I found myself eating like a pleasure piggy during the holiday season. I enjoyed snacking on all my favorite candies and treats. Unfortunately, my wardrobe did not feel the same and my clothes became tighter. This brought about several realizations, none of which seemed popular with my family. I decided we needed to revert back to our plan for healthier eating. I also decided to create a basic menu plan. I knew that would cut down on the days I stood in the kitchen thinking, “What are we going to do for dinner?” or going out to eat. Last but not least, I wanted to save on grocery costs. When I found butternut squash on sale for 69 cents each, I picked up three. I knew I could always make soup. After searching online I found a baked butternut squash recipe on Good Housekeeping and adapted it to include my own seasonings. It turned out deliciously!
Easy Baked Butternut Squash Recipe
This recipe has only a few ingredients but packs a flavorful punch. Not only is tasty, but it’s also vegan and gluten-free. I didn’t have some of the seasonings the original recipe called for, so I substituted what I had in my spice cabinet.
Here are a few hints to help with the preparation.
*You’ll need to peel the squash before cooking. It’s easy to do this with a vegetable peeler but you might want to wear gloves during the peeling process. It will save wear and tear on your hands.
*Scoop out the seeds and inside gunk before baking.
*Cut the squash half into thin strips but try not to cut all the way through the squash. This allows the flavor to seep down into the squash.
*You can find Tajin seasoning in the Hispanic section of the grocery store or Target or Walmart. (Basically, it is a mixture of Mexican chili powder, lime zest, and salt.)
Printable Recipe:
- 2 acorn squash, peeled, sliced in half and seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons tajin classico seasoning
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1 teaspoon of each)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Slice squash into thin strips, being careful not to cut all the way through the squash.
- Place squash into a 9″ by 13″ baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, tajin, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the squash.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the squash.
- Place into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until squash is tender.
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You can experiment with the types of spice you use on the squash. If you prefer a sweet baked squash, you can try allspice or cinnamon instead of the garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
What is your favorite way to prepare winter squash? Do you have a similar recipe to the Easy Baked Butternut Squash recipe? Do you adapt the recipe? Let us know!
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wow, I never thought about this idea before! I would love to try your recipe. So easy! Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes the most simple preparation is the best. We remember what color the vegetable truly is, and how the food looks and tastes.
I love easy recipes! This couldn’t look any more perfect for this season! I need to put this baked butternut squash on my menu!
This is one of my favorite things to eat! Yum! I wish my kids loved it as much as I do.
I haven’t tried it before looks so delicious! I want to make this squash recipe, yummy!
Thank you for your recipe! I love butternut squash but I am running short on recipes. This seems like such a simple and easy recipe. And sounds like the kids will love it too!
I love how easy this is to prepare, and it sounds delicious too. I actually have some of that Tajin seasoning – we bought it after a trip to Mexico to put on pineapple!
We love baked butternut squash! This looks like such an easy way to make it.
I could eat this all the time. Yum! I will definitely try this out!
Now this sounds like an amazing way to cook butternut squash you know I’ve only really ever had it from time to time when out, I should really try making it myself!
I love butternut squash during the fall and winter holiday seasons too. The simple preparation you did here looks delicious and healthy!
This would be the perfect side to make for my dinner tonight. Love baked squash!
Yum, this looks so good. I’ve always liked squash, but never knew how to make it. I’ll try this recipe for sure!
You forgot DELICIOUS in your title for this recipe. I friggin ADORE butternut squash. I rarely make it much though because I hate peeling it and cutting it – but praise those frozen bags of it, and the stuff pre-chopped at the store!
Woo hoo! I’m all about the easy. I also adore butternut squash. It’s one of my favorite veggies. When it comes into season, I make a metric ton of it.
Butternut squash is like you said so easy to make and enjoy as a side dish. They are very easy to grow in the garden and store for winter use as well. We always have some on hand.