Tender caramelized pumpkin cubes (Printable)

Golden pumpkin cubes roasted with herbs and spices, a flavorful side or snack option.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2.2 lbs pumpkin (Hokkaido or butternut), peeled, seeded, and cut into ¾-inch cubes

→ Seasonings & Oils

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp sea salt
04 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
06 - ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast the pumpkin for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and tender.
05 - Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The edges get crispy and caramelized while the insides stay creamy, creating texture you don't expect from something so simple.
  • It's genuinely healthy, completely plant-based, and works as a side, snack, salad topper, or even a bowl base without apology.
  • Practically no cleanup, minimal active time, and the oven does the actual work while you do something else.
02 -
  • Don't skip turning the cubes halfway—the side touching the pan will brown beautifully, but the top side won't catch any color without a flip, leaving you with unevenly roasted pumpkin.
  • The difference between 25 and 30 minutes depends entirely on your oven's personality and the size of your cubes, so start checking at 25 and accept that your oven may be a few minutes faster or slower than the recipe suggests.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife and peel the pumpkin before cutting rather than after—it's safer, faster, and you'll have more control over your cube size for even roasting.
  • If your pumpkin feels watery when cut, let the cubes sit on paper towels for a few minutes before tossing with oil; excess moisture will steam the pumpkin instead of letting it caramelize.

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