Perfect Fall Harmony: Brown Butter Butternut Squash Recipe

Fall’s most comforting roasted brown butter butternut squash brings a symphony of autumnal warmth to your plate.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a remarkable culinary experience that enhances ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

Golden-edged vegetables caramelize beautifully, releasing deep, complex flavors that whisper of crisp afternoons and harvest celebrations.

Nutty brown butter provides a luxurious coating that elevates each ingredient’s natural sweetness and depth.

The combination promises a delightful balance between rustic charm and refined elegance, inviting you to savor every bite.

Unexpected texture contrasts make this dish both exciting and satisfying for adventurous palates.

Your dinner guests will be impressed by this simple yet sophisticated side dish.

Why This Roasted Veggie Mix Tastes Like Fall in a Dish

• Elevate Veggie Roasting: This recipe transforms ordinary vegetables into a gourmet side dish by using brown butter, which adds a nutty, rich flavor that takes roasted vegetables from basic to extraordinary.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: With just one pan and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, nutritious side dish in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks looking for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Blend: Combining butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and apples creates a stunning mix of seasonal produce packed with vitamins, fiber, and complex flavors that complement each other beautifully.
• Sensory Delight Experience: The recipe offers a symphony of textures – crispy roasted edges, tender vegetable centers, and the silky smooth brown butter – creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that excites both palate and senses.

What You’ll Need for a Sweet, Nutty, Savory Roasted Mix

• Butternut Squash: Sweet, nutty vegetable with smooth texture that roasts beautifully and provides hearty base for the dish.
• Brussels Sprouts: Slightly bitter green vegetable that caramelizes wonderfully and adds nutritional depth.
• Onion: Aromatic ingredient that brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when roasted.
• Garlic: Pungent seasoning that enhances overall savory profile of the roasted vegetables.

• Apples: Crisp fruit that adds natural sweetness and helps balance the roasted vegetable flavors.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat that helps vegetables roast evenly and develop golden edges.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that adds freshness and helps balance rich flavors.
• Butter: Rich ingredient transformed into nutty brown butter for complex, toasted flavor.

• Coarse Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances natural vegetable flavors.
• Fresh Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the roasted dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Bright, green garnish that adds final layer of freshness and visual appeal.

How to Roast Butternut Squash, Apples, and Brussels to Perfection

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Set oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a large baking sheet or roasting pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable and Fruit Mixture

• Butternut squash
• Brussels sprouts
• Apples
• Onion
• Garlic

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Coarse salt
• Fresh black pepper

Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast Vegetables and Fruits

Place pan in preheated oven. Roast for 40-50 minutes until vegetables are tender and edges are slightly caramelized. Vegetables should be golden brown and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Create Brown Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns amber brown and develops a nutty aroma. This process takes approximately 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove roasted vegetables from oven. Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Drizzle brown butter sauce over the mixture. Gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.

Pro Tips for Caramelized, Crispy Edges and Tender Bites

• Brown Butter Brilliance: Stir butter constantly to prevent burning and achieve that perfect nutty, caramel-like flavor without scorching.
• Chopping Pro Tip: Cut vegetables and apples into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent cooking throughout the dish.
• Moisture Magic: Pat squash, Brussels sprouts, and apples dry before seasoning to help them caramelize beautifully and develop crispy edges.
• Herb Harmony: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the roasted vegetable medley with bright, aromatic notes.
• Baking Sheet Strategy: Use a large sheet with enough space between ingredients to prevent steaming and promote crispy, golden-brown roasting.

Best Way to Store These Roasted Veggies Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Transfer the roasted vegetables to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp textures.
• Reheat: Warm the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet to help restore their original crispiness. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or brown butter on top to refresh the flavors and prevent dryness.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the roasted vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve Alongside This Brown Butter Veggie Dream

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: A robust Pinot Noir or Grenache complements the roasted vegetables' caramelized flavors and cuts through the richness of brown butter.
• Match with Crispy Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or seared pork tenderloin to create a balanced meal that highlights the dish's sweet and savory notes.
• Enhance with Nutty Grains: Add a quinoa or wild rice base to soak up the delicious brown butter and provide additional texture and nutritional value.
• Top with Crunchy Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the roasted vegetables to introduce a delightful crunch and enhance the overall nutty undertones of the dish.

Flavor Additions That Take This Side Over the Top

• Maple Pecan Roasted Medley: Swap olive oil with maple syrup and add chopped pecans for a sweet, nutty dimension that complements the caramelized vegetables and brown butter.
• Spicy Southwestern Roast: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to create a bold, warm flavor profile. Top with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for extra zest.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace black pepper with za'atar seasoning and add crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh oregano and thyme before serving for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon and Sage Upgrade: Crisp up chopped bacon pieces and scatter them over the roasted vegetables. Add fresh sage leaves during the last few minutes of roasting to introduce a savory, aromatic element that pairs wonderfully with the brown butter.

Roasted Brown Butter Butternut Squash With Apples & Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted brown butter butternut squash with apples and Brussels sprouts delivers autumn’s richest flavors on one delectable pan. Caramelized edges, nutty brown butter, and sweet-savory notes promise a memorable side dish you’ll crave season after season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables and Fruits:

• 5–6 cups butternut squash (cut into cubes)
• 1 pound brussels sprouts (halved if large)
• 2 apples (sliced into thick wedges)
• 1 small red or yellow onion (sliced into thick strips)

Fats and Oils:

• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs like sage or thyme
• Zest of 1 lemon (only the yellow part, not the white pith)
• Coarse salt and fresh black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Generously grease a large baking sheet or roasting pan with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Dice the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, apples, and onion into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting. Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dish.
3. Transfer the chopped vegetables and fruits into a spacious mixing bowl. Drizzle of olive oil and of fresh lemon juice over the mixture. Season with of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
4. Spread the seasoned vegetable and fruit mixture in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring minimal overlap to promote proper caramelization and roasting.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning and prevent burning.
6. During the roasting time, prepare the brown butter by melting of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continuously stir the butter, watching it transform from pale yellow to a rich amber color with a nutty aroma, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Once the vegetables and fruits are tender and caramelized, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like thyme or parsley over the roasted mixture.
8. Drizzle the golden brown butter evenly across the roasted vegetables and fruits. Gently toss to coat and distribute the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving warm.

Notes

Recipe Card Notes:

• Seasonal celebration of autumn’s bounty, blending sweet and savory flavors in one delightful dish.
• Roasting transforms ordinary vegetables into caramelized, deeply flavorful bites that dance on your palate.
• Brown butter adds nutty complexity, elevating simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish.
• Versatile recipe works perfectly as a holiday side or weeknight vegetable medley for busy families.
• Minimal prep time delivers maximum flavor through strategic oven roasting and simple ingredient selection.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg