Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts is like a warm hug from the inside. Imagine sweet, caramelized butternut squash mingling with the crunch of candied walnuts—a combination so comforting, it could make even your grumpy uncle crack a smile. With its vibrant orange hue and nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen, this dish doesn’t just feed the belly; it nourishes the soul.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the best way to cut butternut squash?
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- How do I make candied walnuts?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish shines brightest during fall gatherings or cozy family dinners, instantly elevating any occasion to gourmet status. The first time I made this recipe for my friends, they were practically fighting over the last bite. Who knew squash could turn grown adults into ravenous pumpkin-hungry beasts? Let’s dive in and capture that magical flavor experience together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts is easy to prepare and perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- It offers a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness that pleases everyone at the table
- Visually stunning with its bright colors, it adds an elegant touch to holiday feasts or casual dinners
- Plus, it’s versatile—great as a side dish or even as a snack!
Nothing makes me happier than my family’s delighted faces when I serve them this roasted delight. They often request it for Thanksgiving, turning what should be a simple side into the star of our feast.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Butternut Squash: Choose firm squashes that feel heavy for their size—this guarantees sweetness and flavor.
Candied Walnuts: Opt for pre-made candied walnuts if you’re short on time, but homemade is always better.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste and health benefits.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds depth; avoid imitation syrup unless you want your squash to taste like candy corn.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully—think of it as nature’s flavor amplifier.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth and coziness, making your kitchen smell like autumn.
Nutmeg: Just a sprinkle elevates flavors; too much can overwhelm, so use sparingly!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your butternut squash roasts evenly and develops that irresistible caramelization.
Prepare the Squash: Carefully slice off both ends of the butternut squash. Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out those pesky seeds using a spoon. Remember to wear an apron—you don’t want squash guts on your favorite shirt!
Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the squash halves. Sprinkle salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg before tossing everything together until well-coated—this step makes all the flavors sing!
Roast Until Tender: Place the seasoned squash halves face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they become golden and fragrant.
Add Candied Walnuts: While waiting for that magic to happen in your oven, take those candied walnuts and chop them coarsely. Once the squash is done roasting, flip it over and sprinkle those nuts on top like you’re decorating a cake.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Finally, drizzle pure maple syrup over everything while it’s still warm. Give it another quick roast for about 5 minutes just to let those flavors meld beautifully together.
And voila! You’ve got Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts ready to impress even your pickiest eaters. Great job! Now grab a fork (and maybe some extra napkins) because you won’t want to share this delicious dish!
You Must Know
- Roasted butternut squash with candied walnuts is a delightful blend of sweet and savory that can elevate any meal
- This dish is not only visually appealing but also loaded with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and festive gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the butternut squash until golden, while preparing the candied walnuts on the stovetop. This ensures everything is warm and ready to serve together, maximizing flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the sweetness of the squash. You can also swap walnuts for pecans or add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispiness, ensuring those candied walnuts stay crunchy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly roasted butternut squash, cut it into even cubes for uniform cooking
- Always preheat your oven to get that nice caramelization on the edges
- Lastly, don’t skip the walnuts; they add essential crunch and flavor!
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles at my dinner table, especially when friends rave about my “secret” ingredient—the candied walnuts that steal the show every time.
FAQ
What is the best way to cut butternut squash?
Use a sharp knife and peel it first; this makes cutting easier and safer.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the squash a day prior and reheat before serving.
How do I make candied walnuts?
Combine walnuts with sugar and a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts is a delightful autumn dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized butternut squash with the crunch of candied walnuts. This easy-to-make recipe not only pleases the palate but also adds a pop of color to your table, making it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
- 1 cup candied walnuts
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves and season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
- While roasting, chop candied walnuts coarsely.
- Once the squash is done, flip it over, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, and drizzle with maple syrup. Roast for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
