Golden Roasted Butternut Squash with Aromatic Herbs

This year brought an incredible butternut squash harvest. Farmer Fred showed up like he’d struck gold, rolling into the yard with a front loader full of freshly picked squash. In total, he delivered 85 butternut squash—about 170 pounds of harvest power (at roughly 2 lbs each). That’s a lot of squash… now what?

What Can You Make With Butternut Squash?

When you’ve got this much squash on hand, the possibilities are endless. One of the best and simplest ways to enjoy it is herb roasted butternut squash—warm, savory, and perfect as a side dish.

But that’s just the beginning. You can also:

  • Boil and mash it for a creamy side dish

  • Blend it into a comforting butternut squash soup

  • Bake it into muffins or quick bread (yes, squash bread is a thing—and it’s delicious)

  • Cook and puree it, then freeze in ice cube trays for easy future use

  • Swap it into a pie recipe—use pumpkin pie spices and no one will even notice the difference

How to Store Butternut Squash

Whole butternut squash stores surprisingly well. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and it can last 3–4 months, making it perfect for long-term seasonal use.

If you still end up with extra squash, don’t let it go to waste—share it with:

  • Friends and family

  • Coworkers and neighbors

  • Local food pantries or community kitchens

You might even find yourself becoming the “squash supplier” of the season—don’t say you weren’t warned!

This recipe has been updated and republished from an original post first published in October 2019.

What you Will Learn

  • Herb roasted butternut squash is naturally sweet, nutrient-dense, and high in fiber and vitamin A.
  • The best texture comes from roasting at high heat (around 400–425°F / 200–220°C).
  • Classic herbs include rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley for depth of flavor.
  • Cutting squash into evenly sized cubes ensures even caramelization.
  • It works as a side dish, salad topping, or meal prep base for bowls.
  • You can customize it with garlic, maple syrup, chili flakes, or parmesan-style vegan toppings.
  • It fits gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and whole-food diets.

Overview

Herb roasted butternut squash is a simple oven-roasted dish made by tossing cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, then roasting until caramelized and tender. It is commonly served as a healthy fall or holiday side dish and pairs well with chicken, fish, grains, or vegetarian meals.

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butternut squash
butternut and acorn squash

SIS Tip - Simple is Smart Tip

Swap your knife for a potato peeler when peeling butternut squash. It’s a much safer option because the squash has an irregular shape and a very tough outer skin. Its curved surface makes it difficult to control a knife, increasing the risk of slipping and accidentally cutting yourself instead of the squash. Ouch—avoid the risk and use a peeler instead.

nutrition of butternut squash

Healthy Longevity Nutrition

Butternut squash plays a key role in a longevity-focused healthy diet thanks to its dense nutritional value and wide range of health-supporting benefits. It is rich in essential vitamins such as A, C, and E, which help strengthen immune defenses, promote healthy skin, and support optimal vision.

Its high dietary fiber content supports smooth digestion and contributes to better weight management—both important factors for long-term health and longevity. In addition, butternut squash is loaded with antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two major drivers of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Low in calories yet highly nutrient-dense, butternut squash is an ideal whole food choice for anyone aiming to improve overall wellness and support a longer, healthier lifespan.

butternut squash, salt, pepper, seasoning, olive oil on a table

What do I need for Herb Roasted Butternut Squash

  1. Organic butternut squash is available in a variety of sizes, so select one that best suits the number of servings you need.
  2. Organic extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while adding healthy fats and richness.
  3. Salt and black pepper: use high-quality sea salt for the best taste and mineral content.
  4. Mediterranean Longevity Seasoning Blend: this custom herb and spice mix is designed to elevate vegetables, soups, fish, and meat. It combines nine carefully selected herbs and spices traditionally associated with longevity and wellness. For a deeper look at their health-supporting properties, visit the blog.
herb roasted butternut squash
herb roasted butternut squash in a wooden bowl.
4.60 from 5 votes

Herb Roasted Butternut Squash

Toss golden butternut squash with herbs, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, then roast it to perfection. Once roasted, it is slightly crispy outside and soft inside. YUMMY!!!
Servings 6
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs butternut squash peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt and black pepper freshly ground to taste
  • 1 ½ tbsp Mediterranean Longevity Spice Blend - see notes below

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
  • Peel the squash, remove the seeds
    peeling
  • cut the squash into one inch squares
    diced squash
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the squash
    seasoning
  • Add the Mediterranean Longevity Spice Blend and toss to combine.
    spice blend for seasoning
  • Spread the squash on a parchment-lined sheet pan or in a shallow baking pan.
    roasting squash in an oven
  • Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until soft and tender on the inside and lightly browned on the outside. If you like them caramelized roast for 30 minutes.
    herb roasted butternut squash

Video

Notes

For the Mediterranean Longevity Spice Blend recipe. 
Mix together:   1 Tbsp dried oregano, 1Tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, and 1/2 tsp. each of sea salt and black pepper.
Calories: 109kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: butternut squash,, Healthy longevity food, healthy longevity recipe, longevity recipe, longevity vegetable, roasted,, squash,

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 16072IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg

Serve with my Roasted Pork or use in my herb roasted butternut squash ravioli.

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FAQ

What is herb roasted butternut squash?

Herb roasted butternut squash is a baked vegetable dish where cubed squash is roasted with olive oil and herbs until tender and caramelized.

What herbs go best with roasted butternut squash?

The best herbs for roasted butternut squash are rosemary, thyme, and sage because they enhance its natural sweetness.

Do you need to peel butternut squash before roasting?

You should peel butternut squash before roasting when cutting it into cubes to ensure a soft and evenly cooked texture.

What temperature is best for roasting butternut squash?

The best temperature for roasting butternut squash is 400–425°F because it helps caramelize the edges while keeping the inside tender.

How do you keep roasted butternut squash from getting soggy?

You keep roasted butternut squash from getting soggy by spreading it in a single layer and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet.

Can you make herb roasted butternut squash ahead of time?

Yes, you can make herb roasted butternut squash ahead of time and reheat it in the oven to maintain its texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Herb Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple yet deeply satisfying way to bring out the natural sweetness of this seasonal vegetable. The combination of olive oil, sea salt, and aromatic herbs creates a beautifully balanced side dish that is both comforting and nutrient-rich. Roasting enhances the squash’s flavor, giving it a soft, caramelized interior with lightly crisp edges.

This recipe is also highly versatile—you can serve it alongside roasted meats, mix it into salads, or even use it as a base for pasta, grain bowls, or soups. It’s an easy dish that fits perfectly into both everyday meals and holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re cooking for family or preparing meals ahead of time, this herb-roasted butternut squash is a wholesome addition that proves healthy eating can also be full of flavor and warmth.

Join the Conversation

  1. 5 stars
    Really nice side dish! I love the touch of balsamic to it. Def would recommend it

  2. Anonymous says:

    5 stars
    Excellent, put my herb potatoes in first then after 30 min added herb squash (butternut. Acorn, & winter squash) very tasty and adds beautiful color to the plate.

    1. Doctor Jo Author says:

      YUMMY

4.60 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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