The Best Maple Pecan Acorn Squash Recipe For Fall Nights

Crisp autumn winds carry whispers of a maple pecan acorn squash recipe that promises pure comfort.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in this hearty dish, blending sweet and savory notes.

Warm kitchen aromas will instantly transport you to cozy memories of harvest gatherings.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch while maple syrup brings delicate sweetness to tender squash.

Rustic and elegant, this recipe celebrates simple ingredients with remarkable depth of flavor.

Maple-glazed wedges emerge golden and caramelized, ready to become your new seasonal favorite.

Such a delectable creation might just become the centerpiece of your next meal.

Why This Acorn Squash Dish Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Transform Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Celebrate Nutritious Comfort: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from squash and pecans, this dish delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory that nourishes both body and soul.
• Impress Without Stress: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for family meals, this recipe elevates humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish that looks and tastes sophisticated.
• Adaptable Autumn Delight: Versatile enough to complement various main courses, from roasted chicken to vegetarian entrees, making it a reliable go-to recipe for seasonal gatherings.

What Goes in Maple Pecan Acorn Squash

• Acorn Squash: A winter squash with a sweet, nutty flavor that provides a delicious base for the maple pecan topping.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that creates a rich, caramelized glaze for the squash.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and a deep, toasted flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the squash and promote even roasting and caramelization.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy maple sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the squash and provides a balanced seasoning.

• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spicy note to the maple pecan topping.
• Fresh Parsley, Sea Salt: Provides a fresh, bright garnish and a final touch of seasoning to elevate the dish.

How to Roast Maple Pecan Acorn Squash Right

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure effortless cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice and Clean Squash

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon, creating a clean interior space for roasting.

Step 3: Season Squash Halves

Grab a pastry brush and coat the inside of each squash half with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning.

Step 4: Initial Roasting

Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and edges start to caramelize beautifully.

Step 5: Create Maple Pecan Topping

• Maple syrup
• Ground cinnamon

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Coat Pecans

Fold chopped pecans into the warm maple mixture, ensuring each nut gets a luxurious coating of the sweet sauce.

Step 7: Final Roasting and Topping

Remove squash from the oven and flip the halves cut-side up. Generously spoon the maple pecan mixture into each cavity, filling them to the brim.

Step 8: Caramelize Topping

Return squash to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. Watch as the topping becomes bubbly and caramelizes to a deep golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the roasted squash to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of sea salt to brighten the flavors.

Step 10: Enjoy Immediately

Serve piping hot to experience the most decadent blend of sweet, nutty, and roasted flavors in every single bite.

Tips for Sweet, Caramelized Acorn Squash

• Roast Squash Perfectly: Ensure the cut side is facing down to help caramelize edges and develop rich, deep flavors during initial roasting.
• Prevent Burning Pecans: Watch the maple pecan topping carefully during the final baking stage to avoid burning, as maple syrup can quickly caramelize and turn bitter.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use high-quality pure maple syrup for a more complex, authentic taste that complements the nutty pecans and sweet squash.
• Select Fresh Squash: Choose acorn squash with smooth, firm skin and no soft spots to guarantee the best texture and sweetest flavor in your dish.
• Adjust Sweetness Level: Reduce maple syrup for a less sweet version or add a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.

Creative Twists on Maple Pecan Acorn Squash

• Savory Herb Roasted Squash: Replace maple syrup with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for a woodsy, aromatic profile that complements the squash's natural sweetness.
• Spicy Chipotle Glazed Squash: Swap maple syrup with chipotle pepper sauce, adding a smoky heat that transforms the dish into a bold, southwestern-inspired side that tingles taste buds.
• Mediterranean Feta Stuffed Squash: Top roasted squash with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a tangy, Mediterranean-style preparation that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Tasty Pairings for Roasted Acorn Squash

• Pair Perfectly with Warm Mulled Cider: Complement the sweet maple and nutty pecan flavors with a spiced mulled cider, enhancing the autumnal warmth of the dish and creating a cozy flavor harmony.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Herb Chicken: Match the rich, caramelized squash with a tender herb-roasted chicken breast, balancing the sweet and savory elements for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Create a Rustic Cheese Board Companion: Offer aged sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese as a tangy counterpoint to the sweet maple pecan topping, providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Select a Light Pinot Noir: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruit notes to complement the squash's sweetness and cut through the richness of the buttery pecan glaze.

Store Your Roasted Squash for Best Results

• Store leftover maple pecan acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm refrigerated squash in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore original texture and prevent sogginess. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Carefully wrap individual squash halves in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Roast squash and prepare maple pecan topping separately up to one day in advance. Keep components refrigerated and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness and crisp texture.

FAQs for Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

• What type of squash works best for this recipe?

Acorn squash is ideal due to its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture that perfectly complements the maple pecan topping.

• Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Walnuts are an excellent alternative, offering a similar rich, buttery taste that pairs wonderfully with the maple glaze.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this maple pecan acorn squash is completely vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.

• How do I know when the acorn squash is properly roasted?

The squash is ready when the flesh becomes tender and the edges start to caramelize, typically after 25-30 minutes of roasting at 425°F.

Maple Pecan Acorn Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40-47 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple Pecan Acorn Squash delights taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Roasted golden squash meets caramelized pecans, creating a seasonal side dish that welcomes autumn’s warmth right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Squash:

• 2 acorn squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Maple Pecan Topping:

• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Garnish:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 pinch sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice acorn squash in half lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
3. Brush the interior of each squash half with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
4. Place squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and edges start to caramelize.
5. While squash roasts, create the maple pecan topping by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add maple syrup and ground cinnamon to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Stir chopped pecans into the warm maple mixture, coating them evenly with the glossy sauce.
8. Remove squash from the oven and flip halves cut-side up, then generously spoon the maple pecan mixture into each cavity.
9. Return squash to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the topping to caramelize and become slightly bubbly.
10. Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of sea salt for a vibrant finish.
11. Serve immediately while warm for the most decadent flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Ensure acorn squash is evenly sliced to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent uneven roasting.
• Choose fresh, high-quality maple syrup for a rich, authentic sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
• Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg