Maple Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash

$- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped - Fresh thyme leaves for garnish - Large mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Sharp knife - Cutting board - Measuring spoons I love how simple it is to make this dish. The main ingredient, butternut squash, is sweet and creamy. It pairs so well with the rich maple syrup. The cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the flavor. If you want to add a crunchy texture, toss in pecans. They add a nice nutty taste. Fresh thyme leaves make a great garnish. They add color and a hint of earthiness. For tools, you only need a few items. A large mixing bowl helps mix everything well. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper keeps cleanup easy. A sharp knife and cutting board help you cut the squash safely. Remember to measure your ingredients carefully for the best taste. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a delicious dish! Start by peeling the butternut squash. Use a sharp peeler for ease. After peeling, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Now, dice the squash into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. In a large mixing bowl, add the diced squash. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the squash is fully coated. The glaze should be sticky and sweet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the glazed squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir the squash halfway through for even cooking. You'll know it's done when the squash is tender and caramelized. If you want to add pecans, toss them in during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This adds a nice crunch. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Cutting butternut squash can be tricky. Here are some tips to make it safe: - Use a sharp knife. A dull knife can slip. - Place the squash on a cutting board. This gives you a stable surface. - Cut off both ends first. This helps the squash stand. - Stand the squash upright. Slice it in half lengthwise. - Scoop out the seeds using a spoon. - Finally, slice the squash into 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly. Roasting is key for great flavor. Follow these steps for the perfect roast: - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. - Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the squash from sticking. - Spread the cubes out in a single layer. This helps them roast, not steam. - Stir the squash halfway through roasting. This helps all sides get golden. - Roast for 25-30 minutes. Look for tenderness and caramelization. You can customize the sweetness and flavor. Here’s how: - Start with the maple syrup. Add more for a sweeter taste. - If you prefer less sweetness, cut back on the syrup. - Taste the mix before roasting. This lets you adjust salt and pepper. - Add extras like cayenne for spice or garlic for depth. - If using pecans, toss them in the last 5 minutes. This gives a nice crunch. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding other veggies. Carrots and sweet potatoes pair well with butternut squash. Just peel and chop them into similar sizes. Toss them in the same maple glaze. This will create a colorful and tasty mix. You can also add Brussels sprouts or parsnips for a different flavor. If you want to change the sweetness, try agave nectar or honey. Both options work well with the squash. Use the same amount as maple syrup. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. It will melt into the squash as it roasts. This will give you a lovely caramel taste. Nuts and seeds can add crunch and flavor. Pecans are great, but walnuts or almonds also work. Just chop them up and add them during the last five minutes of roasting. For seeds, try pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They give a nice texture and nutty flavor. To keep your maple glazed roasted butternut squash fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays tasty for up to four days in the fridge. Don't forget to label your container with the date. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the squash on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. This method keeps the squash's texture nice and helps the glaze shine again. If you're in a hurry, use a microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds to avoid drying it out. You can freeze maple glazed roasted butternut squash. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months. To eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. However, fresh squash gives the best flavor. Frozen squash may be softer when cooked. If using frozen, cut the roasting time by a few minutes. Make sure to check for tenderness. This dish pairs well with many options. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with quinoa or rice. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with roasted meats. The squash is done when it is tender and caramelized. You can pierce the cubes with a fork easily. They should have a nice golden-brown color. If they are still firm, roast for a few more minutes. The goal is that perfect softness with a hint of crisp. This blog post covered the ingredients needed for maple-glazed roasted butternut squash, with tips for safe cooking and enhancing flavors. We discussed step-by-step instructions and variations to try. Finally, we explored storage options and answered common questions. Now you can confidently make a tasty dish that impresses your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and remember: the best meals start with fresh ingredients and your creativity. Happy cooking!$

Maple Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash

Elevate your dinner table with this delightful Maple Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash recipe! This easy dish features tender, caramelized squash drizzled with pure maple syrup, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a fantastic side for any occasion. Click through for the full recipe and spice up your meals today! #ButternutSquash #FallRecipes #HealthyEating #MapleSyrup

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Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (optional)

Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated.

Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.

If using pecans, toss them with the squash in the last 5 minutes of roasting to toast them slightly.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4