marbled surface underneath. A silver fork with a simple design is placed inside the bowl resting on the right side among the vegetables. The overall presentation has warm orange and green tones set against the clean white bowl and white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are freshly chopped parsley or sage for a pop of color and bright herbaceousness. Sometimes I sprinkle a touch of toasted pepitas for crunch or a few crumbles of feta cheese to add tanginess. These simple additions amp up both the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

I often pair this roasted squash with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops for a hearty meal. It also works beautifully alongside grain bowls, quinoa salads, or even tossed with sautéed greens for a vegetarian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I sometimes serve the roasted squash in a hollowed-out squash shell at the table—that always gets compliments! You can also sprinkle pomegranate seeds or pomegranate molasses drizzle for a vibrant twist during holiday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it a great option for meal prep or quick side dishes during the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! After roasting and cooling, spread the squash on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It keeps nicely for up to 3 months—perfect when butternut squash is in season and you want to stash some goodness.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven to maintain that roast texture, or use a skillet to warm it up with a little olive oil. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some of the crisp edges.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for this Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs bring a brighter flavor but add them near the end of roasting or right after cooking to prevent them from burning and turning bitter. If you want to roast with fresh herbs, I recommend tossing them on for the last 5 minutes.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence?

No worries! You can combine your favorite dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil to taste. The key is to have a balance of aromatic herbs to complement the squash’s natural sweetness.
Is it okay to skip the browned butter step?

Yes! The browned butter adds richness but the squash is delicious on its own with just olive oil and herbs. You can even finish it with a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
How can I tell when the butternut squash is done roasting?

The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork and have browning around the edges. The timing can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the pieces—check around 20 minutes and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate fall vegetables and bring my family together around the table. It’s approachable, flavorful, and has a touch of elegance thanks to the browned butter finish. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—just like I do whenever I want a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that’s easy to prepare. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this, it’ll be requested again and again!