Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes with Pancetta & Pecans

Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes with Pancetta & Pecans

These roasted butternut squash cubes are sweet from being tossed in maple syrup and are paired with crunchy toasted pecans and salty pancetta.

Casserole pan with roasted butternut squash cubes

Are you looking for the right side dish to serve with your Christmas dinner?

This side dish pairs perfectly with honey baked ham, roasted turkey or tenderloin beef. Butternut squash is in season and cooks up quickly making this the perfect vegetable side for your holiday dinner.

Cubes of butternut squash

The addition of salty pancetta, crunchy toasted pecans, sweet maple syrup, savory sage, and the kick from a sprinkle of cayenne pepper makes this the most talked about dish at your holiday table.

Chop up butternut squash or purchase it already cubed. If you’re not a fan of pecans, pick up walnuts. They work just as deliciously. Can’t find pancetta? Substitute bacon in its place.

Butternut squash, pecans and pancetta on a wooden surface

Now true maple syrup adds the right amount of sweetness to the already sweet butternut squash. But don’t overdo it. Also if you like it extra spicy, increase your cayenne pepper.

Be sure to remove the butternut squash from the oven when it is fork tender. Any longer and it will become mushy. As soon as it’s done serve it, even if it’s at room temperature. And do not cover it with tin foil. You don’t want mushy squash.

What flavors pair well with roasted butternut squash cubes

Fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar pair well when roasted with the naturally sweet squash. To add a heightened flavor add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish to.

What is the texture of butternut squash?

Butternut squash has the texture of a roasted sweet potato. It’s soft and tasted nutty and sweet!

Close up of roasted butternut squash cubes with pecans

What holiday dishes go well with roasted butternut squash cubes

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Casserole pan with roasted butternut squash cubes

Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes with Pancetta & Pecans

Ali Randall
These roasted butternut squash cubes are sweet from being tossed in maple syrup and are paired with crunchy toasted pecans and salty pancetta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12 fresh sage leaves, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes being careful to watch them closely so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven to cool. Allow the oven to preheat to 425°F.
  • Fry the pancetta on the stovetop until crispy. Transfer the pancetta to a paper-towel lined plate.
  • In a baking dish toss together the squash, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, melted butter and salt. Bake for 25 minutes or until the squash is fork soft. Mix in the pancetta, chopped sage and pecans.

Notes

Save time: Butternut squash can be purchased already cubed at your grocery store.
Keyword Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes | This easy 30 minute recipe features sweet butternut squash tossed with sweet maple syrup and salty pancetta.

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