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Easy Caramelized Roasted Acorn Squash Rings with Candied Pecans

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These caramelized roasted acorn squash rings are a game-changing fall side dish that cooks evenly and looks stunning. Topped with crunchy candied pecans, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large acorn squash (about 2 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the squash: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut off both ends of the acorn squash. Then, cut the squash crosswise into rings about 1/2-inch thick. Use a metal spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each ring.
  3. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  5. Arrange and brush the rings: Place the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of each ring generously with the butter mixture. Flip each ring and brush the other side. Use all of the mixture.
  6. Roast the squash: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully flip each ring using a spatula. Roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the rings are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are deeply caramelized.
  7. While the squash roasts, make the candied pecans: In a small bowl, toss the pecan halves with the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread them in a single layer on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Add the pecans to the oven: When the squash has about 5 to 7 minutes left, add the pecans to the oven. Watch them carefully. They’re done when they’re bubbling and fragrant, and the coating has caramelized.
  9. Remove everything from the oven: Let the squash rings cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. The pecans will harden as they cool.
  10. Assemble and serve: Transfer the squash rings to a serving platter. Sprinkle the candied pecans over the top, pressing them gently into the sticky surface so they stick. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For uniform cooking, cut rings evenly. Watch pecans closely to prevent burning. For a vegan version, use coconut oil or vegan butter. For a nut-free version, use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, roasted squash, caramelized squash, candied pecans, fall side dish, Thanksgiving, easy recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-caramelized-roasted-acorn-squash-rings-with-candied-pecans/