Description
Roasted brussels sprouts and cinnamon butternut squash combines autumn’s richest flavors in one elegant side dish. Pecans and cranberries create delightful contrast, promising a memorable companion for holiday meals you will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb (680 g) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch cubes (approximately 4 cups)
- 3 cups brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, yellow leaves removed
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 5 tbsps olive oil
- 3–4 tbsps maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven racks and preheat to 400°F (200°C), ensuring even heat distribution for roasting vegetables and toasting pecans.
- Brussels Sprouts Transformation: Meticulously clean and halve Brussels sprouts, eliminating discolored leaves and tough stem ends, then generously coat with olive oil and salt for optimal caramelization.
- Butternut Squash Glazing: Cube butternut squash uniformly, enveloping pieces with olive oil, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon to create a luscious, aromatic coating.
- Roasting Choreography: Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down and squash cubes on separate foil-lined baking sheets, providing ample spacing to facilitate even browning and prevent steaming.
- Pecan Toasting: Simultaneously spread pecans on a parchment-lined sheet, roasting at 350°F (175°C) until fragrant and golden, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Culinary Fusion: After removing vegetables and pecans from the oven, gently combine roasted Brussels sprouts, cinnamon-kissed squash, toasted pecans, and vibrant cranberries in a large serving bowl.
- Final Flourish: Optionally drizzle additional maple syrup, delicately tossing to harmonize flavors and enhance the dish’s natural sweetness before serving immediately.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Uniform cutting ensures even roasting and prevents burnt or undercooked spots, so take time to slice Brussels sprouts and dice squash with precision.
- Caramelization Magic: Positioning Brussels sprouts cut-side down creates a golden-brown surface that develops deep, nutty flavors during roasting.
- Pecan Perfection: Watch nuts closely while toasting – they can quickly burn, transforming from perfectly golden to bitter and charred in seconds.
- Flavor Layering: Adding maple syrup creates a delightful sweet-savory balance that elevates the roasted vegetables, complementing their natural earthy tones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg