Description
A warm, flavorful fall-inspired side dish featuring roasted butternut squash, sweet candied walnuts, and crispy sage. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or autumn lunches.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 5 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup walnut halves
1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the squash roasts, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and water until dissolved.
- Add the walnut halves and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until coated and glossy. Transfer to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
- In the same skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and crisp the chopped sage for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly crispy.
- Transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter, top with candied walnuts and crispy sage, and garnish with flaky sea salt if desired.
Notes
Make it vegan by using vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Add roasted chickpeas or cooked quinoa to make it a full meal.
For a spicier version, increase the cayenne or add chili flakes.
Pecans or hazelnuts can be substituted for walnuts.
If sage isn't available, thyme or rosemary also works well.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
