MAPLE ROASTED HONEYNUT SQUASH
on Oct 26, 2023, Updated Oct 03, 2024
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Tender, sweet honeynut squash is roasted until golden brown along with maple syrup, cinnamon, and thyme for a simple perfect fall side dish.
Today I’m introducing you to one of my favorite fall squashes: honeynut. A tinier version of butternut squash, honeynut is slightly sweeter than its larger, more commonly known cousin.
But unlike butternut squash, honeynut is much easier to prepare and peel. You won’t be struggling with peeling and cubing up the squash like you might with a butternut! That’s just another reason why this Maple Roasted Honeynut Squash recipe is on repeat in my house during the fall months.
To enhance the squash’s sweetness, I roast it with maple syrup and cinnamon as well as fresh thyme to bring an earthiness to the side dish.
Serve alongside a roasted protein such as chicken thighs or pork tenderloin for a simple but totally satisfying weeknight meal. Or give it a try for Thanksgiving and see what your family and friends have to say about this mini gourd.
Can’t wait to hear what you think. Enjoy!
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Ingredients for Roasted Squash
This easy fall side dish only requires 7 ingredients, including salt and pepper! Here’s what you’ll need.
- Honeynut Squash: This gourd is a hybrid bred from butternut and buttercup squash. It’s smaller in size than a butternut and typically a bit sweeter and richer too. Look for it at local farmers markets or Whole Foods. If you can’t find it, go ahead and substitute butternut squash.
- Olive Oil: The base of the sauce is extra virgin olive oil.
- Maple Syrup: Enriches the squash, making it a bit sweeter and adding a nice fall flavor too!
Pin this recipe for later!
Pin It- Thyme Leaves: Strip the leaves by pinching the top of the stem and running your index finger and thumb down the stem.
- Cinnamon: This antioxidant-rich spice is great for blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and heart health. Regardless, it just tastes amazing too!
- Salt and Pepper: Season, always season!
How to Cook Honeynut Squash
First, get your oven nice and hot by preheating it to 425°F.
Cut the honeycut squash in half lengthwise, removing the seeds with a spoon.
In a small bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients — olive oil, maple syrup, thyme leaves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle over the sauce, allowing it to pool in the middle of the squash.
Roast for 35 minutes until soft and fork-tender.
Serve each half, allowing your guests to scoop and enjoy!
Pair This With:
- “Lazy Girl” Chicken Thighs or Breasts
- Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Gravy
- Chuck Roast with Au Jus
- Coffee Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Honey Garlic Glaze
- Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
MAPLE ROASTED HONEYNUT SQUASH
Ingredients
- 3 honeynut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Whisk together the remainder of the ingredients (olive oil, maple syrup, thyme leaves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper) and drizzle over the squash, allowing the mixture to pool in the well of the squash.
- Roast for 35 minutes.
- Serve, scoop, and ENJOY!
