Roasted Butternut Squash with bacon, fresh thyme, and maple syrup is a sweet and savory side dish that is so easy to prepare! This simple dish is taken to a whole new level with a sprinkle of smokey bacon for an incredible holiday side dish or weeknight meal.
This is one of my favorite side dishes to make in the Fall. It’s also perfect to serve during the holidays alongside Broccoli Casserole and Glazed Citrus Pepper Jelly Ham. Whether you just need an easy side dish for Thanksgiving or want to make something delicious for a weeknight meal, I’ve got your back.
This recipe is rich sweet and savory flavors. The butternut squash is tossed in a light coating of olive oil plus sweet, earthy maple syrup. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, to make this healthy fall veggie ready for roasting.
But, why stop there! I finish things off with a sprinkle of perfectly cooked bacon. This is a simple dish that looks a little fancy and I guarantee will be a hit any time you serve it.
Tips For Making Roasted Butternut Squash
The hardest part of making this recipe is cutting up the squash. I like to buy pre-packaged butternut squash from the grocery store. These days, most stores sell it prepped and chopped in the produce section of the market.
Here are a few helpful tips for preparing the butternut squash yourself.
- The most important thing to remember is to keep the squash, the cutting board and the knife stable.
- Slice off the ends of the squash, then cut it in half.
- Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler or a knife.
- Scrape out the seeds.
- Cut the squash in half again, then into the desired size chunks for the recipe.
What You’ll Need
- Butternut Squash: Grab a medium- to small-sized squash. It’s easiest to peel it with a vegetable peeler before slicing it into cubes.
- Cooked Chopped Bacon: You can air fry bacon or cook bacon in the oven.
- To season the squash, we’re keeping it simple with fresh thyme, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash
- Step One: Preheat the oven and line your pan.
- Step Two: Coat the chopped squash in the maple syrup, oil, and seasonings.
- Step Three: Bake until soft, flipping halfway through.
- Step Four: Sprinkle bacon over the squash and serve.
Use Parchment Paper
For less mess and to avoid sticking, line the baking pan for the butternut squash with parchment paper.
How To Make The Best Crispiest Bacon
To make the BEST, most crispy bacon to sprinkle over the roasted butternut squash, I use an air fryer. It turns out perfect every time.
- Place bacon strips into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer and slide into the air fryer.
- Set the heat to 360 degrees and the timer for 8 minutes. Cook bacon, checking at the halfway mark. Rearrange bacon slices if they’ve moved during cooking. For crispier bacon, add additional cook time.
- When bacon is done, remove the pieces to drain and cool on paper towels. Serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you don’t have an air fryer, cooking bacon in the oven is another great method to use. It’s easy, and the clean-up is a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prep and cut the butternut squash ahead of time. Place it in a zip-top container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roast.
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I’ve found the best way to reheat is to place the butternut squash on a baking sheet and place it in the oven set to 350 until the squash is heated through.
What To Serve With Roasted Butternut Squash With Bacon
- For a great weeknight meal, serve the roasted squash alongside Busy Day Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Skillet Green Beans.
- It’s perfect for Sunday Supper. Make Easy London Broil, Crispy Roasted Broccoli and serve with this recipe for a weekend dinner everyone will love.
More Holiday Side Dishes
- Classic Scalloped Potatoes
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Southern Pineapple Casserole
- Grape Salad
- Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds if purchasing prepped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons real maple syryp
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 4 pieces cooked, chopped bacon
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat well with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Place chopped butternut squash in a large bowl. Drizzle over olive oil, and maple syrup, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss to coat.
- Spread the butternut squash on the prepared pan in a single layer – a second pan may be needed. Make sure the squash is evenly spread on the pan so that it will roast and not steam.
- Place the pan in the oven and roast the squash for 13-15 minutes. Flip the squash with a spatula and continue to roast for another 15 minutes until tender with crispy edges.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the bacon over the squash. Spoon into a serving bowl and enjoy.
Nutrition
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If you’re looking for more ideas to help you celebrate the season, I’ve got you covered. These easy-to-make, showstopping side dishes are destined to become family favorites in no time!
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