Butternut Squash Casserole with Maple Pecans
This cozy Butternut Squash Casserole with Maple Pecans is a vegan and gluten-free twist on a holiday classic. Naturally sweet roasted squash, creamy mashed texture, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans make it one of the best Thanksgiving butternut squash recipes to share at the table. Perfect as a festive side dish, this wholesome casserole is equal parts comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Servings 8 people
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch casserole dish
- Rimmed half-sized baking sheet
- Stainless steel frying pan
Ingredients
For the Squash
- 3 large butternut squashes
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt & fresh pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
For the Maple Pecans
- 240 grams pecans, roughly chopped
- 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Slice the squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Rinse and roughly chop the thyme. Place the squash on a large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Flip the squashes so they are cut-side-down on the baking sheet and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the squash is soft enough to stick a fork through. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- While the squash is roasting, heat a stainless steel pan over low heat. Once the pan is heated, add the maple syrup. Stir in the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt, then cook the syrup down for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, so it reduces slightly.
- Add the pecans to the syrup and stir until the nuts are evenly coated and no syrup remains in the pot. This will take an additional 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the nuts onto a piece of parchment paper and allow to cool completely.
- Scoop the flesh out of the roasted squashes and transfer it to a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, season with salt and pepper, then mash the squash until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning.Reheat in the oven before serving, then sprinkle the maple pecans on top.