Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese is an easy, delicious dish that brings warm, comforting flavors to your table. Imagine the sweet taste of maple syrup, the rich texture of roasted squash, the crunch of pecans, and the creamy touch of goat cheese — a perfect combination for any fall or winter gathering. In this guide, we’ll break down every step to make this fantastic dish, from choosing the right ingredients to making sure each bite tastes perfect. Plus, we’ll explore different variations and tips to make this dish fit your personal tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

• Easy to make and requires simple ingredients.
• Combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that are great for any meal.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
• Offers a healthy balance of vegetables, nuts, and cheese.
• Versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes.
• Appeals to both adults and kids alike with its comforting flavors.
• A wonderful vegetarian option that feels luxurious without much effort.

Ingredients List of Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

To make this Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, for added sweetness and color)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for an extra tangy kick)

Tip: Fresh thyme is optional, but it adds a nice herbal kick to the dish!

Equipment You’ll Need for Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Vegetable peeler (to easily peel the squash)
• Tongs (for easy flipping while roasting)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Follow these steps to make your Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese.

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Peel the Squash: First, use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin. Butternut squash has a thick skin, so make sure to peel it well.
2. Cut into Cubes: Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and then cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Note: Be careful while cutting. Butternut squash can be a bit hard, so make sure your knife is sharp.

3. Remove the Seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the middle of the squash. You can save the seeds and roast them later for a snack if desired.

Fun Tip: Roasted butternut squash seeds are a lot like pumpkin seeds — salty, crunchy, and very satisfying!

Step 2: Season the Squash

1. Mix in a Bowl: In a large bowl, place the squash cubes. Add olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon if using.
2. Toss Well: Use a spatula to toss the squash until it’s evenly coated with the oil and maple syrup. Make sure every piece gets some seasoning for the best flavor.

Tip: Adding a pinch of cinnamon will enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and give it a warm, cozy flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Squash

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread on a Baking Sheet: Lay the squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and get a good caramelized color.
3. Roast for 25-30 Minutes: Place the squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s tender and has a nice golden-brown color.

Tip: Flip the squash halfway through roasting to ensure even browning. Turning the pieces also helps them caramelize on all sides, adding extra flavor.

4. Check for Doneness: The squash is done when you can easily pierce it with a fork. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the inside should be soft.

Extended Roasting: For an even more caramelized flavor, you can leave the squash in for an extra 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the Pecans

1. Add Pecans in the Last 5 Minutes: Once the squash has roasted for 20-25 minutes, add the chopped pecans to the baking sheet.
2. Finish Roasting: Continue roasting for an additional 5 minutes to toast the pecans lightly. This step helps bring out the nutty flavor of the pecans, making them more aromatic.

Tip: Watch the pecans closely as they roast; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly!

3. Optional Step for Added Sweetness: For extra sweetness, drizzle an additional 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the squash and pecans during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Step 5: Assemble and Add Goat Cheese

1. Transfer to a Serving Dish: Once the squash and pecans are done roasting, transfer them to a serving dish.
2. Add Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the warm squash. The heat will slightly melt the cheese, making it creamy and delicious.
3. Optional: Add Fresh Thyme and Cranberries: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and dried cranberries if desired. The cranberries add a pop of color and a burst of tart sweetness that balances the richness of the dish.

Tip: Adding the goat cheese while the squash is still warm allows it to soften slightly, creating a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.

4. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: If you’re feeling fancy, add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the entire dish before serving. This adds a complex sweet-tangy finish.

Serving Suggestions for Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese can be served as a side dish or even a main vegetarian course. Here are some ideas for pairing it:

• With Roasted Chicken: The sweetness of the squash pairs well with savory roasted chicken. Serve it alongside a roasted or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
• As a Salad Topper: Add this dish on top of a bed of greens for a warm, satisfying salad. Try using arugula or spinach to add a peppery contrast.
• Over Quinoa or Rice: Serve it over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a more filling, healthy meal. The grains soak up the sweet maple and goat cheese flavors, making every bite delightful.
• As Part of a Holiday Spread: This dish is also a fantastic addition to a holiday spread. Its bright colors and rich flavors complement other classic dishes like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole.
• With Grilled Vegetables: For a vegetarian feast, pair it with other roasted or grilled vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers.

Presentation Tip: Arrange the dish on a large platter and garnish with extra herbs and cranberries for an eye-catching presentation at your dinner table.

Tips for Success Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

• Uniform Cubes: Try to cut the squash into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly and ensures all pieces are done at the same time.
• Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure there’s space between the squash pieces. Crowding will make them steam instead of roast, which means they won’t get that delicious caramelization.
• Fresh vs Dried Thyme: If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but only use about 1/2 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Mix Up the Nuts: If you’re out of pecans, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds. Each adds its own unique flavor.
• Add Honey for Extra Sweetness: If you love a sweeter flavor, try drizzling a little honey over the squash after roasting. It adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness.
• Toast the Pecans Separately: For extra control over the cooking, you can toast the pecans separately in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Nutritional Information

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the size of the squash and the exact quantities used.

Why This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Works

• Maple Syrup Adds Sweetness: The maple syrup caramelizes during roasting, giving the squash a rich, sweet flavor. It helps balance the savory elements and gives the dish a warmth perfect for fall and winter.
• Pecans Add Crunch: The toasted pecans add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the roasted squash. They also contribute healthy fats and a rich nutty flavor.
• Goat Cheese Adds Creaminess: Goat cheese has a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness from the maple syrup and brings a creamy element to the dish. The combination of flavors is balanced and satisfying.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The sweetness, crunch, and creaminess all come together to create a dish that has layers of flavor and textures that make every bite interesting.

Variations to Try

• Add Cranberries: Sprinkle some dried cranberries over the top for a sweet-tart flavor and extra color. The red color also adds a festive touch, perfect for holidays.
• Swap Pecans for Walnuts: If you prefer walnuts, they work just as well and add a similar crunch. Walnuts have a slightly more bitter taste, which pairs nicely with the sweet maple.
• Add a Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: For extra flavor, add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished dish. The acidity from the balsamic cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors.
• Use Feta Instead of Goat Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try using feta cheese. Feta has a similar tangy quality but is a bit saltier, which can add a different depth of flavor.
• Add Roasted Garlic: For a more savory variation, add roasted garlic cloves to the squash before roasting. The caramelized garlic adds a whole new level of depth and warmth to the dish.
• Top with Pomegranate Seeds: For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds over the finished dish. Their tart juiciness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the squash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Roast the squash and pecans, but wait to add the goat cheese until just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy. Store the roasted squash and pecans in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store in an Airtight Container: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the Oven: Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The oven keeps the squash from getting soggy, and helps maintain the crunchy texture of the pecans.
• Microwave Option: You can also reheat in the microwave if you’re short on time, but the pecans may lose some of their crunch.

Can I Use Pre-Cut Squash?

Absolutely! Using pre-cut butternut squash saves time. Just make sure the pieces are all similar in size for even cooking. Pre-cut squash is a great convenience option, especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid cutting the tough squash.

Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is full of vitamins and minerals that are great for your health. Here’s a quick look at why it’s so good for you:

• Rich in Vitamin A: Helps maintain good vision, supports skin health, and boosts your immune system. Just one serving provides almost 200% of your daily Vitamin A needs.
• High in Fiber: Keeps your digestive system healthy and helps you feel full longer, which is great for weight management.
• Contains Potassium: Supports heart health by helping control blood pressure and balances fluid levels in the body.
• Low in Calories: Butternut squash is naturally low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier while still enjoying flavorful dishes.
• Packed with Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.

Perfect for the Holidays

This dish is an excellent choice for any holiday spread. The bright orange color of the butternut squash, the crunchy pecans, and the creamy goat cheese make it look festive and inviting. Plus, it’s a great vegetarian option that everyone will love!

Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just having a family dinner, this dish fits right in with its combination of sweet and savory flavors. The maple syrup adds a holiday feel, while the cranberries and pecans give it texture and crunch, making every bite interesting and delicious.

For an extra special presentation, serve this dish on a large, beautiful platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. The bright colors will make it the centerpiece of your holiday meal!

Summary

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. The sweet maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese come together to make a comforting dish that can be served on its own or as a side. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious, making it a must-try recipe for your next family meal or holiday gathering.

Why not give it a try? This dish is sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table, and it just might become a family favorite. The combination of textures, colors, and flavors makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a centerpiece for a special meal. It’s an easy recipe to adjust to suit your personal tastes, and it’s guaranteed to make any meal feel just a little more special.

So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make a dish that’s sure to impress both family and friends. Enjoy the delicious combination of Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Goat Cheese — a delightful celebration of seasonal flavors that’s hearty, healthy, and simply irresistible!