Description
A cozy and flavorful autumn side dish featuring tender roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts glazed with a sweet and warm maple-cinnamon seasoning. Perfect for fall dinners or holiday meals, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables with a delightful spice twist.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Seasoning & Glaze
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the vegetables to a perfect caramelization.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and cube the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch chunks. Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise for even cooking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a sweet, spiced glaze.
- Toss Vegetables: Add the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the maple-cinnamon glaze.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they have space so they roast properly rather than steam.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring or flipping the vegetables halfway through to achieve even browning and tenderness.
- Check for Doneness: The vegetables are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have a caramelized, golden-brown exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh maple syrup for the best flavor impact; avoid maple-flavored syrups with additives.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- You can add other fall vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to customize the dish.
- For a vegan option, ensure your maple syrup and oil are plant-based (which they naturally are).
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispness.
