Roasted Butternut Squash Slices with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

These roasted butternut squash slices are soft in the middle, lightly caramelized around the edges, and full of warm fall flavor. We use just enough brown sugar and cinnamon to bring out the natural sweetness of the squash without making it overly sweet.

Roasted Butternut Squash Slices

Growing up, I was never a big fan of sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, or even cooked carrots. I went to boarding school, where they were often served in the traditional Afrikaner style with a lot of sugar, and for me they were just far too sweet.

That's probably why I still prefer butternut squash with a little balance. We use just enough brown sugar to help the slices caramelize, with cinnamon, salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of chili to keep it from becoming too sweet. 

The squash is cut into 1 cm (½-inch) half-moons, which gives the edges time to caramelize while the centers become tender.

For a more savory version, try our Roasted Butternut Squash Wedges, or keep things simple with our Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes.

Scroll down for step-by-step instructions, chef's tips, serving ideas, variations, and storage tips.

Jump to:

• Roasted Butternut Squash Slices
• Recipe at a Glance
• Ingredients You'll Need
• Seasonality: When Is Butternut Squash in Season?
• How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Slices
• Variations and Substitutions
• What to Serve With Roasted Butternut Squash Slices
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ's
• More Butternut Squash Recipes
• Roasted Butternut Squash Slices with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Recipe at a Glance

• Roasting time: 25-35 minutes
• Serves: 4
• Main ingredients: Butternut squash, olive oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon
• Dietary information: Vegetarian and gluten-free
• Perfect for: Fall dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday roasts
• Cooking method: Oven roasted
• Slice size: About 1 cm (½ inch)
• Flavor: Sweet-savory, warm, and lightly caramelized

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients for these roasted butternut squash slices.

• Butternut squash - Peel and cut into approximately 1 cm (½-inch) half-moons. See our How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash guide if needed.
• Olive oil - Helps the squash roast and the seasoning stick.
• Brown sugar - Adds a little sweetness and helps the edges caramelize.
• Cinnamon - Adds warm fall flavor.
• Salt and black pepper - Seasoning
• Pumpkin seeds, thyme, and chili flakes - Optional, but they add crunch, freshness, and a little heat.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Seasonality: When Is Butternut Squash in Season?

Butternut squash is one of our favorite vegetables to cook with through fall and winter. It stores particularly well, which is why you'll find us using it for everything from simple roasted sides to soups, salads, and holiday dishes throughout the cooler months.

Want to learn more about when produce is in season? Explore the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Slices

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the squash

Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthways, and scoop out the seeds. Slice into 1 cm (½ inch) thick half-moons.

For step-by-step photos, see our guide on How to peel and cut butternut squash.

Season the butternut slices

Add the olive oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a large bowl. Mix until combined.

Add the butternut squash slices and gently toss until evenly coated.

Roast the butternut squash slices

Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 25-35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Serve and enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh thyme, and a tiny pinch of chili flakes if you like.

Chef's Tip: This is a lovely holiday side dish. The cinnamon and brown sugar bring warmth, while the salt keeps it balanced.

Variations and Substitutions

The basic brown sugar and cinnamon version is lovely as it is, but you can change the flavor slightly depending on what you're serving.

• Add a little heat - Finish with a small pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to balance the sweetness.
• Add herbs - Fresh thyme or rosemary gives the squash a more savory edge.
• Add warm spices - A small pinch of nutmeg works well with the cinnamon.
• Add crunch - Finish with toasted pumpkin seeds, pecans, or walnuts.
• Maple or honey - Use instead of the brown sugar, but add it closer to the end of roasting so it doesn't burn.

What to Serve With Roasted Butternut Squash Slices

These sweet-savory slices work especially well alongside simple roasted meats and other fall vegetables

• With roast chicken - Try with our Roast Chicken with Orange and Fennel or Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes.
• With lamb - Serve alongside Mediterranean Boneless Leg of Lamb.
• With pork or gammon - The sweet-savory squash pairs beautifully with our Honey Mustard Glazed Gammon.
• For the holiday table - Add Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Dukkah or Green Beans Almondine.
• With a salad - Try our Roasted Beet Salad with Feta for another fall side.

Storage Instructions

Prep ahead: Peel and slice the butternut squash ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container until you're ready to roast.

Fridge: Store leftover roasted squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat: Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for the best texture. The microwave works too, although the slices will be softer rather than caramelized around the edges.

FAQ's

More Butternut Squash Recipes

If you have another butternut squash waiting in the kitchen, try our:

• Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
• Roasted Butternut Squash Wedges with Parmesan and Sage
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Feta and Pomegranate
• Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole
• Hasselback Butternut Squash

These roasted butternut squash slices are an easy way to bring a little sweetness to a fall or holiday meal.

Give them a try and let us know what you served them with. And don't forget to Pin it for later!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.