Roasted Butternut Squash With Pecans and Cranberries

Roasted butternut squash is a fall favorite, whether you're eating it as a side dish or using it as an ingredient in other dishes. Roasting squash brings out its rich, nutty flavor, which is why is pairs so well with honey, brown sugar and nuts.

This recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries is not only full of flavor, it's full of texture, too. It's a beautiful addition to any holiday meal.

Don't be intimidated by the thought of having to cut through this hearty vegetable. It's really quite easy with the right tools and techniques.

How to Cut Butternut Squash

If you want to make cutting hearty winter squash a little easier, pierce the skin with a sharp knife in several places and microwave it for 2 to 5 minutes to soften it a bit. Then, use a knife long enough and hefty enough to cut through the squash. We recommend our Vegetable Knife, but a Butcher Knife, 9-14" French Chef or 7" Santoku would also work well. The key is to use the right size of knife for what you're cutting.

Here's how:

Peel the butternut squash with a Vegetable Peeler.

Cut a slice off each end and then cut the squash in half lengthwise.

Use a spoon to remove the seeds.

Cut the squash into uniform-sized cubes for even roasting.

For more information on how to cut butternut squash, watch our how-to video with step-by-step instructions.

Try roasted butternut squash on salads or pureed for soups, too.