Description
Roasted butternut squash with cranberries and pecans brings autumn’s warmth to your table. Savory-sweet flavors mingle with crunchy pecans, creating a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Butternut Squash:
- 1 large butternut squash or 2 small (4–5 cups cubed squash)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings and Extras:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup pecans
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare a roasting surface by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution for the butternut squash.
- Create a flavor-enhancing glaze by whisking together melted butter, brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, seasoning salt, ground pepper, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces, promoting consistent roasting and caramelization.
- Generously coat the squash cubes with approximately three-quarters of the prepared spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly glazed.
- Spread the seasoned squash across the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, allowing proper air circulation and potential caramelization.
- Roast the squash in a preheated oven at 400°F, stirring midway through to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent burning.
- While the squash roasts, combine whole pecans and tart cranberries with the remaining spice mixture, creating a complementary topping.
- After the initial roasting period, sprinkle the pecan and cranberry mixture over the partially cooked squash.
- Continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes, gently stirring once to prevent the pecans from over-browning.
- Remove from the oven when the squash is tender, pecans are lightly toasted, and cranberries have slightly softened, creating a harmonious autumn-inspired side dish.
Notes
- Infuse warmth and sweetness into your butternut squash by blending brown sugar, butter, and aromatic spices before roasting.
- Perfectly caramelize the squash by cutting into uniform cubes and spreading them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet for consistent cooking.
- Prevent burning delicate pecans by adding them midway through roasting, ensuring a golden, crunchy texture without charring.
- Create a balanced flavor profile by combining sweet cranberries, spicy cayenne, and rich pecans with the subtle butternut squash.
- Transform a simple side dish into a gourmet experience with minimal ingredients and strategic layering of flavors during the roasting process.
- Enhance the dish’s presentation and nutritional value by using fresh, high-quality ingredients and maintaining vibrant color through careful cooking techniques.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg