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Kid-Friendly Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese

maple roasted butternut squash - featured image
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This caramelized butternut squash is roasted with maple syrup and finished with tangy goat cheese and crunchy pecans. It’s a sweet and savory side dish that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2.5–3 lbs / 1.1–1.4 kg), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.25 g) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 ounces (113 g) crumbled goat cheese
  • ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (2 g) fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prep the squash: Cut off both ends, peel the skin, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed squash, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using). Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
  5. While the squash roasts, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the maple syrup in a small bowl.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the maple glaze over the squash and gently toss to coat. Spread back into a single layer.
  7. Return to the oven and roast for another 12-15 minutes, until fork-tender and edges are caramelized.
  8. Remove from the oven. While hot, crumble the cold goat cheese over the top. Sprinkle with toasted pecans (if using) and fresh thyme leaves. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan; use two baking sheets if needed. Keep goat cheese cold until ready to crumble. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor. Watch the squash during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted butternut squash, maple roasted squash, kid-friendly squash, goat cheese squash, easy side dish, holiday side dish

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/kid-friendly-maple-roasted-butternut-squash-with-goat-cheese/