🎃 Roasted squash (20 min): caramel & spices

How to roast squash cubes in the oven? Classic time & seasonings

Want oven-roasted squash cubes, golden on the outside, meltingly tender on the inside, and fragrant with spices? It couldn't be simpler! 🥄 Here's how to make them perfect every time, whether you're using butternut, kabocha, or winter squash:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan-assisted if possible). While it's preheating, peel your squash if the skin is thick (for butternut squash , the skin is edible!), remove the seeds, and cut into even cubes, 2–3 cm on each side. 🧑🍳
2. Season generously in a bowl: add olive oil (2–3 tbsp per 700g of cubes), salt, black pepper, a pinch of paprika or curry powder, and a minced garlic clove if you like. Mix well to coat each piece. 🧂✨
3. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the cubes don't overlap; they'll cook evenly and be nicely browned. 😇
4. Bake for about 30 minutes . Turn halfway through with a spatula. The squash cubes are ready when they are golden brown, tender, and slightly caramelized around the edges. 😍

Neary's tip: for a caramelized touch, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking. And for even more flavor, sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds or crushed hazelnuts at the end of baking! 🥜🔥

Tips for perfectly roasted, golden and crispy cubes 😋

• Allow the squash cubes to dry thoroughly before adding the oil: wipe them in a clean cloth to remove moisture, this makes the surface crispier after cooking.
• Don't overload the griddle: roasting requires space! Two well-spaced griddles are better than one crowded one.
• Add a pinch of cornflour or fine polenta for a slightly “crispy” crust.
• Finish with 2 minutes under the broiler to brown if needed, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. 🔥

Want a quick and delicious result? Try air frying for super-fast roasted squash cubes with no preheating required! 🚀

What spices and combinations will enhance the flavor of squash?

Pumpkin loves spice blends, and it lends itself to a thousand variations depending on your preferences and the season! 🥗 Here are a few ideas to keep things interesting:

• Classic: smoked paprika, garlic, oregano, thyme, black pepper.
• Oriental inspiration: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, a hint of ras-el-hanout.
• Sweet and sweet-salty: honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet chili, sesame seeds.
• For those who like it spicy: Espelette pepper, strong curry, grated ginger.
• A dash of orange or lemon juice at the very end of cooking enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.

Gourmet tip: Grate a little Parmesan or crumbled feta over the cubes as soon as they come out of the oven for an irresistible salty touch. 😍🧀

For even more ideas, check out these very creative recipes for roasted butternut squash cubes (air fryer or oven)!

What should I serve with roasted squash cubes?

• Served alongside white meats, fish or grilled tofu: the sweet and savory contrast is fantastic!
• In a veggie bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, roasted vegetables, and a tahini-lemon sauce. 🥗
• To garnish a warm salad with rocket, hazelnuts, feta or fresh goat cheese, and a honey-mustard vinaigrette.
• As a topping on soup, or in veggie tacos for an original meal.
• Zero waste tip: use leftovers in a gratin, quiche or vegetable stir-fry.

Want to try different varieties of squash? Discover butternut squash sold individually or Lorraine potimarron squash at Neary!

FAQ – Everything you need to know about baking squash cubes in the oven 🌟