How to Create Tangy Honey Mustard Roasted Squash

Squash is one of those vegetables that’s surprisingly versatile. It’s tasty, healthy, and easy to find at most grocery stores. If you’re looking for a way to jazz up this humble ingredient, tangy honey mustard roasted squash might be the perfect recipe to try. This dish is full of flavor, simple to make, and an excellent side dish for busy weekdays or special occasions. Let’s break down how you can make this delicious dish in simple steps.

Why You Should Try Tangy Honey Mustard Roasted Squash

Squash comes in many varieties, such as butternut, acorn, or delicata. Not only is it affordable, but it also packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. Squash is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it great for your health.

Honey mustard sauce, with its balance of sweetness from the honey and tang from the mustard, adds depth to roasted squash. When baked in the oven, the squash caramelizes slightly, bringing out its natural sweetness and blending beautifully with the tangy sauce. The result? A dish that’s equal parts comforting and zingy!

What You’ll Need

The ingredients are straightforward and adjust easily to what you already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized squash (butternut or acorn squash works best)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon works well, but you can use regular yellow mustard if that’s what you have)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tanginess)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional — try parsley or thyme)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Squash

Start by washing your squash well under running water, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. Butternut squash can be peeled, but varieties like delicata squash have thin, edible skin.

Next, cut your squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. If you’re feeling resourceful, save the seeds to roast later for a crunchy snack! After you’ve removed the seeds, slice the squash into bite-sized cubes or ½-inch thick wedges, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (around 220°C). Roasting squash at a high temperature ensures that it gets beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, mix honey, mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. If you’re looking to spice things up, add a pinch of garlic powder or red chili flakes. Taste the glaze and adjust ingredients depending on whether you want more sweetness or tang.

Step 4: Toss the Squash

Place the squash slices or cubes onto the lined baking sheet. Drizzle the honey mustard glaze evenly over the squash, then use clean hands or a spatula to toss everything together so the squash is fully coated. Sprinkle a bit of kosher salt and black pepper on top for seasoning.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Put the baking sheet in the oven and let the squash roast for 25–35 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around the 15-minute mark), carefully flip over the squash pieces or give them a good stir so they roast evenly. You’ll know the squash is ready when the edges turn golden and the inside feels tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the squash is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes before transferring it to a serving dish. If you want, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for extra color and flavor. Serve the squash warm and enjoy!

Easy Tips for Success

Pick the Right Squash: Butternut squash tends to be the sweetest when roasted, but acorn squash has a nuttier flavor. Try different varieties to see which one you like best.
Don’t Rush: High oven temperature is key to getting the squash to caramelize nicely. Avoid sticking with lower temperatures as this might steam it instead of roasting.
Double the Sauce: The honey mustard glaze is so delicious, you may want extra to drizzle on top just before serving or as a dipping sauce on the side.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika, cinnamon, or cumin for an additional layer of flavor—each spice changes the dish slightly.

What to Pair It With

Tangy honey mustard roasted squash is a great side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even vegetarian main dishes like quinoa bowls. You can also enjoy it as a simple snack on its own, thanks to its balance of textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making tangy honey mustard roasted squash is fun, simple, and sure to brighten up any meal. The dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and its comforting warmth is perfect for cooler days. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time.

So next time you’re looking for a healthy, tasty side dish, grab some squash and try this recipe. Don’t forget to share with friends and family—they’ll love it as much as you do!

How to create tangy honey mustard roasted squash