This is a nutritious twist on butternut squash that includes diverse ingredients like natural maple syrup, rosemary, cinnamon and even a dash of cayenne pepper! I love making this for friends and family when it starts to get a little chilly outside and cold and flu season is lingering.

Fall and winter are a wonderful time to incorporate more warming ingredients like these into your diet. When you consume foods that are energetically warming for the body, you counteract the external cold and create balance within. Finding that balance is one of the key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nutrition.

The Butternut squash in this recipe is especially warming and also helps decrease inflammation and increase digestion. Not only that, but it contains a good amount of fiber to help regulate your blood sugar and a high amount of Vitamin A, which also supports immune function. Check out all the health benefits and full recipe below!

Eastern and Western Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

TCM Nutrition

Sweet Flavor.
Warming effect on the body’s energy.
Strengthens the stomach and spleen.
Reduces Inflammation.
Expels cold.
Resolves Phlegm.
Regulates blood circulation.
Resolves Dampness.

Western Nutrition

One Cup contains about 82 calories, 22g carbs, 2g protein, 7g fiber.
High in vitamin A (one cup has 450% daily value!)
Also high in vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
Contains A carotenoids.
Can help reduce risk of lung cancer, mental decline, heart disease.
Fiber content may aid weight loss.

Ready to warm up with this butternut squash recipe? View or print below and I’d love to know what you think in the comments. You can also my butternut squash soup recipe here!

Warm Up Quick with Rosemary Maple Butternut Squash

This is a nutritious twist on butternut squash that includes diverse ingredients like maple syrup, rosemary, cinnamon and even a dash of cayenne pepper!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Course Side Dish, Snack

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash -I use the precut from Costco about 2-4 pounds peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 ½-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Directions

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Generously coat large baking sheet (or use 2 smaller ones) with nonstick spray or cover with heavy duty tin foil for ease of cleaning.
Place the squash cubes in a large bowl and add olive oil and maple syrup. Gently toss with the squash.
Sprinkle the salt, cinnamon, and both peppers. Toss to coat.
Evenly divide the squash on the baking sheet so squash is in a single layer and not overlapping. Do not add the extra liquid from the bowl.
Place the pans in your oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven when lightly brown.
Turn the cubes with a spatula, then return to the oven.
Continue baking until the squash is tender and well browned, but not burnt. About 15 additional minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the rosemary over the top. Serve warm.