This oven-roasted butternut squash is cut into large, skin-on wedges and seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It is an easy four-ingredient side dish with very little prep.
Carefully cut the 1 medium to large butternut squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and discard them, then cut it again into four long wedges or quarters.
Place the quarters, cut-side up, in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and generously sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
With clean hands, rub it quickly all over. Pour about About ¼ cup water into the bottom of the dish.
Transfer to the oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Check from time to time to make sure it doesn't burn as the water evaporates. Add a bit more water if needed, but don't add too much; we want the squash to still be able to caramelize on top.
Broil for a couple of minutes to give it a nice golden-brown top. Enjoy!
Notes
Choose a firm butternut squash that feels heavy for its size.
There is no need to peel the squash when cutting it into wedges.
If it is difficult to cut, microwave it for 2 to 3 minutes first.
Cut the wedges evenly, so they cook at the same rate.
Pour the water into the bottom of the dish, not over the squash.
The squash is ready when a fork slides easily into the thickest part.
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end for a more golden top.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.