Honey-Glazed Butternut Squash Fries
Transform your meal with these delightful Honey-Glazed Butternut Squash Fries. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe takes the humble butternut squash to a whole new level. Tossed in a light olive oil and delicately sweetened with brown sugar (or a sugar substitute), these fries are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Roasting them at a high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a rich and lovely glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or a healthy addition to any meal, these Butternut Squash Gems are sure to please both your palate and your waistline!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
2 1/2 lbs (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1" to 1 1/2" cubes)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (drizzled over the squash)
brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon (packed (optional; can use Splenda brown sugar if desired))
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), ensuring it's nice and hot for optimal roasting.
2
2. Begin by peeling the butternut squash, then cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Next, slice the squash into 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes, ensuring they are large and uniform for even cooking. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
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3. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash cubes and toss well with your hands, making sure each piece is lovingly coated.
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4. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the seasoned squash and toss until well mixed.
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5. Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray, and then arrange the squash in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded; otherwise, they won't roast evenly.
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6. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes, turning the squash pieces a couple of times during cooking to ensure they brown nicely all over. Look for a tender texture and a lovely caramelized glaze before removing them from the oven.
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7. Serve warm as a standalone snack or a vibrant side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey-Glazed Butternut Squash Fries?
They are roasted butternut squash cubes tossed in olive oil and brown sugar, resulting in a caramelized glaze that is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 2.5 pounds of butternut squash.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
Peel the squash, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then slice the squash into 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes.
What size should the squash cubes be?
The squash should be cut into large, uniform cubes measuring between 1 inch and 1.5 inches for even cooking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is hot enough for roasting.
How long do the butternut squash fries need to roast?
The squash fries should roast for 40 to 45 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based oil and sugar.
Can I use a sugar substitute for the glaze?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Splenda brown sugar if desired.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much olive oil do I need?
You need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to drizzle over the squash cubes.
What seasoning is used for the squash?
The squash is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Why do I need to roast them at a high temperature?
A high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit is used to caramelize the natural sugars and create a rich glaze.
Should I peel the butternut squash?
Yes, the squash must be peeled before it is cut into cubes.
Do I need to remove the seeds?
Yes, you should scoop out the seeds after cutting the squash in half.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
While they can be reheated, they are best served warm immediately after roasting for the best texture.
How do I prevent the squash from sticking to the pan?
Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray and ensure the squash cubes are well-coated in olive oil.
What is the expected texture of these fries?
The fries are intended to be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, you can use regular salt, though the recipe suggests kosher salt for flavor and texture.
How do I know when the fries are done?
They are done when they have reached a tender texture and developed a visible caramelized glaze.
Should I turn the squash while roasting?
Yes, turn the squash pieces a couple of times during cooking to ensure they brown nicely on all sides.
What makes the squash caramelize?
The combination of the brown sugar and the high heat of the oven caramelizes the squash's natural sugars.
Can I serve these as a side dish?
Yes, these make a vibrant and healthy side dish for any meal.
Are these fries healthy?
Yes, they are a nutritious, vegetable-based snack or side dish that is low in fat.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of packed brown sugar.
What if I overcrowd the baking sheet?
If the baking sheet is overcrowded, the squash will not roast evenly and may steam rather than crisp.
Is there black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I eat these as a standalone snack?
Absolutely, they are perfect as a healthy standalone snack.
What type of squash is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for butternut squash.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: butternut squash, olive oil, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.