Ingredients:

  • 1 medium butternut squash (approx. 2.5 lbs), peeled and seeded
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Slice a thin sliver off the top and bottom of the squash to create stable, flat surfaces. This stops the squash from rolling around while you're trying to work.
  2. Use a Y peeler to remove the tough, tan skin. Keep peeling until the pale layers are gone and you see the bright, vibrant orange flesh underneath.
  3. For cubes, dice the squash into uniform 1 inch pieces. For halves, slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a metal spoon. Note: Uniformity is key so everything finishes cooking at the exact same moment.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your heavy rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the prepared squash with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon.
  6. Ensure every single piece is shiny with oil and evenly speckled with the spices. If it looks dry, the spices won't stay put.
  7. Spread the squash onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure there is at least half an inch of space between pieces.
  8. Slide the tray into the center of the oven. At about 15 minutes, you should start to smell a warm, sweet, and slightly woody aroma.
  9. Roast for 30 minutes total, but pull the tray out halfway through to toss the pieces with a spatula. This ensures all sides hit the hot pan.
  10. Remove from the oven until the edges are mahogany colored and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork. > Chef's Note: If you're doing halves instead of cubes, place them cut side down on the pan. This creates a steam chamber inside the hollow part, making the flesh incredibly velvety while the edges touching the pan get that deep, dark crust. Garlic Butter Bread Rolls: Properly Fluffy Homemade Dinner Buns — Garlic Butter Bread Rolls are the softest dinner rolls youll ever bake. Maste...Dreamy Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Ravioli Ready in 15 — Need an easy Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli This 15minute rec...Brown Butter Sauce: Mastering Beurre Noisette in 10 Minutes — Master the essential Brown Butter Sauce (Beurre Noisette) technique in minute... $img_2$