Fall is my favorite season—not just because of the crisp air, the leaves turning fiery hues, or the excuse to break out cozy sweaters—but because it’s the time of year when Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash becomes a kitchen staple. And if you’re anything like me, you know that Trader Joe’s is the go-to place for all things seasonal, including their amazing selection of butternut squash products.
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How to make Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash is a grocery product made from the butternut squash vegetable, a type of winter squash with smooth beige skin and bright orange, sweet, nutty-tasting flesh.
Ingredients
- 1 bag Trader Joe’s Cut Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed for convenience)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Trader Joe’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil works well)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for adding a smoky depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Transfer the cubed butternut squash to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the squash. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, maple syrup (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding—this ensures they roast instead of steaming.
Step 4: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know it’s done when the squash becomes tender and caramelized on the edges.
Step 5: Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a side dish, or toss it with greens, quinoa, or feta for a quick fall-inspired meal.
Tips & Tricks
- For a crispy finish: Broil the squash for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Amp up the flavor: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese over the roasted squash before serving. It pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the squash!
- Need a shortcut? Trader Joe’s also sells already seasoned roasted butternut squash in their frozen aisle if you don’t feel like prepping everything from scratch.
- Pair it with dinner: This dish complements roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty plant-based protein like lentils or tempeh.
What to serve with
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash, whether roasted, mashed, or incorporated into dishes like risotto or ravioli, is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, proteins, and flavors.
Protein Pairings:
- Roast Chicken: A juicy, herb-crusted roast chicken with crispy skin is a classic pairing.
- Grilled Salmon: The sweetness of Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash balances the richness of salmon, especially when topped with a lemon-dill sauce.
- Pork Tenderloin: A tender pork dish with apple chutney or balsamic glaze complements the earthy sweetness of Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Roasted squash pairs perfectly with lentils, tempeh, or marinated tofu. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin elevates the dish.
Side Dish Ideas:
- Quinoa or Farro Salad: Toss roasted Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash cubes into a grain salad with dried cranberries, chopped kale, nuts, and feta cheese.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a hearty base alongside roasted butternut squash.
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts: Add some crunch to your meal with Brussels sprouts cooked in olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle in bacon or walnuts for texture.
Special Sauce or Condiments:
- Tahini Dressing: Drizzle tahini blended with lemon juice and garlic over roasted butternut squash.
- Chimichurri Sauce: A zesty chimichurri works wonders to brighten roasted squash dishes.
Ingredients Substitutes
Butternut squash recipes are incredibly flexible, so we’re diving deep into potential substitutes for each key ingredient.
1. Substitutes for Butternut Squash
While butternut squash is the star ingredient, there are several alternatives if you can’t find it or need a swap:
- Sweet Potatoes: Similar in texture and sweetness, sweet potatoes roast beautifully and work well in soups, purees, and stews.
- Conversion: Use an equal amount of sweet potatoes in place of butternut squash in any recipe.
- Pumpkin: Fresh or canned pumpkin has a slightly milder flavor but offers a similar sweetness and texture.
- Acorn Squash: This winter squash variety has a nuttier flavor, but it works well in most recipes where butternut squash shines, especially in roasted or mashed dishes.
- Kabocha Squash: Also known as Japanese pumpkin, kabocha squash has a dense texture and sweeter flavor—perfect for soups or roasting.
- Carrots: When pureeing or roasting, carrots make an excellent substitute. They’re slightly sweeter but pair beautifully with fall flavors.
2. Substitutes for Olive Oil
Olive oil is often used for roasting or dressing squash, but you can swap it out depending on availability or dietary needs:
- Avocado Oil: A neutral-flavored, high-smoke-point oil, great for roasting butternut squash.
- Coconut Oil: Adds a light tropical note, which works well in sweeter butternut squash recipes like soups or curries.
- Butter or Vegan Butter: Adds richness to the dish, especially in roasted squash or baked recipes.
- Sesame Oil: Perfect if you want a nutty flavor, great for stir-fry-style squash recipes.
3. Substitutes for Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is often used to sweeten roasted butternut squash or to glaze certain preparations. Here are alternatives:
- Honey: A sweeter and slightly floral option that works well for most recipes.
- Brown Sugar: Ideal for roasting when you want a caramelized effect.
- Agave Syrup: A vegan-friendly sweetener similar in texture to maple syrup.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweeteners: If you prefer zero-calorie sweeteners, these options can work in smaller quantities.
4. Substitutes for Garlic
Garlic adds depth and savory notes to squash recipes, but there are substitutes depending on your preference:
- Shallots: Finely chopped shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements squash beautifully.
- Leeks: Thinly sliced leeks add gentle onion-like sweetness, especially in soups and stir-fries.
- Garlic Powder: If you’re out of fresh garlic, this works in roasted and mashed dishes.
- Onion Powder: Another dried option to provide savory depth in a pinch.
5. Substitutes for Fresh Herbs
Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are common in butternut squash recipes, but there are various ways to swap them:
- Dried Herbs: If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work just as well. Use half the amount (e.g., ½ teaspoon dried rosemary for 1 teaspoon fresh).
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme that works well in savory squash recipes.
- Cilantro: Perfect for squash recipes with a Mexican or Southeast Asian twist.
- Parsley or Dill: Substitute fresh parsley or dill for lighter herbaceous notes in soups and salads.
6. Substitutes for Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a bold, smoky flavor to roasted squash, but it can be replaced or left out depending on your preferences:
- Regular Paprika: Similar without the smoky undertone.
- Chili Powder: Adds spice and depth, making it a suitable choice for savory squash recipes.
- Cumin: Perfect for Middle Eastern or Indian-inspired dishes.
- Chipotle Powder: For an extra smoky effect, chipotle powder pairs beautifully with squash.
7. Substitutes for Salt and Pepper
For flavoring, salt and pepper alternatives can be used to cater to dietary restrictions or dial up flavor complexity:
- Herbal Salt Blends: These include dried herbs mixed with salt for a more robust flavor.
- Low-Sodium Salt Options: Great for anyone watching sodium intake.
- White Pepper: Similar to black pepper but more subtle and less sharp.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you prepare Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash—whether it’s roasted, in ravioli, soup, mac, or risotto—the right accompaniments make it shine even brighter.
More Trader Joe’s Recipes:
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Butter Recipe
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Soyaki Recipe
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag Trader Joe’s Cut Butternut Squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Transfer the cubed butternut squash to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the squash. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, maple syrup (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding—this ensures they roast instead of steaming.
Step 4: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know it’s done when the squash becomes tender and caramelized on the edges.
Step 5: Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a side dish, or toss it with greens, quinoa, or feta for a quick fall-inspired meal.
