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Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe with Mediterranean Spices

 This recipe for roasted butternut squash combines the richness and sweetness of butternut squash with a wonderful Moroccan spice mix for a taste sensation.

Butternut pumpkin has the most amazing flavor. Today we’ll be roasting it to bring out its natural sweetness and use it as a side dish.

The recipe is easy to prepare and will make a nice addition to your Thanksgiving menu.

Butternut squash with spices in a white bowl with a serving spoon. Green text box reads roasted butternut squash side dish.

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Ingredients for roasted butternut squash

To make this easy side dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 5 cups of butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks,
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon of Mediterranean sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

For the Moroccan spice mix

The Moroccan spice mix tames the squash’s natural flavor, which can be quite strong, turning it into a lovely savory side dish. 

  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon of chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon of ground sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
  • teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • A pinch of ground cloves

How to roast butternut squash

Roasting any vegetable brings out its natural sweetness, and butternut squash is no exception.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Combine the spices for the Moroccan spice mix in a bowl. This recipe makes more than you need for the roasted butternut squash recipe, but it keeps very well in the pantry.

Store in an air-tight container. The spice mix will stay fresh for 6 months if kept in a cool, dry place.

Ingredients for Moroccan spice mix in a glass bowl with a spoon on a white tea towel.

Place the butternut squash in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture. Stir the ingredients well to evenly distribute the oil and spices on the cut surfaces of the squash.

Spray a roasting pan with nonstick spray and arrange the squash in a single layer in the dish. Roast the squash pieces for about 40-50 minutes, turning every 15 minutes or so.

Butternut squash in a baking dish with salt, pepper, oil and a spice mix.

The butternut squash is done when it is soft and slightly browned.

Remove the pan from the oven and season with extra Mediterranean sea salt to taste. Serve hot.

The leftover spice mix can be used on any other roasted vegetables, such as carrots, rutabagas, potatoes, or sweet potatoes.

More roasted side dish recipes

Are you looking for other side dishes that feature roasted vegetables? Here are a few more to try.

A collage with images of three different roasted vegetable side dish recipes.

Butternut squash also creates a wonderful soup recipe.

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🍂🎃 It's time to embrace fall comfort food — this roasted butternut squash recipe is baked with Moroccan spices for a great-tasting side dish! 🧡🔥 👉 Get the recipe on The Gardening Cook. #FallRecipes #ButternutSquash #RoastedVeggies… Share on X

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Roasted Butternut Squash on a red and white plate with a green fork. Text reads Roasted bBtternut Squash.

Admin note: This recipe for Moroccan butternut squash first appeared on the blog in June 2013. This post has been updated with new photos and a slideshow video of side dish recipes.

Yield: 4 servings of roasted butternut squash

Roasted Butternut squash recipe

Roasted Butternut squash recipe

This recipe for roasted butternut squash is just delicious. It combines the richness and sweetness of butternut squash with a wonderful Moroccan spice mix for a flavorful taste sensation.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 5 cups of butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks,
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Mediterranean sea salt
  • dash of fresh ground black pepper

For the spice mix

  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • a pinch ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Put the squash in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture.
  3. Stir well to distribute the oil and spices evenly on the cut surfaces of the squash.
  4. Spray a roasting pan with nonstick spray and arrange squash in a single layer.
  5. Roast for about 40-50 minutes, turning every 15 minutes or so.
  6. The butternut squash is done when it is soft and slightly browned.
  7. Season with more Mediterranean sea salt, and serve hot.

Notes

The recipe for the Moroccan spice mix makes more than you need for this recipe. Store it in an air-tight jar for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 313mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 9gSugar: 5gProtein: 3g

Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission from the sale, but the price is the same for you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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