Description
Roasted butternut squash with cranberries and pecans delivers autumn’s warmth on a single plate. Rustic ingredients blend into a symphony of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that welcome seasonal comfort with elegant simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4–5 cups butternut squash (cubed)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Seasoning and Spices:
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Spice:
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring a hot environment for caramelizing the butternut squash.
- Cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces, then coat with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned.
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a single layer for optimal roasting and caramelization.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the edges to turn golden and develop a rich, deep flavor.
- While squash roasts, combine remaining melted butter with chopped pecans and dried cranberries in a separate bowl, creating a complementary topping mixture.
- Scatter the pecan and cranberry mixture over the partially roasted squash, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent burning.
- Continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
- Remove from oven when squash is tender, pecans are toasted, and cranberries are slightly plumped, creating a vibrant and aromatic side dish.
- Serve warm as a festive accompaniment, showcasing the harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.
Notes
- Choose firm, heavy butternut squash with smooth, unblemished skin for the best roasting results.
- Remove seeds carefully, cutting squash into uniform cubes ensures even caramelization and consistent texture.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing cayenne for milder palates or adding more for heat lovers.
- Layer pecans and cranberries gently to prevent burning, creating a delightful crispy-sweet topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 488 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg