How to roast a butternut squash.

Butternut squash can be found at the grocery store year-round, but it’s an especially nice vegetable to enjoy in the fall.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also good for you. Butternut squash is packed with antioxidants that may help lower your risk of autoimmune diseases, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It also may protect your heart, keep your vision healthy and support digestion.

It may look like an intimidating vegetable to roast, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it, but it’s actually easy. Once it’s roasted, it goes well in soups, salads, sides, pizzas and risottos.

Watch this video to learn how to roast butternut squash.

How to roast a butternut squash

Roasting butternut squash is one of the easiest ways to prepare it. To roast it:

  1. Lay the butternut squash on its side and remove the ends.
  2. Stand the squash upright and slice it down the center.
  3. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and strings. Save those for roasting later, just like with pumpkin seeds.
  4. Place the half on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
  5. Season it with salt, pepper and any additional spices of your choosing.
  6. Roast it skin side up at 400ºF for 30 minutes to an hour. The cook time will vary based on the size of the squash. It’s ready when a knife easily goes through.
  7. Let the squash cool slightly and peel the skin off with ease.

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Skillet pizza

The chillier weather is the perfect excuse to create an autumnally-inspired pan pizza in your cast iron skillet.

Watch this video to see how to make a fall-inspired skillet pizza.

In addition to your favorite pizza toppings, consider adding:

  • Roasted butternut squash, acorn squash and potato.
  • Nutty cheeses like pecorino and gruyere.
  • Brussels sprouts leaves.
  • Sausage.
  • Sage and rosemary.
  • Toasted pine nuts.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees — or 550 if your oven goes that high. It should be very hot.

Add olive oil to a cast-iron skillet and spread your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza dough across the bottom.

Add sauce and toppings however you like. Start with the classic base of marinara and mozzarella, then add your favorite seasonal flavors.

Place it in the oven and check it after 10 minutes. The total cook time should be about 15 to 20 minutes. Top the finished pizza with more cheese and fresh sage, slice and enjoy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The easiest way to roast butternut squash: Video

Reporting by Cody Godwin, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect