This photo guide takes you through how to roast butternut squash — and you’ll see how incredibly easy it is! Then you can use it in dozens of recipes!
Even before taking pictures of food was part of my job description, I’d find myself in the middle of cooking a recipe looking for my camera.
The simple beauty of an ingredient can make me pause. This happens more often than not. Whether I’m peeling asparagus or an onion, slicing beets or citrus, or maybe simply swirling melted butter around a pan, I’m constantly struck at how beautiful food can be. I can’t seem to move forward without first taking a moment to admire it, often times taking a picture while I’m at it.
And it can happen over and over with the same foods — for example, every time I slice a roasted butternut squash in half, I love seeing the rich and deep orange color reveal itself, and I slow down, maybe even stop briefly — it’s like a lull in a conversation. This is just one of the reasons to learn how to roast butternut squash. 
If this sort of thing hasn’t happened to you with food, imagine your driving around a bend in a mountain, and when you make it around the curve, you suddenly see the ocean. It’s stunning, somewhat surprising, and it may make you slow down or even take your breath away. Maybe you’ll even want to take a picture. Get it?
I welcome these interruptions when I’m in the kitchen — in fact, it’s part of what I love about cooking.
I’ve been working with butternut squash a lot this week and realized how important it is to know how to roast one. If you haven’t done it, it might seem daunting , and having the roasted squash at the ready this time of year is a must. I want to make sure you all know just how easy it is!
How to Roast Butternut Squash:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, adjust a rack to the lower third, and place a whole butternut squash on a baking sheet. Pierce it just a few times with a fork. Don’t do anything else!
Step 2: Once it’s preheated, place the baking sheet with the squash in it in the oven, and roast until it’s soft to the touch, about 1 hour, 45 minutes. (Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your squash — this timing is for a squash that’s approximately 4-pounds.) After the first 45 minutes, turn it over and you should check on it every 20 minutes or so. When it’s done, the skin will be somewhat wrinkled with some charred areas, and some golden brown spots.
Step 3: Let the squash cool so you’re better able to handle it. Then cut the stem end off.
Step 4: Now slice it in half lengthwise. Be careful because it it’s still hot, a lot of steam will release at this point.
Step 5: Use a large spoon to gently scoop out the seeds and membranes.
The color is just so brilliant!
Step 6: Keep the seeds — just like those from a pumpkin, they can be roasted and seasoned. Just put them in a fine mesh strainer and rise them, removing any of the squash membranes that might be stuck.
Step 7: Gently scoop the soft flesh out of the skin.
Aren’t you happy that now you know how to roast butternut squash? And can you believe how easy it is? I love having it on hand. After all, you never know when you’ll want to whip a Chai Spiced Butternut Squash Pie!
Enjoy!
Lizthechef says
November 21, 2014 at 5:40 pmGood grief, did you see my Facebook comment? I always prepare for a visit to our local ER whenever I pick up my knife – but that was with an uncooked and peeled butternut squash. Thank you – and enjoy a lovely holiday with your family this Thanksgiving.
valentina says
November 22, 2014 at 10:38 pmHappy Thanksgiving to you and yours Liz! (And no visits to the ER please!) 😉
Kalinda says
November 22, 2014 at 11:39 amI don’t know why it’s never occurred to me to roast the whole butternut squash first. This is genius. I might eat more squash now.
valentina says
November 22, 2014 at 10:35 pmThanks, Kalinda! Hope you try it! xo
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
November 22, 2014 at 2:26 pmThis method for roasting butternut squash is genius! It is so much easier than cubing the hard squash and then roasting. I’m making sauce for lasagna from butternut squash and can’t wait to give this method a try.
valentina says
November 22, 2014 at 10:33 pmOh yes, Deb — perfect to add to sauces like this! I’m making a compound butter with it tomorrow, to add to pasta. 🙂
Nancy says
November 22, 2014 at 5:14 pmWill this work with acorn and carnival squash too? I usually halve and then cook in glass pan with water, but now I’m wondering….
valentina says
November 22, 2014 at 10:10 pmNancy, I haven’t done this with an acorn squash, but I’m pretty sure it would work the same way — though probably with a shorter roasting time. I’ll try it and report back. If you try it first, let me know how it goes. 🙂
Sippitysup says
November 22, 2014 at 5:36 pmI’m with Liz, this certainly brings the danger level in control. GREG
valentina says
November 22, 2014 at 10:15 pmDanger is never a good word in the kitchen. 😉
Kelly @ Tasting Page says
November 23, 2014 at 9:03 amSo smart. I’ve never roasted it whole, but definitely saves on the impossible squash cutting. Gorgeous pictures!
valentina says
November 23, 2014 at 4:41 pmThanks so much Kelly!
David says
November 23, 2014 at 12:41 pmSo funny that we roasted squash on the same day. I learned something from you today, though! No need to scoop the seeds in advance! that will save time and sliminess! Happy Thanskgiving!!
valentina says
November 23, 2014 at 4:41 pmGreat (chef) minds think alike. 😉
Richard Reed says
November 24, 2014 at 11:06 pmHey Val, how about roasting a spaghetti squash? Would that work before adding your sauce? Or would that make the inside too soft for the sauce?
valentina says
November 25, 2014 at 7:56 amHi Richard! I’ve never roasted a whole spaghetti squash, but I’m sure it would work. Most vegetables like this should be pricked with a fork before roasting (I’ve found the butternut doesn’t need it), so just in case, you might want to prick it a few times before you put it in the oven. I’m thinking it might have a shorter roasting time, so keep an eye on it. Enjoy!
Laurie Emerson says
November 26, 2014 at 7:26 pmI completely agree with the no danger in the kitchen comments. For some reason the minute a knife is in my hands an accident, no matter how careful I am, is only minutes away. I love making butternut squash as well as so many dishes with zucchini. It is the thought of having to use a sharp knife which always scares me away from making it more than I do.
valentina says
November 26, 2014 at 9:55 pmLaurie, I hope you try this method — the knife slides right in with no effort. Easy. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Hilary says
November 27, 2014 at 10:02 amI just used this method and it came out fabulous! SO much easier!! Thanks!!
valentina says
November 27, 2014 at 9:27 pmThat’s awesome, Hilary! 🙂
Judy @My Well Seasoned Life says
October 14, 2015 at 1:51 pmJust in time for the season. Now if it will only cool down enough in LA to turn on the oven.
valentina says
October 14, 2015 at 3:40 pmAgreed. It’s beautiful, but I’m ready for a sweater!