Nutty, sweet, and silky, this 5-ingredient caramelized squash is the feel-good answer to comfort cravings.
Picture this: The leaves are falling, there’s a brisk breeze in the air, and you’re ready to get all cozy with a warm meal. Luckily there’s an entire category of foods — comfort foods — designed for this very scenario. The only challenge for me is finding one of these yummy dishes that doesn’t feel loaded with fat, salt or sugar. Enter honeynut squash: It roasts up so naturally sweet and awesomely silky it checks off a lot of my comfort food needs — very few add-ons required.
If you’re looking for a scrumptious veggie side to pair with your favorite crave-worthy dish I bet this honeynut squash recipe will do the trick. Simple and sweet, roasted honeynut squash is the perfect partner to give you those warm autumn vibes. You might even consider keeping some honeynut squash around on standby so you can bake it up anytime you’re looking to get that warm and toasty feeling without going off a diet.
Is This Honeynut Squash Recipe Healthy?
This recipe for honeynut squash fits well into many popular diets, including vegan, keto (in moderation), paleo, Whole30, gluten-free and dairy-free. Like other orange-tinged produce, you’ll enjoy a nice dose of vitamin A thanks to the beta-carotene, and it’s a superstar when it comes to fiber. This recipe cooks it with minimal oil (just 1/2 tablespoon per serving) and just a little salt for a dish that’s low in fat and sodium. There are also plenty of ways to make your honeynut squash even healthier with simple toppings and additions. For instance, you could put a few toasted walnuts on your squash to give it an extra crunch as well as a bit of heart-healthy omega-3s. Or add a lean protein to make it a tasty main course.
Is Honeynut Squash the Same as Butternut Squash?
Honeynut squash is a fairly new variety that’s a cross between butternut and buttercup squash. Honeynuts are slightly smaller than butternuts, and although they share a lot of similarities there are differences. For starters, honeynut squash has a far sweeter taste (dare I say “honey-like”?) compared to what you find in your average butternut squash. Also, honeynut squash tends to be softer and creamier after roasting versus its butternut brother. And here’s another fun fact: You can totally eat the soft skin of the honeynut squash. By contrast, if you’re using butternut squash, the outer rind is way tougher and not as fun to munch on.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Want to roast your honeynut squash ahead of time? No problem! You can easily make this recipe beforehand and store it in the fridge. After your honeynut squash cools, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve all you have to do is reheat it in a moderate oven for 10 to 15 minutes or in short bursts in the microwave until it’s nice and toasty.
Serving Suggestions
The silky texture and sweet flavor of roasted honeynut squash pairs beautifully with many savory protein-rich options, including chicken, turkey, and pork, and vegan options like tofu. I often serve roasted honeynut squash alongside Easy Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps With Jerk Grilled Tofu or Stuffed Chicken With Goat Cheese And Pomegranate for an extra burst of color and a pop of contrasting flavors.
You could also jazz up your roasted honeynut squash with different toppings to make it the star of the show for lunch or a light dinner. Add blue cheese and a balsamic glaze for extra elegance. Or fill the cavity of the squash with taco-style toppings like black beans, refried beans, crumbled queso fresco, guacamole, and salsa.
Ingredients
- 2 medium honeynut squash halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush the cut sides of the honeynut squash halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet and tuck a sprig of thyme into each cavity.
- Roast in the preheated oven until the squash is tender and the edges are golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Serve the roasted honeynut squash warm as a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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