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Honey Lemon Winter Squash has wonderful flavor!
This is the best time of year to grab some winter squash. Properly stored, it will be at its peak of flavor right about now – fully ripened and nicely sweet. It is just perfect with the flavors of honey and lemon too – a little sweet, a little acidity. Those flavors enhance the background richness of the squash itself immeasurably.
I know, I already did a recipe with Lemon this week, but maybe you bought a bag of lemons and now you need to use them up? I did, and I was not sorry at all, because I also had a lot of winter squash left from the garden.
What kind of winter squash works best?
You can use any kind, really but I find that the smooth-skinned types are much easier to peel as well as to cut into cubes. Butternuts are what I used for this dish. Hubbards are a little bumpier and harder to peel, but also usually much larger, so you end up with more squash for your efforts.
Delicatas work too – just leave the skin on
If you like the flavor of Delicatas with the skin on they would be delicious with this glaze on them too. Cut those into rings, and remove the seeds. Place the rings on a baking sheet, as is described for the cubes.
Does peeled and cubed winter squash from the store work in this recipe?
For those times when you’re really in a hurry, many supermarkets have a section of vegetables that are already prepped for you. Often, you will find butternut, or other kinds of winter squash in this section. That will work perfectly in this recipe.
I used about a two-pound squash for this batch and it served 3 people well, as a side dish. This recipe is infinitely expandable. Just increase the glaze ingredients accordingly.
This recipe is easy to increase
I’ve made it to take to a big family dinner, and started with 8 pounds of squash, so you can easily increase it for the amount of people you want to serve. It is all but impossible to mess this up, to be honest.
This glaze is what gives this such an unexpected flavor
The recipe tells you the proportions that we liked, but you can adjust it, by tasting before you add it to the roasted squash. If your glaze isn’t sweet enough, add more honey. If you like more lemon, add more lemon juice. And, don’t leave out that bit of salt – it brings out the other flavors beautifully.
Peel the squash and cut into cubes
You’re going to be generous with olive oil, salt and pepper.
The roasting time is in two parts
You’ll put it in a 400°F oven for about 45 minutes. You want it to be soft and have some nicely browned sides, like the photo below.
Then, you add the glaze
Check out the recipe card for how I mixed the glaze. Drizzle it evenly over the roasted squash, mix gently, and return to the oven for about 20 minutes more. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn.
Honey Lemon Winter Squash
Ingredients
- 1 2 to 3 pound Butternut or other smooth-skinned winter squash
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt [divided]
- About 8 grinds fresh black pepper [1/2 teaspoon ground]
The Glaze
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat to
400 °F - Line a heavy sheet pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Peel the squash [see above for a link to a good peeler]
- Cut the squash into 1 to 1 & 1/2 cubes. [cut the squash in half and discard the seeds]
- Spread squash cubes on the sheet pan. Drizzle the oil over the cubes, and stir around to get them somewhat evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper.
- Place in the preheated oven for around 40 minutes, [check after 30 minutes, and stir gently for even cooking] until the cubes are soft [a knife inserted should not feel any resistance], and a bit browned here and there.
- Using a 1-cup measuring cup, or a bowl, combine the honey, lemon zest and juice, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- When the squash is done, drizzle the glaze ingredients evenly, and gently stir to get the squash evenly coated.
- Return to oven and roast an additional 20. You do want to keep an eye on it, making sure it doesn't burn because every oven is different.
- Serve as a side dish, making sure to get all of the glaze on the squash cubes.
Notes
What can I serve with Honey Lemon Winter Squash?
Honey Lemon Winter Squash would be great alongside so many main dishes. You might try Dijon Mushroom Chicken or Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese [that sweet and spicy is yummy together] or something lighter, like a Veggie Frittata. I’m sure you’ll be able to fit it in either holiday meals, or just for a weeknight family dinner. For another yummy and easy side dish, check out Smokey Sweet Braised Cabbage.
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When I saw this recipe I wanted to make it right away. I’m really really glad that i did, becuase it was soooooooooooo good!!! I’ll be back to your blog soon!
easy to make and yummy
Thanks Brenda!
I love how easy and delicious this recipe was. The lemon and the honey were so perfect with the mellow flavor of the squash. I’ll definitely be making this again.
Thanks Beth – I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed it ♥
Beautiful! I love winter squash so much and grow several varieties in my garden each year. I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy it and had never thought to add lemon – what a nice tangy contrast to the honey!
Winter squash is so easy to work with – lots of great flavor combos. So glad that you liked my recipe!
Quick and easy – what else to wish for when making winter squash, right? Yum!
Absolutely Mahy!
I made this squash with dinner last night and it was delicious! Definitely making it again soon!
Thank you Tayler – it’s a keeper for sure!
I love the combo of honey and lemon with squash that is cooked to perfection. Thanks so much for this recipe!
You’re welcome Shashi – I’m glad that you like it!
This was so delicious! We served it with roasted chicken and it was delicious!
Oh yum Kelley – it would be awesome with chicken!
This was perfect! Made a second batch and increased the amount to have as a side during the week. Thank you! I love squash but I run out ways to use it.
Thanks Lana – it is a wonderful side dish, and it’s always nice to have more ways to use our favorite vegetables.
The honey and lemon is such a classic combo, and it really worked well with the squash. They really melded in a way that created an amazing flavor.
Thanks for coming back to rate the recipe Ben and I’m glad you liked it!
Combination of lemon and honey was awesome, Its perfect treat
Glad to hear that, Suja!
This was super delicious! I loved how easy it was to make.
Thank you Justine – I’m so glad that you enjoyed it.
Delicious! My new favorite way to prepare butternut squash!
Thanks so much Sky!♥
The honey lemon flavor combined with the squash was incredible! Thank you for this recipe!
Thanks, Ned!