Honey Orange Butternut Squash

Brighten up your table with this Honey Orange Butternut Squash recipe—a sweet and savory side dish that's as stunning as it is delicious. Tender cubes of roasted butternut squash are tossed in a luscious glaze made from fresh orange juice, zesty orange zest, golden honey, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a harmony of warm, citrusy flavors. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds herbaceous notes, while optional chopped pecans provide a delightful crunch. Perfectly caramelized in the oven, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or holiday feasts, offering a cozy, nourishing balance of sweetness and spice. Ready in under an hour, it's an effortless way to impress your guests or elevate weeknight dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 cups orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Chop the squash into 1-inch cubes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Drizzle the squash cubes with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.

Step 4

Spread the seasoned squash on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded.

Step 5

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the squash for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

While the squash is roasting, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, fresh thyme leaves, and ground cinnamon.

Step 7

After the squash has roasted for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and drizzle the glaze evenly over the pieces. If using chopped pecans, sprinkle them over the glazed squash.

Step 8

Return the squash to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges.

Step 9

Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or alongside your favorite entrees.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1516.5 grams (1516.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1058

Total Fat 39.50g	51%
Saturated Fat 5.50g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1238mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate 187.30g	68%
Dietary Fiber 46.30g	165%
Total Sugars 66.90g
Protein 14.60g	29%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 590mg	45%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 4081mg	87%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.6%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 64.4%