Imagine a side dish that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - sweet, savory, and absolutely stunning. This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet paradise. With the perfect balance of caramelized squash, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, this dish is about to become your new seasonal obsession that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Prepare the butternut squash by carefully peeling the skin using a sharp vegetable peeler, then cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cube into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, whole cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle olive oil and maple syrup over the squash mixture, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Spread the seasoned squash mixture in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- Remove from oven when squash is tender and edges are golden brown, with cranberries slightly burst and pecans lightly toasted.
- Let the roasted squash rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cool slightly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm butternut squash with smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut squash pieces uniformly to ensure even roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Use pure maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor - avoid artificial maple syrups.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give the ingredients space to caramelize properly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any maple syrup drippings and prevent oven mess.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow flavors to meld and cool slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
