Maple Roasted Acorn Squash with Toasted Pecans and Sage Recipe
This Maple Roasted Acorn Squash recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The acorn squash is roasted to tender perfection with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and olive oil, then topped with toasted pecans and fresh sage for an aromatic finish. It’s a simple, wholesome side dish perfect for fall meals or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Glaze
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Toppings and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the squash evenly and to caramelize the maple syrup glaze.
- Prepare the squash: Wash the acorn squash, then carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and strings from the center.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup and olive oil to create a sweet and savory glaze.
- Apply glaze and season: Brush the maple syrup and olive oil mixture generously over the cut sides of the squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the squash: Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Toast the pecans: While the squash roasts, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add sage and pecans: Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and chopped fresh sage generously over the warm squash halves.
- Serve warm: Serve the maple roasted acorn squash warm as a flavorful side dish to any meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the glaze before roasting.
- To toast pecans evenly, watch them carefully as they can burn quickly.
- This recipe can be made ahead; reheat gently before serving.
- Avoid cutting the squash too thin to prevent it from drying out during roasting.
Keywords: maple roasted acorn squash, roasted squash, fall side dish, maple syrup recipe, healthy squash recipe, vegetarian squash dish
