Name: Roasted Honeynut Squash Slices with Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Honeynut squash, about 6 sliced cups; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tbsp brown sugar; Optional garnishes: pomegranate seeds, candied pecans and microgreeens

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Taste the sweetness of this newer winter squash variety. This Roasted Honeynut Squash side dish is super simple to make and incredibly delicious. We enhanced the sweetness of these tender slices of roasted honeynut squash with natural maple syrup and brown sugar for a striking side dish that is both sweet and earthy.

overhead image of a plate of roasted deep orange honeynut squash slices. The squash is topped with poomegranate seeds and micro herbs.

Crank up the oven and get ready to roast this mini cousin of the butternut squash. It has a deeper orange coloring and a sweeter flavor. This will become one of your new favorite side dishes for the holiday season, but we like to enjoy it with any weeknight meal for as long as they are in season.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honeynut squash is like the smaller, sweeter cousin of butternut squash. Its bright orange flesh is naturally sweet and requires minimal effort to transform into something spectacular. Here’s what makes this recipe special:

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes, you’ll have a side dish that looks and tastes like it came out of a gourmet kitchen.

Packed with Nutrients: Honeynut squash is rich in beta-carotene, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C—delivering both flavor and nutrition.

Customizable: While maple syrup and brown sugar bring out the squash’s sweetness, you can easily tweak the recipe with warm spices or herbs to suit your taste.

overhead image of 3 whole honeynut sqaush. Labeled with white text

What Is Honeynut Squash?

Honeynut squash is a newer variety of winter squash, created by Cornell University professor Michael Mazourek as a sweeter, smaller, cuter, and single-serve version of the butternut squash.

Ingredients

Honeynut Squash. Peeled and sliced.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Adds richness and helps the squash caramelize beautifully.
Salt and Black Pepper. Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.
Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar. Work together to create a caramelized glaze with a hint of molasses.

How to Make Roasted Honeynut Squash

overhead image of a peeled honeynut squash

Step 1: Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem of the squash and peel it. Slice it in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

overhead image of a clear glass mixing bowl with slices of raw orange honeynut squash inside

Step 2: Slice and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

overhead image of orange slices of raw honeynut squash arranged closely together on top of parchment paper.

Step 3: Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and roast in the oven.

overhead image of orange slices of honeynut squash after being cooked on parchment paper.

Step 4: Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar. Then bake until the squash slices are soft and caramelized.

Substitutions and Variations

Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the olive oil for a cozy, spiced version.
Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary before serving for a savory twist.
Savory Option: Swap the maple syrup and brown sugar for a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Other Honeynut Squash Recipes: try our stuffed honeynut squash or roasted honeynut squash recipe

Tips for the Perfect Roasted Honeynut Squash

Choose Ripe Squash: Look for squash with smooth skin and no green patches or soft spots.
Even Slicing: Keep your slices uniform so they cook evenly. Use a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board.
Follow the recipe: You may be tempted to add the brown sugar and maple syrup right away, but it's important to follow the recipes. Otherwise, the dish will burn before the squash is tender.
Test for Doneness: The squash should be fork-tender, with caramelized edges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve for Thanksgiving: this beautiful side dish will enhance your Thanksgiving Table. Serve it with any of our Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes.
Add to Salads or Bowl: choose from this salad, or this bowl
Honeynut Squash Pizza: Use as a topping for pizza with caramelized onions and a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes, until warm.

Try These Other Delicious Winter Squash Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.