Go nutty for a side of my caramelized roasted Honeynut Squash.
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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 bad news about these yummy dishes is they’re often loaded with not-so-nutritious levels of fat or sugar.
Although many comfort foods don’t click with a healthy lifestyle, I’ve created many simple hacks to get that warm and toasty feeling without going off a diet. In fact, I have a whole list of “35 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes” with glorious gooeyness minus the guilt.
If you’re looking for a scrumptious 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 all those autumn vibes.
So, whenever you need to “squash” your hunger for comfort food, consider keeping some honeynut squash on standby.
Is Honeynut Squash Healthy?
Honeynut squash is a healing veggie that fits well into many popular diets, including vegan, keto (in moderation), and paleo, whole30, and Mediterranean. Like other orange-tinged produce, you’ll enjoy a dose of vitamin A from beta-carotene. Honeynut squash is also a superstar source of fiber to help keep your digestive health on point.
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 honeynut squash to give it an extra crunch, as well as heart-healthy omega-3s. You could even save the seeds in your honeynut squash, toast them, and serve them. Like the seeds in pumpkins or butternut squash, honeynut squash’s seeds are 100% edible and 100% tasty!
Is Honeynut Squash the Same as Butternut Squash?
Honeynut squash and butternut squash share a lot of similarities, but that doesn’t mean you can swap them without noticing significant differences. For starters, honeynut squash has a far sweeter (dare I say, “honey-like”) taste compared to what you find in butternut squash. Also, many foodies claim honeynut squash tends to be softer after roasting versus its butter brother.
Here’s another fun fact: You can totally eat the soft skin of the honeynut squash without any issues. By contrast, if you’re using butternut squash, the outer rind is way tougher and not as fun to munch on.
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
Prepare the oven and baking sheet.
Season
Oil and season squash with herbs.
Roast
Cook squash until tender and serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Want to get your honeynut squash ready 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 keep it in your refrigerator for a few days. When you’re ready to serve this side, all you have to do is reheat it in the oven for 10–15 minutes or in short bursts in the microwave till it’s nice and toasty.
Golden brown edges are a good signal your roasted honeynut squash is ready, but you’ve got to break out a fork for a more accurate test. Gently pierce your honeynut squash’s center with a fork and see how easily it slides. If you don’t feel any resistance, then it’s time to start eating!
If your roasted honeynut squash is extra watery, you might not be cutting away enough of the flesh when pulling out seeds. Also, consider how you’re arranging your squash on the baking pan. It’s better to space each squash out to avoid creating a steam bath and give every one a chance to achieve a rich caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
The silky texture and sweet flavor of roasted honeynut squash pair very well with many savory protein-rich options, including meats like chicken or turkey, and vegan options like tofu. For instance, I often serve roasted honeynut squash alongside my 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 herbs, spices, or toppings to make it the star of the show in a lit lunch or a light dinner. Here are just a few ideas to get your imagination spinning:
- Add blue cheese and a balsamic glaze for extra elegance.
- Make a fun quinoa bowl packed with fresh herbs or spices.
- Try sriracha aioli or red pepper flakes for a fiery feast.
Roasted Honeynut Squash with Thyme
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.
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Brush the cut sides of the honeynut squash halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
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Place the squash halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet and tuck a sprig of thyme into each cavity.
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Roast in the preheated oven until the squash is tender and the edges are golden brown, about 25 minutes.
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Serve the roasted honeynut squash warm as a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Nutrition
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