How To Roast Butternut Squash

A simple guide for how to roast butternut squash for a creamy, caramelized flavor every time

Roasting a whole butternut squash is one of the easiest ways to bring out its natural sweetness and velvety texture. Whether you’re using it in soups, baked goods, grain bowls, or simply enjoying it on its own, learning how to roast it properly is a foundational skill for any home cook.

This method keeps it simple: just slice, brush with olive oil, and roast until perfectly tender. No peeling, no fuss. Once roasted, the flesh becomes soft and lightly caramelized, ready to be scooped and transformed into a nourishing dish.

Use this method of roasting when you need very soft and smooth squash pulp.

Why Butternut Squash Is Good for You

Butternut squash isn’t just cozy and comforting—it’s packed with nutrients that support your overall wellness. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, which plays a vital role in immune health, skin integrity, and vision. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which support heart health, digestion, and inflammation balance.

Thanks to its natural sweetness, it satisfies that comfort food craving while delivering a significant amount of antioxidant power and very little sugar per serving. It’s a staple in many of my plant-based recipes, and once you try roasting it this way, you’ll see why.

Try it in my Southwest Butternut Squash Soup, mash it into Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Blondies, stir it into risotto, or blend it with garlic and herbs for a velvety sauce. The possibilities are endless once you’ve got a tray of roasted butternut squash ready to go.