Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic

Roasting acorn squash with maple pecan goat cheese brings comfort and elegance to your autumn table.

Fall’s golden harvest offers a delightful canvas for this rustic yet sophisticated dish.

Nutty pecans and creamy goat cheese complement the squash natural sweetness.

maple syrup adds a rich, caramelized depth that makes every bite irresistible.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning side dish that sparkles with seasonal charm.

Warm spices and golden-brown edges create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

Prepare to savor a recipe that celebrates the best of fall’s bounty.

What Makes Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Roasted Acorn Squash Special

• Transform humble acorn squash into a gourmet dish with minimal ingredients and basic cooking techniques that highlight natural flavors.
• Perfect as a cozy side dish or hearty vegetarian main course that works beautifully for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings.
• Combine wholesome roasted squash with protein-rich goat cheese and crunchy pecans, delivering a balanced meal packed with vitamins and satisfying textures.
• Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings to match personal preferences or dietary needs without compromising the dish's delicious core.

Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Squash Ingredients

• Acorn Squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash with a tender, creamy texture perfect for roasting.
• Maple Syrup: A rich, natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Goat Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that provides a smooth contrast to the roasted squash.
• Pecans: A crunchy nut that adds nutty flavor and textural complexity to the roasted squash.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the squash and provide a balanced taste profile.

• Extra Maple Syrup, Additional Pecans, Additional Goat Cheese: Allows for personal customization and extra flavor intensity.

Tools Needed for Roasted Acorn Squash

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting squash evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting acorn squash in half cleanly.
• Fork: Helps test squash tenderness and check when it's perfectly roasted.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly coating squash with olive oil.
• Small Bowl: Useful for crumbling goat cheese and chopping pecans.

Simple Steps to Roasted Acorn Squash with Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prep The Acorn Squash

Slice each acorn squash in half carefully using a sharp knife.

Remove all seeds and stringy pulp from the center using a spoon.

Coat the interior of each squash half with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.

Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across the surface.

Place squash halves face down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a flat surface for even roasting.

Step 2: Roast The Squash

Transfer the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 400F.

Allow squash to roast for approximately 30-35 minutes until the flesh becomes fork-tender and slightly caramelized.

The exterior should develop a golden brown color indicating perfect roasting.

Step 3: Create Delicious Toppings

• Rough chop pecans into smaller pieces
• Crumble fresh goat cheese
• Measure maple syrup

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Remove squash from oven and flip halves face up.

Generously drizzle maple syrup across each squash half.

Scatter chopped pecans evenly.

Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the surface.

Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize and warm toppings.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Pull squash from oven and let cool briefly.

Transfer to serving plates.

Optional: Add extra maple syrup drizzle and additional pecans.

Serve immediately as a stunning side dish or vegetarian main course.

Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Squash

• Always choose a fresh, firm acorn squash with smooth, hard skin to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Use a sharp, sturdy knife and cut the squash carefully on a stable cutting board to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
• Select high-quality pure maple syrup for a rich, authentic sweetness that complements the roasted squash and pecans.
• Let goat cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before crumbling to improve its spreadability and create a creamier texture.
• Swap goat cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version or use dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Delicious Variations on Roasted Acorn Squash

• Vegan Butternut Swap: Replace acorn squash with butternut squash and use cashew cheese instead of goat cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute pecans with pine nuts, add crumbled feta, and sprinkle with fresh thyme and rosemary for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Replace maple syrup with honey, add crumbled cotija cheese, top with chopped jalapeños, and garnish with cilantro for a spicy southwestern version.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Variation: Use pumpkin instead of acorn squash, swap pecans for sunflower seeds, and use dairy-free cheese for a gluten-free and allergen-friendly option.

Serving Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Squash Beautifully

• Cozy Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the roasted squash on a rustic wooden board, creating an elegant and inviting display that highlights the golden-brown edges and creamy goat cheese.
• Hearty Autumn Companion: Pair this dish with a crisp salad featuring mixed greens, dried cranberries, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet flavors of the squash.
• Protein-Packed Meal Upgrade: Transform this side into a complete vegetarian meal by adding quinoa or lentils inside the squash halves before topping with goat cheese and pecans.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to complement the maple and nutty undertones of the dish.

Best Storage for Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Squash

• Store leftover roasted acorn squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the squash halves whole to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap each squash half individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place squash on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.

FAQs

• What are the best types of acorn squash for this recipe?

Choose smaller, evenly shaped acorn squash with smooth, dark green skin. Look for squash that feels heavy for its size and has no soft spots or blemishes. Smaller squash tend to be more tender and sweet.

• Can I substitute the goat cheese with another cheese?

Yes, you can use feta or blue cheese for a similar tangy flavor. If you prefer milder options, try cream cheese or ricotta. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the maple and pecan flavors.

• How do I know when the acorn squash is fully roasted?

The squash is ready when you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork and the edges look slightly caramelized. The skin should turn a deeper golden-brown color, and the interior will be soft and tender.

Maple Pecan Goat Cheese Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple pecan goat cheese roasted acorn squash delivers autumn comfort on a plate. Savory-sweet flavors merge with creamy goat cheese, creating a dish you’ll crave during crisp seasonal evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium acorn squashes
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the acorn squash by carefully slicing each in half lengthwise, removing the seeds with a spoon. Brush the interior with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Position the squash halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a 400F (200C) oven for 30-35 minutes until the flesh becomes fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Remove the squash from the oven and flip the halves cut-side up. Drizzle each half with maple syrup, allowing it to pool slightly in the cavity.
4. Scatter crumbled goat cheese and roughly chopped pecans over the syrup-coated squash, ensuring even distribution.
5. Return the squash to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the maple syrup to caramelize and the goat cheese to warm and slightly melt.
6. Carefully transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter. For an extra touch, garnish with additional pecans and a light drizzle of maple syrup.
7. Serve immediately while warm, enjoying as a robust side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.

Notes

• Choose firm, heavy acorn squash with smooth, dull skin to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Use a sharp chef’s knife and steady cutting board when halving the squash to prevent slipping and ensure clean cuts.
• Substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
• Select fresh, high-quality goat cheese for a creamy and tangy complement to the sweet roasted squash.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the dish.
• Create a vegan version by replacing goat cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for similar richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg