Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans

All the flavors of fall come together in this Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans. A very easy side dish that is perfect for seasonal family or holiday dinners.

Fall superfood

Did you know butternut squash is a superfood? I know, I didn’t know either. This is fabulous news because it really is my favorite fall vegetable, plus there are so many ways you can prepare it. Butternut squash is so versatile  it can be used to make delicious soups, creamy sauces for pasta, a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes (with lots of butter), even risotto.

 

Where this particular recipe may be categorized as a side dish, I have to admit, I ate the whole thing as my entire dinner because I just couldn’t stop myself! I don’t mean the entire half, oh no, I mean the whole squash. It is a superfood after all.

 

The soft creamy flesh of the squash, flavored with earthy sage and thyme, nutmeg and sweet crunchy pecans in maple syrup makes for a fabulous pairing and a stunning taste sensation. Are we sure this is a vegetable?

Prepare ahead

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans is more like dinner and dessert in one dish!  I’ll be serving this as a Thanksgiving side dish because they can be made ahead and kept warm until you need them. There are 2 ways you could serve this: you can scoop out the squash and give individual servings and get 2 servings per half, or give everyone their own half,. Your guests will thank you. I promise!

If you’ve tried this Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love to hear from my readers!

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Yield: 4

Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans

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Halved butternut squash is roasted then topped with herbs, pecans and maple syrup.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash, about 2 1/2 pounds each, cut in half and seeded
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon sage, finely chopped
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Score the flesh of the butternut squash in diamond shapes.
3. With the cut side of the garlic clove, rub it all over the flesh of the butternut squash.
4. Brush the flesh with melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, nutmeg and sage.
5. Roast the squash, flesh side up on a baking sheet for 40-60 minutes. Should feel tender when a fork is inserted into the flesh.
6. While the squash are roasting, add the pecan pieces to a small sauté pan over medium low heat. Toast, stirring often until browned. Add the maple syrup and mix until all the pecans are coated.
7. When the squash are done remove from the oven and pour the maple pecans over the squash. Serve warm.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1 half
Amount Per Serving Calories 278Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 8mgSodium 535mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 6gSugar 9gProtein 4g

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