Description
Savory maple pecan goat cheese roasted acorn squash brings seasonal comfort to winter dinner tables. Nutty pecans, creamy goat cheese, and sweet maple glaze elevate this simple squash into a memorable side dish you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into ½-inch wedges
- ½ cup (50 grams) pecans, roughly chopped
- 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C), creating the ideal temperature for transforming acorn squash into a caramelized delicacy.
- Slice the acorn squash lengthwise with precision, removing the seeds completely. Massage the exposed flesh with olive oil, then generously season with salt and pepper.
- Position the squash halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to roast for 30-40 minutes until the interior becomes fork-tender and develops a rich, golden hue.
- While the squash roasts, gently toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Watch carefully as they release their aromatic oils and turn a warm, golden brown, then set aside.
- Extract the roasted squash from the oven and delicately turn the halves face-up. Distribute crumbled goat cheese evenly across the surface, creating a creamy landscape.
- Scatter the toasted pecans over the cheese, then drizzle pure maple syrup in a graceful, meandering pattern to enhance the dish’s sweet and nutty profile.
- Return the squash to the oven for a final 5-7 minutes, allowing the goat cheese to soften and meld with the roasted flesh. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves just before serving for an herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Select firm, vibrant green acorn squash with no soft spots or blemishes for the best roasting results.
- Use a sharp chef’s knife and steady cutting board when halving the squash to prevent slipping and ensure clean cuts.
- Customize the dish by swapping goat cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese for dairy-free diets.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a light sprinkle of cinnamon or smoked paprika before roasting for additional depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg