Name: Astonishing Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash, 5 Tips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 acorn squash, halved and seeded; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1/4 cup pecans, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Oh, fall! Is there anything better than the smell of cinnamon and the taste of maple? I don’t think so! And that’s why I’m SO excited to share my recipe for Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash. It’s seriously the easiest side dish you’ll ever make, and it’s bursting with all those cozy fall flavors we crave.

I’ve been making this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash recipe for, gosh, probably 15 years now? It started as a way to get my kids to eat more veggies (sneaky, I know!), but it quickly became a family favorite. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it here and there, and trust me, this version is the absolute best. It’s been a hit at every Thanksgiving dinner and potluck I’ve ever brought it to. I promise, you’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Quick and Easy

Seriously, this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash is ready in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off while it’s roasting! Minimal prep, maximum flavor – that’s my kind of recipe!

Sweet and Savory Flavor

The combo of the sweet maple syrup and the crunchy, nutty pecans? It’s just *chef’s kiss*! It perfectly complements the slightly sweet, earthy flavor of the acorn squash. You’ve gotta try it!

Perfect Fall Side Dish

Forget boring side dishes! This Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash is THE perfect addition to any fall meal. Think Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or even just a cozy weeknight dinner. It just screams autumn!

Vegetarian Friendly

Got vegetarians coming for dinner? No problem! This Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash is naturally vegetarian, and you can easily make it vegan by using agave or another maple syrup substitute. Easy peasy!

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Ingredients

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet!

1 large acorn squash, halved and seeded. I like to get the big guys – more squash to love!
2 tablespoons olive oil. Nothing fancy, just your regular olive oil will do.
2 tablespoons maple syrup. Now, I *highly* recommend using pure maple syrup here – the real deal! It makes a HUGE difference in the flavor. Trust me on this one!
1/4 cup pecans, chopped. You can buy them pre-chopped to save time, or chop them yourself. Whatever floats your boat!
1/4 teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground works just fine in a pinch.

See? Easy peasy! Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, here’s the fun part! Let’s get down to business and make some seriously delicious Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash. Don’t worry, it’s super simple, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden.

Preparing the Acorn Squash

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important, so don’t skip it! While the oven’s heating up, grab your acorn squash. Carefully cut it in half from top to bottom. Now, for the seeds… scoop them out! I find a spoon works best for this. If you’re having trouble getting them all out, don’t sweat it – just get the majority. A little bit of squash “guts” won’t hurt ya!

Seasoning and Topping

Okay, now comes the flavor magic! Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil. Then, drizzle generously with maple syrup. Don’t be shy! This is where that amazing sweetness comes from. Next, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and those yummy chopped pecans. If you’re feeling fancy, you can toast the pecans beforehand for an even nuttier flavor (I’ll tell you how later!).

Roasting to Perfection

Place the squash cut-side UP on a baking sheet. Pop that baby into the preheated oven and roast for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the squash is tender and you can easily pierce it with a fork. The edges should be slightly caramelized and gorgeous. Let it cool slightly before serving – you don’t want to burn your tongue! And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that?

Tips for the Best Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Want to take your Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash from good to AMAZING? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to help you nail it every time! These little tips will seriously elevate the flavor and texture. Trust me, they’re worth it!

Choosing the Right Acorn Squash

Picking the perfect acorn squash is key! Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a dull, smooth skin. A little bit of orange on the skin is totally fine – it actually means it’s riper and sweeter! Avoid squash with soft spots or bruises. You want a good, solid squash!

Toasting the Pecans

Okay, this one’s a game-changer! Toasting the pecans before adding them to the Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash brings out their nutty flavor like WOAH. Just spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Careful, they burn easily! You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly. The difference is incredible!

Maple Syrup Options

I’m a purist when it comes to maple syrup – I always use the real stuff! Grade A dark amber (formerly Grade B) has the richest flavor, but any pure maple syrup will work. If you’re vegan or don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use agave nectar or even honey (though it will change the flavor slightly). Brown sugar would also work in a pinch!

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash, and you’re officially obsessed (I knew you would be!). But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

Spice It Up

Want a little extra warmth? Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to the maple syrup before drizzling it over the squash. Trust me, it’s SO cozy and delicious! My favorite is a little cinnamon – it just screams fall!

Nutty Alternatives

Don’t have pecans on hand? No worries! Walnuts or almonds are a fantastic substitute. They’ll add a slightly different flavor profile, but still be totally yummy. You could even use a mix of different nuts! Why not, right?

Adding Other Vegetables

Want to make it a full-on veggie extravaganza? Toss some Brussels sprouts or cranberries onto the baking sheet alongside the squash. The Brussels sprouts get all caramelized and delicious, and the cranberries add a pop of tartness. It’s a flavor explosion!

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash - detail 1

Serving Suggestions for Your Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash… now what do you serve it with? I love pairing it with something savory, like roasted chicken or pork. The sweetness of the squash balances perfectly with the richness of the meat. It’s also fantastic with a simple green salad for a lighter meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Can I make Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you’re prepping for a big meal, you can totally roast the acorn squash ahead of time. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You might want to drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top before serving to perk it up!

How do I know when the Acorn Squash is done?

The best way to tell if your Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash is ready is to pierce it with a fork. If the fork goes in easily and the squash feels tender, it’s done! The edges should also be slightly caramelized and the flesh will look soft and cooked. If it’s still hard, give it a few more minutes in the oven. You don’t want crunchy squash!

Can I use a different type of squash?

Totally! While I love Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash, you can definitely swap it out for other types of squash. Butternut squash, delicata squash, or even sweet potatoes would all work great! Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of squash you use. Check for tenderness with a fork to be sure it’s cooked through. For smaller squash, you may want to reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. Experiment and see what you like best!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop that Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works, or you can warm it in the oven for a few minutes to keep that roasted flavor!

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash - detail 2

Nutritional Information for Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Okay, gotta be real here! The nutritional info for this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash is just an estimate. It can totally change depending on the brands you use and how big your squash is. So, just keep in mind it’s not exact, but it gives you a general idea!

For more precise information, you can consult resources like the USDA’s MyPlate, which provides guidelines for healthy eating and portion sizes.

Enjoying Your Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash?

Made this Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash? Yay! Let me know what you think in the comments below! And hey, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your pics on social media – I wanna see your squash creations!

If you’re looking for more fall-inspired recipes, check out this article on Allrecipes.com for a variety of delicious options. Fall-inspired recipes are a great way to celebrate the season.

Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash - detail 3