The Art of Honey Butter Roasted Butternut Squash Perfection

Precision Cutting Technique

Learning to cut uniform butternut squash rounds ensures even cooking and professional presentation, while properly removing seeds creates perfect vessels for the honey butter glaze.

Honey Butter Emulsification

Mastering the technique of combining butter, oil, and honey creates a stable glaze that coats evenly and caramelizes beautifully without separating during high-heat roasting.

Strategic Flipping Method

Understanding when and how to flip the squash rounds halfway through cooking ensures both sides achieve optimal caramelization and prevents burning while maintaining structural integrity.

Temperature Management

Roasting at 425°F creates the perfect balance between tender interior and caramelized exterior, teaching you to recognize the visual cues of properly caramelized vegetables.

Finishing and Garnishing

The final step of adding feta, herbs, and additional honey while the squash is still hot allows flavors to meld and creates a stunning presentation that elevates a simple vegetable to centerpiece-worthy status.

Secrets to Perfect Caramelized Butternut Squash

Squash Selection: Choose a butternut squash with a long neck and small bulb for more uniform rounds without seeds. The squash should feel heavy for its size and have matte, tan skin without soft spots.

Even Cooking: Cut all rounds to the same thickness (1-inch is ideal) to ensure even cooking. Thinner slices will cook faster but won't caramelize as beautifully.

Caramelization Secret: Don't skip the flip halfway through cooking - this ensures both sides develop that gorgeous golden-brown caramelization that makes this dish irresistible.

Make-Ahead Option: Peel and slice the butternut squash up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the honey butter mixture the day of roasting for best flavor.

Flavor Variations: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper autumn flavor, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey butter for a sweet-heat combination.

Storage Advice: Store leftover roasted squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the caramelized edges.

Honey Butter Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta Cheese and Fresh Herbs

Name: Honey Butter Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta Cheese and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Butternut Squash:; 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; For the Topping:; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon extra honey for drizzling; Flaky sea salt for finishing; For Special Equipment:; Large rimmed baking sheet; Parchment paper or silicone baking mat; Pastry brush

The ultimate honey butter roasted butternut squash featuring caramelized edges, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic fresh herbs. This show-stopping side dish combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the rich complexity of browned butter and honey, creating an unforgettable flavor experience that elevates the classic roasted vegetable to extraordinary heights perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet and savory elegance.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Butternut Squash:

1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon extra honey for drizzling

Flaky sea salt for finishing

For Special Equipment:

Large rimmed baking sheet

Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Pastry brush

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Peel the butternut squash, cut off both ends, then slice the squash crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the center of each round.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, and 3 tablespoons honey until well combined and emulsified.

Arrange the butternut squash rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap for even caramelization.

Brush the honey butter mixture generously over the top of each squash round, then season with kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon.

Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each round and brush the second side with any remaining honey butter mixture.

Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes until the squash is fork-tender and the edges are deeply caramelized with golden-brown color.

Remove from the oven and immediately top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped parsley.

Drizzle with the additional tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving warm.

Honey Butter Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta Cheese and Fresh Herbs

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Honey Butter Roasted Butternut Squash Perfection

Honey Butter Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta Cheese and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

Instructions