Print

Crispy Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts: Easy Vegan Side

crispy roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts - featured image

A simple, healthy, and delicious vegan side dish featuring crispy roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts. This recipe emphasizes proper spacing and high heat to avoid mushy vegetables, resulting in a caramelized, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  3. Trim woody stems off Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise.
  4. Place both vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
  5. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread vegetables in a single layer without overlapping.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove pan, flip vegetables, and check for browning. If sticking, add a splash of water to deglaze.
  8. Return to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until sprouts have crispy edges and squash is fork-tender.
  9. Remove from oven. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if using. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure vegetables are dry before oiling to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan; use a large sheet pan or roast in batches for maximum crispiness. If using a dark metal pan, check for browning 5 minutes early. Fresh garlic can burn at high heat, so garlic powder is recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted vegetables, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, vegan side dish, healthy dinner, gluten-free, meal prep, crispy roasted veggies