Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe is a simple, oven-baked side where halved acorn squash is roasted until tender, then glazed with maple syrup and toasted pecans for caramelized sweetness—ideal for Thanksgiving, holidays, or vegan dinners with make-ahead prep and minimal fuss. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s the ultimate autumn dish with nutty crunch and warm spices. Whether you’re balancing a roast or serving plant-based, you can bake this Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe to deliver cozy, satisfying wedges without the blandness. For more herbed fall inspiration, check out our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which pairs with roasted veggies like this.
What is the Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe?
The Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe is a sheet-pan roast of halved acorn squash brushed with oil and spices, baked until caramelized, then topped with a maple-pecan crumble for sweet-nutty finish—perfect for sides. This easy essential suits busy cooks with one-pan simplicity. If you’re craving autumn warmth, follow the Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to mains like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where nuts add crunch.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
There are countless reasons why the perfect maple pecan roasted acorn squash recipe is a go-to for side fans. From sheet-pan ease to sweet-nutty satisfaction, it delivers flavor simply. Here’s why you’ll roast it often:
Quick Sheet-Pan Simplicity
Prep in 10 minutes, bake 35—halve, season, top. Ideal for holidays, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Balanced Sweet Crunch
Maple’s caramel with pecan’s toast and squash’s earthiness—customize with cinnamon, akin to herb lifts in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Easy Cleanup
One pan, using staples like maple—stress-free, much like our Moist Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.
Versatile Fall Side
Serves 4–6; vegan by default. Pairs with roasts from our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Nourishing Comfort
Vitamin-rich at ~200 calories/serving; cozy yet light, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Presentation
Golden halves with pecan sparkle—garnish with thyme for wow, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
The perfect maple pecan roasted acorn squash recipe mixes convenience, flavor, and nutty charm—a must for sides. For gluten-free, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Sweet, crunchy perfect maple pecan roasted acorn squash recipe—perfect for holidays or anytime you crave fall sides.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Category: Side Dish, Vegan, Fall
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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Squash
2 medium acorn squash (about 2–3 lbs total)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Topping
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted)
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra caramel)
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Instructions
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Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: ~200
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Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe Ingredients
Squash Ingredients
2 medium acorn squash (about 2–3 lbs total; for sweet, nutty flesh)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for roasting; vegan with oil)
½ tsp ground cinnamon (for warmth)
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (for spice)
Salt & black pepper, to taste (for balance)
Topping Ingredients
¼ cup pure maple syrup (for glaze)
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted; for crunch; walnuts alternative)
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional; for caramel depth)
How to Make Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Step by step for squash success—halve easy, roast golden, top sticky!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Squash
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Halve 2 acorn squash lengthwise; scoop out seeds. Brush cut sides with 2 tbsp oil/butter; season with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on sheet.
Step 2: Roast
Bake 25–30 minutes until fork-tender (internal 165°F). Flip cut-side up; roast 5 more minutes to caramelize.
Step 3: Make Topping
While roasting, toast ½ cup pecans in a dry skillet over medium 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Mix with ¼ cup maple syrup and 1 tbsp brown sugar (if using); warm gently 1 minute until sticky.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Spoon maple-pecan mixture over squash halves. Broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly and nuts toast (watch closely).
Step 5: Serve
Cool 5 minutes; serve warm. For nutty tips, see our Perfect Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, where toasting enhances crunch.
Inspired by roasting? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide shares prepping veggies for even bakes. This highlights sweet ease, like spice in the Moist Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins. For a classic external take, try this Maple Roasted Acorn Squash recipe from Allrecipes, which glazes for caramelized results.
How Long Will Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Last?
When storing your perfect maple pecan roasted acorn squash recipe, cooling keeps caramel alive. Tips for freshness:
How Long Does Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Last in the Fridge?
3–4 days in airtight container. Topping softens; reheat at 350°F 10 minutes.
To maintain flavor:
Cool completely.
Store halves covered.
Reheat oven for crisp.
Can You Freeze Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash?
Yes—freeze baked halves up to 2 months (wrapped). Thaw in fridge; reheat. (Pro tip: Like storing veggies in the Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, freeze for tenderness.)
Signs That Your Squash Has Gone Bad
Slimy flesh, off-smelling pecans, mold. Discard if present.
Which Acorn Squash are Best for Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash?
The acorn squash you choose are key, affecting sweetness and how they roast for tender, caramelized halves. Opt for medium for even cooking.
Best Type of Acorn Squash for Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash
Use 2 medium (2–3 lbs)—ideal for 4–6 servings. They provide nutty flavor that pairs with maple.
Medium Acorn Squash (Green-Ridged, Firm): Top pick for sweet, dense flesh that roasts evenly, absorbing glaze without mushiness.
Delicata Squash: Sweeter alternative; halve similarly.
Avoid Soft or Overripe: Uneven roast; stick to firm.
Choose heavy for ripeness—it caramelizes beautifully, like in our Perfect Pecan Pie Bars Recipe.
How to Prep Acorn Squash
Wash; halve lengthwise.
Scoop seeds; brush oil.
Ready in 5 minutes.
Stabilizing Acorn Squash
Spices enhance sweetness, like in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe. Maple binds for gloss.
Other Squash Options
Butternut for larger; kabocha for creaminess. Vegan: Already vegan.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Acorn Squash
Right squash make it great—tender and satisfying. Medium firm every time.
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Conclusion
Perfect Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe is a flavorful, sheet-pan marvel delivering sweet, nutty comfort simply. With right steps, it’s your go-to side. From picks to storage, success every halve. Roast ahead, glaze and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs.