Name: Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash (peeled and cubed into 1" cubes); 8 slices of cooked bacon (chopped); 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup pecans (chopped); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; salt and black pepper; 1.5 Tablespoons rosemary; 1/4 cup maple syrup

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This roasted butternut squash with bacon is a simple Fall side dish, made with just 5 ingredients. The savory flavor of the cooked bacon blends perfectly with the butternut squash and the sweetness of the cranberries and maple syrup.

Roasted Butternut Squash cubes in a casserole dish

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Why you will love this oven roasted butternut squash recipe!
Ingredients for savory butternut squash recipe
How to make roasted butternut squash with bacon
Can you make it ahead of time?
Can you use frozen butternut squash?
What do you serve it with?
Recipe Notes and Tips
More Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon Recipe

This roasted butternut squash recipe is the perfect side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Last year when I made it for a family gathering, everyone loved it and they wanted to know the recipe!

If you are looking for a delicious side dish to bring to a family get-together that is a little bit different, you will love this one!

This roasted butternut squash with bacon recipe is also very easy to make. The hardest part is peeling the butternut squash, dicing it, and roasting it in the oven. After it’s roasted, just add the toppings, and you have an impressive and delicious side dish.

Be sure to try my Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussel Sprouts and Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples too! And don’t forget to try my Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup.

close up of baked butternut squash with bacon and maple syrup in a dish

Why you will love this oven roasted butternut squash recipe!

Hands off cooking: Once you’ve prepped the squash, just roast it in the oven til tender. The cooking is hands off leaving you free to get on with the rest of the meal.
Great for a crowd: This recipe will easily serve eight, so it’s perfect for those occasion meals like Thanksgiving.
Healthy: Low in fat and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this side dish is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Ingredients for savory butternut squash recipe

Butternut squash: Cut the butternut squash in half using a sharp knife, peel and deseed it before cubing in 1-inch cubes and roasting.
Cooked Bacon: Use a natural bacon that is free of nitrates. It adds a great crunchy texture and salty flavor.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries are so festive and they add a burst of tart and sweet flavor to the dish.
Pecans: Pecans add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Walnuts would work great too.
Oil: For cooking. I use olive oil, but vegetable or canola will work well too.
Seasoning and fresh herbs: salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. You can also add fresh thyme and cinnamon.
Maple syrup: This naturally sweetens the squash and helps it to brown. Honey can also be used.

ingredients for roasted butternut squash with bacon

How to make roasted butternut squash with bacon

Preheat the oven to 400 F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Spread cubed butternut squash in a single layer on the sheet pan. Drizzle some olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary, and toss to coat. Bake butternut squash in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Halfway through, stir and turn butternut squash so it doesn’t burn.
When done, place in a large casserole dish, sprinkle with some cranberries, chopped pecans, and bacon, and stir. Drizzle with some maple syrup, and serve warm.

roasting butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet

Can you make it ahead of time?

This butternut squash side dish is best served when it is ready for the best texture, but you can prep the squash ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for a day or two. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them at 350F for 10 minutes to warm it through to serve.

Can you use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, you can use frozen diced squash, but thaw it fully before roasting for the best texture. You can also buy ready butternut squash cubes from stores which is super convenient!

To cut the squash, use a long and sharp chef’s knife and press down firmly to cut the squash in half lengthways and then remove the skin with a vegetable peeler. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and cut it into cubes.

taking a bite of roasted butternut squash

What do you serve it with?

This roasted butternut squash with bacon and cranberries is so perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Serve it alongside your favorite protein or any of these main courses.

TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

Recipe Notes and Tips

Cut the butternut squash into similar sized cubes so that they cook evenly.
Stir the butternut squash half way through so that it browns all over and the edges don’t burn.
The butternut squash should be fork tender when it comes out of the oven.

cubed and roasted butternut squash with bacon and pecans in a casserole dish

More Thanksgiving Side Dishes

If you loved this baked butternut squash recipe with bacon, check out some of my other favorite Thanksgiving side dishes:

5 from 3 votes