If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and nutty flavors with a cozy, comforting vibe, look no further than this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe. It’s seriously one of those recipes that can brighten up any meal with its golden caramelized edges, tender squash, and crunchy pecan topping. The magic of pure maple syrup mingling with warm cinnamon and buttery roasted squash tastes like fall on a plate, and the touch of pecans adds a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity with ingredients that work in harmony to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the natural sweetness of maple syrup or the cozy warmth of cinnamon.

2 medium acorn squash: Choose firm squash with dark green skin for the best roasting results.
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: This helps the squash caramelize beautifully and adds richness.
¼ cup pure maple syrup: The star sweetener that brings depth and natural sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that enhances the maple’s warmth.
¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
½ cup chopped pecans: For a toasty crunch and nutty contrast.
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): Adds an extra layer of caramelized sweetness if you like.
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional): A fragrant garnish that elevates presentation and aroma.

How to Make Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, while ensuring your squash gets those beautiful roasted edges without burning.

Step 2: Mix the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil or melted butter with the pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. This glaze is where the sweet and savory notes come to life, so make sure everything is well combined for an even coating later.

Step 3: Coat the Squash Wedges

Place the acorn squash wedges, skin side down, in a large bowl or directly on your baking sheet. Toss them gently with the maple glaze until all pieces are fully coated. Then arrange the wedges in a single layer, cut side up, to ensure tender, caramelized roasting every time.

Step 4: Roast and Add Pecans

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast the squash for 20 minutes. After that, pull it out and sprinkle the chopped pecans and optional brown sugar over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and the pecans are toasted and fragrant.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if you like. This not only adds color and aroma but gives the dish a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the sweetness.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary instantly elevates this dish, giving it an inviting look and a fragrant, fresh twist that makes every bite pop. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup right before serving for that luscious shine and added sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or even a hearty grain bowl. It’s a brilliant side for holiday dinners, but also works just as well alongside a weeknight roast or a flavorful vegetarian main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the squash wedges arranged on a rustic wooden board with pecans scattered around and small bunches of fresh herbs. You could even stuff the roasted acorn squash halves with quinoa or wild rice, sprinkled with feta and pomegranate seeds for an impressive vegetarian entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Arrange cooled slices on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to re-crisp the edges. You can also microwave it covered for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method keeps the texture closer to freshly roasted.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Absolutely! While acorn squash is ideal for its shape and sweetness, delicata or buttercup squash can work too. Just adjust roasting times since different varieties vary in firmness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in the Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I make this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe vegan?

Definitely. Simply use olive oil instead of butter to keep it plant-based without sacrificing flavor or richness.

How sweet is this dish? Can I reduce the sugar?

The maple syrup adds a pleasant, natural sweetness that’s balanced by the savory spices and nuts. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly or skip the brown sugar topping.

What’s the best way to get perfectly tender squash without it getting mushy?

Cut your wedges evenly and roast at a high temperature like 400°F to caramelize the edges quickly. This keeps the flesh tender but not mushy, preserving a wonderful texture.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe. It’s a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly simple way to enjoy squash that feels special enough for holiday celebrations yet easy enough for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become one of your all-time favorite fall dishes!

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

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3.9 from 217 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

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Description

A delightful autumn side dish featuring tender roasted acorn squash wedges glazed with sweet maple syrup and aromatic cinnamon, topped with crunchy pecans for added texture and flavor. Perfect for holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is both vegetarian and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 medium acorn squash, halved, seeds removed, and cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
Make Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil or melted butter, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
Coat Squash: Place the acorn squash wedges in a large bowl or directly on the baking sheet, and toss them with the maple mixture until they are evenly coated, ensuring each piece is flavorful. Arrange the wedges in a single layer with the cut side facing up.
First Roast: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin softening and caramelizing them.
Add Pecans and Sugar: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the chopped pecans and optional brown sugar evenly over the squash wedges.
Final Roast: Return the squash to the oven and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and the pecans are toasted and caramelized.
Serve: Serve the roasted squash warm, garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired for an extra touch of aroma and color.

Notes

For a savory twist, add a dash of smoked paprika or sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the squash before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully as a side for holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners.
Using melted butter instead of olive oil adds richness and a buttery flavor.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary complement the sweetness and add freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American