Description
Roasted maple pecan goat cheese acorn squash brings rustic elegance to autumn dinner tables. Savory and sweet flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 acorn squash (medium, halved, seeded, and sliced into ½-inch wedges)
- ½ cup pecans (50 g, roughly chopped)
- 4 oz goat cheese (113 g)
- 3 tbsps olive oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (60 ml)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), setting the stage for a transformative roasting process.
- Squash Preparation: Carefully halve acorn squash lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds. Coat interior with olive oil, then season thoroughly with salt and pepper.
- Initial Roasting: Place squash cut-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet, roasting for 30-40 minutes until flesh becomes tender and caramelized with a rich golden complexion.
- Pecan Enhancement: Simultaneously toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat, carefully browning until aromatic oils emerge and nuts achieve a warm golden color.
- Cheese and Finishing: Remove squash from oven, turn halves upward. Generously sprinkle crumbled goat cheese across surface, scatter toasted pecans, and drizzle maple syrup in elegant streams.
- Final Roasting: Return squash to oven for 5-7 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and integrate with roasted flesh. Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves just before serving to elevate the dish’s herbaceous complexity.
Notes
- Squash Selection Matters: Choose acorn squash with smooth, uniform skin and no soft spots for best roasting results.
- Precise Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and steady hand to slice squash evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Roasting Optimization: Placing squash cut-side down helps develop caramelization and prevents drying out during cooking process.
- Pecan Toasting Secrets: Toast pecans carefully over medium heat, watching closely to prevent burning and maximize nutty flavor without bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg