Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe — Sweet-Roasted Squash with Crunchy Topping

Estimated prep time 20 minutes

Cook time 35 to 45 minutes

Total time 55 to 65 minutes

Servings 6 to 8

Introduction — Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

Bright roasted butternut squash meets a buttery, crunchy crumble for a dish that feels both rustic and elevated. This Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe balances sweet and savory notes: maple or honey glazes the squash while herbs and a touch of spice add depth. The oat and nut topping toasts in the oven and gives a satisfying contrast to the silky squash. Serve it as a standout side for gatherings or as a vegetarian main alongside a green salad. The method uses simple steps and pantry ingredients to deliver a memorable, shareable plate.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

Use imperial or metric measurements. Swap nuts and grains for local equivalents while preserving texture ratios.

• Butternut squash — 2 medium (about 3 to 4 pounds / 1.4–1.8 kg), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Extra-virgin olive oil — 2 tablespoons
• Maple syrup or honey — 2 tablespoons
• Fresh thyme leaves — 1 tablespoon chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Ground cinnamon — 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt — 3/4 teaspoon, divided
• Black pepper — 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
• For the crumble topping:
• Old-fashioned rolled oats — 1 cup (100 g)
• All-purpose flour — 1/2 cup (60 g) or gluten-free blend
• Brown sugar — 1/3 cup packed (70 g) or coconut sugar
• Chopped walnuts or pecans — 3/4 cup (75 g)
• Unsalted butter — 6 tablespoons (85 g) chilled and cut into small cubes; or use coconut oil for dairy-free
• Pinch of ground nutmeg — 1/8 teaspoon (optional)
• Finishing: toasted pepitas or a sprinkling of pomegranate arils for color (optional)

How to Make Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

Follow this sequence for even roasting and a perfectly toasted topping. Prep first, then assemble and bake until the squash is tender and crumble is golden.

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange a large baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keeping the oven hot allows the squash edges to caramelize while the interior becomes tender.

Step 2
Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, chopped thyme, ground cinnamon, half the salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet or in the prepared dish for even roast. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent steaming; if necessary, use two sheets.

Step 3
Roast the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cubes are tender and edges have caramelized. The maple syrup will concentrate and create glossy, slightly sticky edges that contrast with the soft interior. Test doneness with a fork; the squash should yield without falling apart.

Step 4
While the squash roasts, prepare the crumble topping. In a medium bowl combine oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, nutmeg, and the remaining salt. Add chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or fingertips to rub the butter into the dry mix until pea-size crumbs form. The topping should hold together slightly when squeezed.

Step 5
When the squash is nearly done, remove the pan from the oven. If using a baking sheet, transfer the roasted squash into the baking dish for topping. Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the warm squash. Return to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 more minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it in the last minutes to avoid overbrowning. If the crumble browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

Step 6
Remove from the oven and let rest five minutes. The topping will set slightly. For finishing touches, scatter toasted pepitas or pomegranate arils for visual contrast and a pop of flavor. Serve warm so the textures remain distinct: crisp topping, silky squash underneath.

Chef trick

Toss squash with a small amount of maple syrup or honey to boost caramelization without burning. The sugars help create deep color and glossy edges.

Keep butter for the crumble cold and incorporate by hand. Cold butter yields a flakier, crunchier topping; melted butter will give a soggier finish.

Pro Tips for Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

• Cut squash cubes uniformly to ensure even roasting. Smaller cubes cook faster but may lose shape; 1-inch is a good compromise.
• Toast the nuts separately for 3 to 4 minutes in a dry skillet to intensify flavor before adding to the crumble.
• For extra savory depth, fold in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta into half the topping and reserve the rest sweet for contrast.
• For dairy-free versions use chilled coconut oil in place of butter; the texture will be slightly different but pleasant.
• Make ahead: prepare the crumble topping and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when ready for freshest texture.

Global Recipe Note — Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

This Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe adapts well to different pantry staples. Swap maple syrup with local sweeteners like date syrup or molasses in small amounts. Use regional nuts or seeds for the topping to reflect local tastes and maintain crunch. If butternut is unavailable, use kabocha, sweet potato, or roasted pumpkin with similar results. Maintain the ratio of sweet to savory and the technique of roasting then topping to keep texture and engagement consistent.

Variations of Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

Savory-herb crumble
Mix chopped rosemary and thyme into the squash and fold grated Parmesan into the topping. Omit brown sugar for a savory-focused dish that pairs with roasted meats.

Apple and squash crumble
Combine 1 cup peeled and chopped apples with the squash before roasting. Add a pinch of ground ginger for warming spice. The apples add sweetness and acidity that brighten the plate.

Spiced chai crumble
Stir ground cardamom, ginger, and clove into the crumble for a spiced finish. Use a drizzle of molasses or dark maple syrup to deepen flavor.

Gluten-free and vegan
Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. Replace butter with chilled coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute and adjust sugar to taste.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions for Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

Serve Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe as a side with roasted poultry, seared pork, or pan-roasted fish. For a vegetarian meal, pair with a grain salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a kale salad tossed with lemon and mustard. Offer warm crusty bread on the side to mop up any glaze. For beverages, choose a medium-bodied white, an amber ale, or spiced cider depending on occasion.

Side Dishes Name

1. Maple-glazed roasted carrots
2. Herbed quinoa salad with cranberries
3. Garlic sautéed green beans with almonds
4. Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
5. Warm farro pilaf with toasted seeds

Quick Nutrition Snapshot

Calories ~320 per serving (estimate)

Protein ~4 g per serving (estimate)

Carbohydrates ~40 g per serving (estimate)

Fat ~16 g per serving (estimate)

Values are approximate and vary with butter, nuts, and portion size.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Crumble topping is soggy
Fix: Ensure butter in the crumble stays cold until mixing. Bake the topping until it is golden and allow it to rest briefly uncovered to dry and crisp.

Squash is mushy or undercooked
Fix: Cut into uniform cubes and roast at a sufficiently high temperature so edges caramelize while interiors become tender. If pieces are too large, extend roast time and test for doneness.

Flavors are flat
Fix: Brighten with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar before serving. Add fresh herbs for lift and a small pinch of salt to bring out sweetness.

Topping browns too quickly
Fix: Tent loosely with foil during the last baking minutes or lower oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C).

FAQ About Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe

Summary

Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe brings warmth and texture to the table. Roasting the squash intensifies natural sweetness while the oat and nut crumble adds crunch. The balance of maple or honey, spice, and fresh herbs creates a versatile dish that works as a side or vegetarian main. Simple technique and smart timing make this recipe accessible and rewarding.

Give this Butternut Squash Crumble Recipe a try for your next gathering or cozy dinner. Save this recipe, make it your own with a favorite nut or spice, and share how you served it. Which variation will you try first, savory-herb or apple-squash? Try one and enjoy the cozy flavors.