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Easy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese

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This maple roasted butternut squash with goat cheese is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring caramelized squash, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for fall gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4–5 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Prepare the butternut squash: Cut off both ends, peel with a vegetable peeler, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Add the cubed squash and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; use two sheets if needed.
  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through (after about 15 minutes), until tender and caramelized with dark edges.
  6. While the squash roasts, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat immediately.
  7. Transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter or leave on the baking sheet. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the warm squash, then top with toasted pecans and fresh thyme leaves. Add an extra pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while the goat cheese is soft and the squash is at its peak caramelization.

Notes

Don’t skip flipping the squash halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Toast pecans separately to prevent burning. Let goat cheese come to room temperature for easier crumbling and better melting. For best texture, serve immediately; leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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