Description
Cinnamon Pecan Roasted Butternut Squash brings warmth to your autumn table with a simple yet delightful side dish that combines sweet squash, toasty pecans, and aromatic spices. Roasting caramelizes the edges and creates a nutty, comforting flavor profile perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven precisely to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the butternut squash into perfect 1-inch cubes, ensuring each piece measures about the same size for even roasting.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the squash cubes in a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.
- Pour 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup into the bowl and gently toss the squash until each cube glistens with the seasoned coating.
- Scatter 1 cup chopped pecans across the squash and fold them carefully into the mixture.
- Spread the squash and pecan blend onto the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer with no overlapping pieces.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, using a spatula to flip the mixture halfway through cooking.
- Remove the sheet when the squash turns golden brown and reaches a tender consistency.
- Let the roasted squash rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Cut squash pieces evenly to ensure consistent roasting and prevent some chunks from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor, avoiding artificial pancake syrups that can taste too sweet and artificial.
- If watching calories, substitute half the olive oil with chicken or vegetable broth to reduce fat content without losing moisture.
- Toasting pecans separately before adding to the squash can enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the final dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg