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Creamy Maple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans

creamy maple roasted acorn squash with pecans - featured image
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A delicious and elegant Thanksgiving side dish featuring tender roasted acorn squash glazed with maple syrup, butter, and warm spices, topped with crunchy toasted pecans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash the acorn squash and cut it in half lengthwise using a sawing motion with a sharp chef’s knife.
  3. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each half.
  4. Sprinkle the inside of each squash half with salt and pepper, rubbing it in gently.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic powder until uniform.
  6. Brush the glaze generously over the cut side of each squash half, ensuring edges are coated.
  7. Scatter the pecan halves over the top of the squash, letting them sit in the glaze.
  8. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and a fork slides in easily.
  9. Check the pecans halfway through; if they are browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure the squash is heavy for its size with hard skin. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Keep an eye on the pecans as they burn faster than the squash. If using butternut squash, cube it and reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, maple syrup, pecans, Thanksgiving side dish, roasted vegetables, gluten-free, fall recipes, easy side dish

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/creamy-maple-roasted-acorn-squash-with-pecans-easy-thanksgiving-side/