How to Bake Honey Balsamic Squash

Roasting squash with a honey-balsamic glaze transforms a simple vegetable into a sweet and tangy side dish. The glaze plays up the squash's natural sweetness while adding a tart element that deepens the flavor and adds complexity to the dish. Although you can use zucchini or yellow squash for this recipe, winter squash varieties are particularly well suited to this cozy, flavorful side dish that is perfect to bake up on a chilly fall or winter evening. As an added bonus, it is as easy or complicated as you need it to be, with minimal ingredients and kitchen tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Winter squash
  • Shallow roasting pan or baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
  • Oil or cooking spray
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Small bowl
  • Additional spices or herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to temperatures of 400 or 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, Line a shallow roasting pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil, if desired, and lightly spray the surface with cooking spray or oil.

  2. Prepare the squash for baking. Although you can bake many types of squash whole, you want the honey-balsamic flavor to coat the squash thoroughly, lightly glazing the squash while it bakes. Cut the squash into equally sized pieces. Place the squash in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with a little salt and black pepper and set aside.

  3. Mix your honey-balsamic glaze in a small bowl. This can be as simple as combining one part honey to two parts of balsamic vinegar. You can also olive oil or herbs and spices such as minced garlic and fresh rosemary, thyme or other aromatic herbs. Whisk or stir the glaze to combine all of your ingredients.

  4. Pour the honey-balsamic mixture over the squash and toss or stir it, thoroughly coating coat the squash. Transfer the squash to your baking sheet or roasting pan.

  5. Roast it for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through. Once the squash is done, it should be fork-tender and lightly browned. Remove your squash from the oven, sprinkle with additional salt, pepper if necessary, and serve.