Ah, fall! There’s something so magical about this season, isn’t there? The crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and of course, the comforting flavors that warm us from the inside out. One of my absolute favorites is bourbon and cinnamon roasted butternut squash. It’s a side dish that not only captures the essence of autumn but also fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Trust me, it’s hard to resist a dish that smells this good! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was asking for the recipe, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride. The sweetness of the squash, perfectly paired with the warming notes of bourbon and cinnamon, makes this dish utterly unique. It’s simple, yet so satisfying—just like a cozy fall evening!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful bourbon and cinnamon roasted butternut squash, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed – look for one that’s heavy for its size!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – this helps everything roast up nicely.
- 1/4 cup bourbon – it adds that warm, rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – for that touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all those flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a hint of spice to balance it all out.
That’s it! Simple yet so flavorful—perfect for any fall table!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the squash roast evenly, giving you that perfectly tender texture we all love!
Prepare the Butternut Squash
Now, let’s tackle that butternut squash! Start by peeling it with a good vegetable peeler. Then, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out those seeds. Cube the squash into even pieces—about 1-inch cubes work best for uniform cooking. Trust me, this step is key to getting all those lovely pieces tender at the same time!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, bourbon, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until well blended. The bourbon adds a depth of flavor that’s just divine, and the brown sugar will caramelize beautifully!
Coat the Squash
Add the cubed squash to your bowl of deliciousness and toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated. Make sure each piece is covered—it makes all the difference in flavor!
Roast the Squash
Spread the coated squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast nicely without steaming. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them to become beautifully caramelized!
Check for Tenderness
After roasting, check the squash for tenderness. Grab a fork and poke a piece; it should be easily pierced. If it’s not quite there yet, give it a few more minutes!
Serve and Enjoy
Once done, take the squash out and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, and watch everyone gather around—trust me, the smell alone will have them excited!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, unique flavor from the bourbon and warm cinnamon that will impress your guests.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients from the butternut squash.
- A stunning side dish that adds color and warmth to your fall gatherings.
- Versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes, from roasted meats to hearty vegetarian options.
- Leftovers make for a delicious addition to salads or grain bowls!
Tips for Success
To make your bourbon and cinnamon roasted butternut squash absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when choosing your butternut squash, look for one that’s firm and feels heavy for its size—that’s a good sign of ripeness! Also, don’t rush the peeling and cutting process; using a sharp knife and cutting the squash into evenly sized cubes ensures even cooking, which is key for that tender texture.
If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap the bourbon for apple juice for a kid-friendly version! And if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick. Finally, don’t skip the stirring halfway through roasting; it helps to caramelize all sides of the squash for that irresistible flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for bourbon and cinnamon roasted butternut squash. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
These values are estimates based on standard ingredients and serving sizes, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients!
FAQs
Can I make this without bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just swap the bourbon for apple juice. It will still give you that lovely sweetness without the alcohol.
What if I can’t find butternut squash?
No worries! You can use other types of squash like acorn or pumpkin. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different squashes have varying textures.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold in salads or reheat it in the oven or microwave!
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. The roasting time may be a little shorter, so keep an eye on it!
Can I add other spices?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. A pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of cayenne can add a lovely twist to the flavors!
Bourbon and Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bourbon and cinnamon roasted butternut squash is a flavorful side dish perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cube the butternut squash.
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed squash to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check for tenderness; it should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose a squash that feels heavy for its size.
- Make sure to cut the squash into evenly sized cubes for even cooking.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the bourbon with apple juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bourbon, cinnamon, roasted butternut squash
