Maple Pecan Butternut Squash Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Maple Pecan Butternut Squash Bake, a delightful casserole that perfectly blends the sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy crunch of pecans. This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds; it's also a feast for the eyes, with a crispy pecan topping drizzled with maple syrup that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it makes an impressive addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 medium (pared, seeded, and cut into pieces)
pecans
3/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
maple syrup
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling, seeding, and chopping the butternut squash into uniform pieces.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the squash. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the water well.
3
While the squash is cooking, place the pecans in a blender or food processor. Cover and pulse on low speed until coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process into a powder. Transfer the chopped pecans to a small bowl and set aside.
4
In the same blender or food processor (no need to wash it), combine the drained squash, sugar, and cinnamon. Blend on low until smooth and creamy.
5
Preheat your broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
6
Transfer the squash mixture into a 1-quart flame-proof casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans over the top.
7
Drizzle the maple syrup over the pecans, ensuring an even distribution.
8
Place the casserole under the broiler and cook for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the top is beautifully glazed and browned. Remove when ready and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
18g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1.7g
Fiber
6.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this Maple Pecan Butternut Squash Bake?
The main ingredient is one medium butternut squash, which is pared, seeded, and cut into pieces.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: butternut squash, pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
How long should the butternut squash be boiled?
The squash should be boiled in salted water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The 3/4 cup of pecans should be coarsely chopped using a blender or food processor on low speed.
What spices are used to flavor the squash?
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) is blended into the squash mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian and contains only plant-based and dairy-free ingredients.
What type of sweeteners are used in the bake?
The recipe uses both granulated sugar and maple syrup.
How is the topping of the casserole made?
The topping is made by sprinkling chopped pecans over the squash and drizzling them with maple syrup.
What is the final cooking step?
The final step is to place the casserole under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until glazed and browned.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor or blender is used to chop the pecans and to blend the squash into a smooth consistency.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 100 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 4.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this squash bake provide?
It provides 1.7g of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content?
The recipe contains 1g of protein per serving.
How much sugar is in the Maple Pecan Butternut Squash Bake?
There are 6.7g of sugar per serving.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 1-quart flame-proof casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How far should the oven rack be from the broiler?
The oven rack should be set about 6 inches from the heating element.
What should the texture of the squash mixture be before baking?
The squash should be blended until it is smooth and creamy.
Is this recipe appropriate for holiday meals?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday side dish and is perfect for family gatherings.
Can this be served as a dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dessert due to its sweetness from maple syrup and cinnamon.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, the instructions specify peeling, seeding, and chopping the squash before boiling.
Should I process the pecans into a fine powder?
No, you should pulse them on low speed to ensure they are coarsely chopped, not powdered.
How do I know the squash is ready for blending?
The squash is ready when it is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What effect does the maple syrup have when broiled?
The maple syrup caramelizes under the broiler, creating a beautiful glazed topping.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for fall recipes.
How difficult is this recipe to prepare?
The recipe is described as easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
What kind of cinnamon should I use?
The recipe calls for ground cinnamon.
What kind of sugar is used?
Granulated sugar is used for the squash mixture.
How much maple syrup is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for drizzling.