Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Buttercup Squash
This Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Buttercup Squash is a delightful combination of natural sweetness and tangy flavor that elevates any meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a vibrant side to your weekly dinner, this dish shines with its rich colors and enticing aroma. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty side, the tender, caramelized squash slices are bathed in a luscious glaze of agave nectar and balsamic vinegar, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors. You can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free by simply omitting the butter, making it a versatile choice for any dietary preference.
4-5 servings
Servings
76
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Buttercup squash
1 (cut in half and sliced into 1 inch thick half-moons)
Agave nectar
4 tablespoons (none)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Butter
2-4 tablespoons (melted)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Sea salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's thoroughly heated for optimal roasting.
2
Prepare a large roasting pan or rimmed cookie sheet by lightly greasing it with oil spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
3
Carefully trim both the top and bottom ends of the buttercup squash. Stand the squash upright on the flat end and slice it in half lengthwise to create two halves.
4
Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and the stringy silk from the inside of the squash halves, ensuring they're clean.
5
Slice the squash into half-moon shapes about 1 inch thick, keeping the slices uniform for even cooking.
6
Arrange the squash slices on the prepared pan with the pulp side down, making sure to space them out evenly.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the agave nectar, balsamic vinegar, and melted butter until well combined.
8
Brush each slice of squash with the balsamic-agave mixture, using about half of the glaze. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
9
Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the squash for about 15 minutes.
10
After 15 minutes, flip each slice to the opposite side and brush again with the reserved glaze.
11
Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
12
Once done, season with fresh ground black pepper and sea salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Nutrition Information
1.8g
Fat
18.6g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
3g
Fiber
11.4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buttercup squash?
Buttercup squash is a type of winter squash known for its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture when roasted.
What does Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Buttercup Squash taste like?
It is a delightful combination of natural sweetness and tangy flavor, featuring tender, caramelized squash slices with a luscious balsamic-agave glaze.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe can easily be made vegan by simply omitting the butter from the glaze ingredients.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the butter. The agave and balsamic vinegar will still create a delicious glaze.
Can I use honey instead of agave nectar?
Yes, honey is a suitable replacement for agave nectar if you do not require the recipe to be strictly vegan.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal roasting.
How thick should I slice the buttercup squash?
The squash should be sliced into half-moon shapes approximately 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to peel the squash before roasting?
No, you do not need to peel it. The skin is edible and helps the slices hold their shape during roasting.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields between 4 and 5 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 76 calories per serving of this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses whole vegetables and gluten-free seasonings.
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
Yes, while buttercup is recommended, you can also use kabocha or butternut squash with similar results.
What is the total roasting time?
The total roasting time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through.
What can I serve this dish with?
It works as a vibrant side for holiday dinners, a hearty addition to a salad, or a light lunch on its own.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast it ahead of time and gently reheat it, though the texture is best when served fresh from the oven.
How do I remove the seeds easily?
After slicing the squash in half, use a metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
Why do I roast the squash pulp side down first?
Roasting pulp side down helps trap moisture and encourages caramelization on the surface of the squash.
Can I omit the salt?
Yes, you can adjust the sea salt to your personal taste or omit it entirely if you are on a low-sodium diet.
What if I don't have balsamic vinegar?
You could try apple cider vinegar, though it will lack the specific depth and sweetness of balsamic.
Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
Fresh squash is recommended for the best roasting texture, as frozen squash can become mushy.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is low in calories, contains fiber, and utilizes healthy fats if using olive oil or minimal butter.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 11.4g of sugar per serving, which comes from the agave nectar and the natural sugars in the squash.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the glaze for a warmer, more festive flavor profile.
What do I do if my squash is still firm after 35 minutes?
Continue roasting in 5-minute increments until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Can I use maple syrup instead of agave?
Absolutely, maple syrup is an excellent 1:1 substitute for agave nectar in this recipe.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, its rich colors and enticing aroma make it a perfect addition to holiday tables like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.8g of fat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: buttercup squash, agave nectar, balsamic vinegar, butter, black pepper, and sea salt.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 3g of dietary fiber.