Sticky roast pumpkin

Sticky roast pumpkin combines the sweet depth of honey with zesty orange juice and aromatic sage for a flavourful dish. Ideal as a side for festive meals, it's roasted until caramelised and tender.

14 Feb 2026
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

4 cups pumpkin
2 tbsp honey
1/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup sage

Sticky roast pumpkin is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the richness of honey and the aromatic essence of sage. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for adding a seasonal touch to your meals.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Peel the pumpkin and cut it into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Make sure to remove any seeds and fibrous material.

3. Mix the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey and orange juice. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved into the orange juice.

4. Toss the Pumpkin:
- Add the cubed pumpkin to the bowl with the honey-orange juice mixture. Toss well to ensure all the pumpkin pieces are evenly coated.

5. Add Sage:
- Sprinkle the roughly chopped sage leaves over the pumpkin mixture. Give it another toss to evenly distribute the sage.

6. Arrange for Roasting:
- Spread the coated pumpkin pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

7. Roast the Pumpkin:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, toss the pumpkin pieces to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

8. Check for Doneness:
- The pumpkin is done when it is fork-tender and caramelized with a sticky glaze from the honey and orange juice mixture. If needed, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes until desired doneness is achieved.

9. Serve:
- Remove the pumpkin from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. This dish is perfect as a side for a festive meal or a delicious fall treat.

10. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your sticky roast pumpkin warm!

Enjoy your sticky roast pumpkin hot out of the oven as a side dish or a main course. Its caramelized exterior and tender interior make it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. The combination of honey, orange juice, and sage creates a unique and harmonious flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Sticky roast pumpkin FAQ:

How long should I roast the pumpkin?

Roast the pumpkin at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, toss the pieces for even cooking. If it’s not tender after that time, continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes.

How do I know when the pumpkin is done?

The pumpkin is done when it is fork-tender and has a sticky, caramelized glaze. If unsure, check for tenderness and continue roasting as needed.

Can I use other types of squash instead of pumpkin?

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin with other squash varieties such as butternut or acorn squash, though cooking times may vary slightly based on the squash type.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover sticky roast pumpkin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

What can I use instead of honey in this recipe?

If you're looking for a substitute for honey, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and consistency.

Cooking Tips:

- Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the pumpkin.

- Uniformly cut the pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate and achieve uniform tenderness.

- Combine honey and orange juice: Mix the honey and orange juice together thoroughly before drizzling it over the pumpkin for even coating and enhanced flavor.

- Fresh sage: Use fresh sage for the best flavor. If fresh sage is not available, you can substitute it with dried sage, but reduce the quantity to about 1 tablespoon.

- Toss well: Toss the pumpkin pieces in the honey, orange juice, and sage mixture to ensure each piece is well coated.

- Line your baking tray: Line your baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the pumpkin from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

- Turn halfway through cooking: Turn the pumpkin pieces halfway through cooking to ensure they roast evenly on all sides and develop a nice, sticky glaze.

- Check for doneness: Test the pumpkin's doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick. It should glide through easily indicating that the pumpkin is tender.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 120kcal
Protein 3.39g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 9g
Fat 2.61g

Sticky roast pumpkin