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Kid-Friendly Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans

kid-friendly maple roasted butternut squash with pecans - featured image
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This sweet and crunchy roasted butternut squash with maple syrup and pecans is the perfect side dish that even picky eaters will love. It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients for a delicious weeknight or holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large butternut squash (about 2.5 to 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 4–5 cups)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut off both ends of the butternut squash, then cut in half crosswise. Stand the neck upright and slice off the skin. Cut the bulb in half and scoop out seeds. Cut all squash into uniform 3/4-inch cubes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, avocado oil, melted butter, cinnamon, and sea salt. If using fresh thyme, stir it in.
  4. Add cubed squash to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Spread squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes.
  6. While squash roasts, toss pecan halves in a small bowl with about 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until lightly coated.
  7. After 20 minutes, flip the squash pieces. Sprinkle the maple-coated pecans over the squash.
  8. Return to oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until squash is fork-tender and edges are caramelized, and pecans are golden and fragrant.
  9. Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

For best results, cut squash cubes uniformly. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if needed. Add pecans in the last 15-20 minutes to prevent burning. Let squash rest after roasting for glaze to set. For dairy-free, use all avocado oil or dairy-free butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted butternut squash, maple roasted squash, kid-friendly squash, butternut squash with pecans, easy side dish, fall recipe, Thanksgiving side

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/kid-friendly-maple-roasted-butternut-squash-with-pecans/