Roasted Butternut Squash with Apples and Pecans is a delightful dish that combines the rich and earthy flavors of roasted butternut squash with the sweetness of apples and the crunchiness of pecans. This perfect fall recipe is easy to prepare and makes for a delicious side dish or even a light meal.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Apples and Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, apple slices, and chopped pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the butternut squash, apples, and pecans. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring that it is in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the apples are slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Prepare
To prepare this delicious roasted butternut squash with apples and pecans, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds, then cut it into cubes. Slice the apples and chop the pecans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, and pecans.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the butternut squash, apples, and pecans, and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to arrange everything in a single layer. This will ensure that the ingredients roast evenly. Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, as cooking times may vary depending on your oven.
Once the butternut squash is tender and the apples are slightly caramelized, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the roasted butternut squash with apples and pecans as a delicious side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
Preparation Time
This roasted butternut squash with apples and pecans recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. The total time may vary depending on your cooking skills and the size of the squash cubes.
Servings
This recipe serves approximately 4 people as a side dish. If you’re serving it as a light meal, it may serve 2-3 people.
Nutrition Facts
The exact nutritional information for this roasted butternut squash with apples and pecans recipe will depend on the size of the serving and the specific ingredients used. However, this dish is generally considered to be healthy and nutritious. Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Apples add natural sweetness and are packed with antioxidants and dietary fiber. Pecans provide healthy fats and protein. Overall, this dish provides a good balance of flavors and nutrients.
Tips
- Make sure to cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces to ensure even roasting.
- Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to balance the sweetness of the dish.
- You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like dried cranberries or sprinkling some goat cheese on top before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of squash?
A: While this recipe specifically calls for butternut squash, you can certainly try using other types of squash such as acorn or kabocha. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while roasting to ensure it is cooked to perfection.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the butternut squash, apples, and pecans ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss them in the olive oil mixture and roast them as directed.
Q: Can I serve this dish with something else?
A: Absolutely! This roasted butternut squash with apples and pecans pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even as a topping for a salad. Let your taste buds guide you and enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations!
Overall, this roasted butternut squash with apples and pecans recipe is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of fall in a healthy and delicious way. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this seasonal delight.
