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Cozy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese

maple roasted butternut squash with goat cheese - featured image
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A simple yet stunning fall side dish featuring tender roasted butternut squash coated in a maple glaze, topped with creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and fresh thyme. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–2.5 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, for drizzling after roasting
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the middle position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Prep the butternut squash: Cut off both ends, stand upright, and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds, peel with a vegetable peeler, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4-5 cups).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed squash, olive oil, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Spread seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not crowded.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir the squash.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and chopped pecans evenly over the squash. Return to oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until cheese is softened and pecans are toasted.
  7. Remove from oven. Immediately drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, cut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes. Add goat cheese at the 20-minute mark to prevent it from becoming rubbery. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3 minutes before adding for extra crunch. Serve within 10 minutes of removing from oven for optimal texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted butternut squash, maple roasted squash, goat cheese squash, fall side dish, Thanksgiving side, easy squash recipe, vegetarian side dish

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-maple-roasted-butternut-squash-with-goat-cheese/