Description
Maple pecan roasted acorn squash brings autumn’s warmth to your dinner table with a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Roasted to golden perfection, this simple side dish offers comfort and elegance you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Seasoning and Sweeteners:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Carefully halve the acorn squash, removing seeds, and position cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create a glaze by whisking maple syrup with melted butter or olive oil until well combined.
- Generously brush the maple mixture across the exposed squash surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling salt and pepper directly onto the squash halves.
- Distribute chopped pecans evenly over the top of each squash half, pressing gently to help them adhere.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, watching for golden caramelization and tender flesh.
- Check squash doneness by piercing with a fork – it should slide in easily when fully cooked.
- Once roasted, extract from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.
- Serve immediately while warm to maximize the rich, sweet, and nutty flavors of this elegant side dish.
Notes
- Choose squash that feels heavy and has smooth, taut skin without soft spots for the best roasting results.
- Cut squash carefully with a sharp knife, stabilizing it on a damp kitchen towel to prevent slipping and ensure even halves.
- Adjust roasting time based on squash size – smaller squash might cook faster, so check tenderness around 25-30 minutes.
- Swap maple syrup with honey or agave for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences like vegan or low-glycemic diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg