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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice acorn squash in half lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
- Brush the interior of each squash half with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
- 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.
- While squash roasts, create the maple pecan topping by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add maple syrup and ground cinnamon to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir chopped pecans into the warm maple mixture, coating them evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Remove squash from the oven and flip halves cut-side up, then generously spoon the maple pecan mixture into each cavity.
- Return squash to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the topping to caramelize and become slightly bubbly.
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of sea salt for a vibrant finish.
- 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