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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Scatter crumbled goat cheese and roughly chopped pecans over the syrup-coated squash, ensuring even distribution.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter. For an extra touch, garnish with additional pecans and a light drizzle of maple syrup.
- 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