Ina Garten's Caramelized Butternut Squash Recipe (2024)

Ina's Garten's Caramelized Butternut Squash Recipe is so simple, yet so tasty, as are most Ina Garten recipes. Butternut squash holds a special place in the heart of seasonal cooking. And when Ina Garten gets her hands on it, you know something good is about to happen. My adaptation of Ina's Caramelized Butternut Squash recipe makes a dish that will not only elevate your November dinners but will make you wonder why you haven’t been cooking butternut squash this way your whole life. We love all things butternut squash and Ina Garten!

WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT THIS RECIPE?

Ina Garten, often referred to as the Barefoot Contessa from the Food Network, has this unique ability to take simple ingredients and transform them into culinary masterpieces. This caramelized butternut squash is no exception. The squash, when roasted, takes on a lovely caramelized texture, thanks to the brown sugar and melted butter. What sets my recipe apart is the addition of pomegranate seeds, offering a burst of freshness with every bite. Plus, I have scaled it down to two servings but if you need more you can easily do that with just one click in the recipe card.

IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET-FRIENDLY?

Considering our rating system at ohthatsgood.com, the ingredients for this butternut squash recipe fall into the "cheap" category. Most of the ingredients, like butternut squash and brown sugar, are staples during the fall season, making it a budget-friendly option for those who are cooking for two without breaking the bank.

INGREDIENTS

For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

INGREDIENT NOTES

• Butternut Squash: Opt for a medium butternut squash. When choosing, ensure it feels heavy for its size and the skin is matte, not glossy.
• Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar works best. It adds a subtle sweetness and helps in achieving that caramelized texture.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is a preference here, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Place all ingredients on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Mix with clean hands to combine.

Step 3: Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Step 4: Remove from oven and put in a bowl.

EQUIPMENT

A good quality baking sheet is crucial. It ensures even cooking, especially when caramelizing. Moreover, a sharp knife will make cutting the butternut squash a breeze.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• If you're out of light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can work in a pinch, though it'll give a deeper molasses flavor.
• White pepper can be replaced with black pepper, but it will introduce a slightly different flavor profile.

VARIATIONS

• Browned Butter Butternut: Before roasting, instead of melted butter, try using browned butter for an added nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Lovers: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are gluten-free brands.

How do I know when the butternut squash is perfectly caramelized?

When the edges of the butternut squash turn a luscious golden brown and it has a tender feel when poked with a fork, you know it’s reached that perfect caramelized stage.

I only have sweet potatoes on hand. Can I use them instead?

While butternut squash is the star of this dish, sweet potatoes can be a decent substitute. They naturally caramelize when roasted, though the taste will be different. However, it might be worth giving it a try the next time you want to mix things up.

What’s the best way to peel the butternut squash?

The easiest and safest way is using a vegetable peeler. Ensure the squash is on a steady surface, like a cutting board, and peel from top to bottom.

Can I prepare this dish for my Thanksgiving dinner?

Absolutely! This caramelized butternut squash dish will be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. Its festive flavor and vibrant colors make it a perfect side dish for the occasion.

Do I need to grease my sheet pan?

To ensure easy removal and no sticking, it’s advisable to line your sheet pan with parchment paper. It also helps in achieving a consistent caramelized texture.

Can I cut the butternut squash ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the squash by cutting it into 1-inch cubes and storing them at room temperature if you're using them within a couple of hours. Otherwise, refrigerate and use within 2-3 days

How should I season the butternut squash for the best flavor?

A pinch of sea salt along with the brown sugar and butter in the recipe gives it a sweet and savory balance. Feel free to adjust to your taste!

If I want to adjust the sweetness, how should I go about it?

You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you find the dish too sweet this time, reduce the quantity of brown sugar the next time. Conversely, for added sweetness, you can sprinkle a little extra.

How can I ensure the butternut squash cubes are coated evenly with the mixture?

Using a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the butternut squash cubes on your baking sheet and then toss to ensure an even coat.

What should be the roasting time for the perfect caramelized butternut squash?

Roasting the butternut squash for about 25-30 minutes at the mentioned temperature should give it a beautiful caramelized texture. However, ovens may vary, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on it.

PRO COOKING TIPS

• Always preheat the oven to 400 degrees, giving the butternut squash the right environment to cook and caramelize properly.
• Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures every piece gets an even amount of love from the heat.
• Turning the squash a couple of times is key to ensuring an even brown, caramelized finish.

Ina's Caramelized Butternut Squash

Inspired by Ina Garten's version of Roasted Butternut Squash. Made it my own by adjusting for two servings, using white pepper instead of black, and adding pomegranate seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 595mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 4gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 21620IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 111mgIron: 2mg

DISCLAIMERS

Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.

We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.

Cooking and baking are all about love and time. This caramelized butternut squash recipe by Ina Garten encapsulates just that. It's an easy dish, requiring little time, but the flavors are so deep and rich that it feels like a labor of love. This dish is not just a testament to the beauty of butternut squash recipes but to the magic that simple ingredients can create when combined in the right manner. And remember, every time is the right time for a delicious squash recipe. In fact, if you love this squash recipe, you will also love our Quick Acorn Squash Recipe with Cranberries!

Enjoy and happy cooking!