Butternut Squash Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving

A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Why Butternut Squash Is a Thanksgiving Must-Have

Butternut squash is a naturally sweet, nutty, and vibrant vegetable that fits perfectly on any holiday table. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and appeals to nearly everyone—whether you’re planning a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or a more modern menu.

From its velvety texture to its beautiful golden color, roasted butternut squash makes a warm, seasonal side dish that complements turkey, stuffing, green beans, and even vegetarian mains.

Benefits of Serving Butternut Squash

• Naturally sweet and caramelizes beautifully when roasted

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and fiber

• Can be made savory, sweet, or spicy

• Gluten-free, vegetarian, and easily made vegan

• Great for make-ahead meal prep

• Looks beautiful on any Thanksgiving spread

Classic Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. Perfectly roasted, golden brown butternut squash cubes—seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, herbs, and a touch of cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch cubes

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cinnamon.

3. Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet.

4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned on the edges.

5. Serve hot with an optional garnish of fresh herbs.

Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash with Toasted Pecans

Looking for a sweet and savory twist? This variation is a Thanksgiving favorite. The maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, while toasted pecans add crunch.

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

1. Roast the butternut squash as in the classic recipe above.

2. During the last 5 minutes of baking, drizzle with maple syrup and return to the oven.

3. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top just before serving.

4. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, nutty flavor profile.

Savory Garlic and Herb Roasted Butternut Squash

For a more savory spin, this variation includes garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme. It’s aromatic, earthy, and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and other fall vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or sage, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Toss cubed squash with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

4. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of herbs on top.

Additional Flavor Variations

Citrus Herb Roasted Squash

Add 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1 teaspoon orange zest to your seasoning mix for a bright, refreshing flavor.

Spicy Chili Roasted Squash

Toss cubes with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick.

Creamy Squash Mash

After roasting, mash the squash with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a splash of plant-based milk or cream for a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes.

Butternut Squash with Cranberries

Add ½ cup dried cranberries in the last 10 minutes of roasting. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the squash beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash

Cut Evenly

Cut your squash into 1-inch cubes for even roasting. Irregular sizes will result in uneven cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd

Spread the cubes in a single layer with space between. Overcrowding causes steaming, not roasting.

Use High Heat

Roasting at 425°F (220°C) helps achieve caramelized edges and deep flavor.

Flip Once

Halfway through baking, flip the squash for even browning.

Fresh vs. Pre-Cut Squash

Freshly peeled and cubed squash gives the best flavor and texture, but pre-cut is a convenient time-saver.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• To prep ahead: Peel and cube squash up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container.

• To roast ahead: Cook squash 1 day in advance and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes before serving.

• To freeze: Store roasted squash in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven to revive texture.

• Leftovers: Toss with cooked quinoa, add to salads, or blend into soup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes! Make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before roasting to avoid sogginess. Expect slightly softer texture than fresh squash.

Is butternut squash healthy?

Very! It’s low in fat and high in vitamins A, C, and potassium, plus fiber and antioxidants.

Can I roast butternut squash with the skin on?

Technically yes, but the skin is quite tough. For this recipe, it’s best peeled.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes—all the recipes here are vegan-friendly if you skip dairy-based toppings and use plant-based oils or creams.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook small batches at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How can I make it look more festive?

Garnish with pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of maple glaze right before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving – classic version)

• Calories: ~180

• Protein: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g (natural)

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Unsaturated Fat: 6g

• Sodium: 320mg

• Cholesterol: 0mg

Perfect Pairings for Thanksgiving Dinner

• Herb-Roasted Turkey or Chicken

• Wild Rice Pilaf or Quinoa Salad

• Cranberry Sauce

• Green Bean Casserole

• Cauliflower Mash

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Whether you’re serving vegetarians, picky eaters, or health-conscious guests, butternut squash is always a win. Try mixing savory and sweet variations for a dynamic plate.

Final Thoughts

Roasted butternut squash brings warmth, color, and rich seasonal flavor to your Thanksgiving table. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable—ideal for hosts looking for stress-free dishes that wow their guests.

Whether you go for the classic herb-roasted version or dress it up with maple glaze, nuts, garlic, or citrus, this side dish is sure to become a staple on your holiday menu.