There is something inherently cozy about a pan of roasted squash pulled fresh from the oven. This Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic-Herb Glaze is my absolute favorite way to celebrate fall flavors. It strikes that perfect balance between the natural sweetness of the squash and a deeply savory glaze made with garlic, thyme, and a hint of maple syrup.
The magic happens in the oven, where the edges of the squash slices caramelize into golden, candy-like morsels while the centers stay tender and buttery. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant holiday side dish or a simple way to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings a pop of color and warmth to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Balance: The combination of maple syrup and garlic creates a sophisticated “agrodolce” flavor profile.
- Naturally Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Lactose-Free.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything is tossed in one bowl and roasted on a single sheet pan.
- Concentrated Flavor: We use a secret ingredient—crushed vegetable bouillon—to add a deep savory punch that ordinary salt can’t match.
Recipe Card Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 ½ – 3 lb butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch slices)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cube gluten-free vegetable bouillon (vegan), crushed into a fine powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, crushed bouillon powder, minced garlic, maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat the Squash: Add the squash slices to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is glossy and evenly coated in the garlic-herb mixture.
- Arrange: Spread the squash onto the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t overlapping so they roast rather than steam.
- Roast: Bake for 18–20 minutes. Carefully flip the slices with a spatula.
- Caramelize: Return to the oven for another 12–15 minutes until the squash is tender and the edges are beautifully caramelized and golden brown.
- Serve: Transfer to a platter and garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh thyme or flaky sea salt.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Tip 1 (Uniform Slices): Cut your squash into even ½-inch slices. This ensures that every piece finishes cooking at the exact same time.
- Tip 2 (Don’t Crowd the Pan): If the slices are too close together, they release moisture and steam. Use two pans if necessary to give them room to breathe and brown.
- Tip 3 (The Bouillon Secret): Make sure to crush the bouillon cube into a very fine powder so it dissolves smoothly into the oil. This provides a much more even flavor than just salt.
Encouraging Conclusion
This Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic-Herb Glaze is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and carries the true essence of comfort food.
