Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage Brown Butter & Pecans

Looking for healthy squash recipes? This roasted acorn squash with sage brown butter & pecans is a taste of autumn you'll adore! A simple yet elegant recipe. Try it now!

May 21, 2025
By Sandra.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Alright, let's talk acorn squash recipes ! you know, sometimes you just crave that cozy, fall feeling, right? what better way to achieve it than with some seriously delicious acorn squash ? i am going to share a dish that is simple yet sophisticated: autumn's embrace: roasted acorn squash with sage brown butter & pecans.

Autumn's Embrace: Your New Favorite Acorn Squash Recipes

This is so much more than just a squash recipe. honestly, it's a flavor explosion. we're talking sweet roasted acorn squash , nutty brown butter with fragrant sage, and a satisfying pecan crunch.

I like to think of this as autumn on a plate!

A Classic with a Twist

Acorn squash recipes healthy options are not always the most flavorful. this dish balances flavour and goodness perfectly. this recipe builds on those classic flavour combinations you know and love.

Think about it: native americans have been cooking squash for centuries! our recipe builds on that history by giving this humble squash a modern upgrade.

It is pretty easy too, you need about 20 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven. it makes enough for four servings, perfect for a small family dinner or a sophisticated side dish.

Why This Acorn Squash Recipe Rocks

What makes this recipe special? first, it's packed with nutrients. healthy squash recipes are a great source of vitamins and fiber.

Squash is very rich in vitamin a, vitamin c and antioxidants. secondly, the recipe with rosemary (or sage!) is incredibly versatile.

Serve it at thanksgiving, christmas, or just a regular weeknight when you need a little comfort food. honestly, the savory acorn squash is elevated to a whole other level with that brown butter!

Roasted acorn squash , especially when paired with brown butter, gives it that "wow" factor. and that touch of toasted pecans? oh my gosh, it adds the perfect crunch.

Acorn squash recipes don't get much better than this.

Okay, here's a blog post section, focusing on ingredients and equipment, designed to feel personal, conversational, and adsense-friendly. i've tried to weave in the target naturally, imagining i'm chatting with a friend.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage Brown Butter & Pecans Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 medium acorn squash (approximately 1.5 lbs / 680g each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1g)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (113g)
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped (approximately 15g)
• 1/4 cup pecan halves (30g)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the acorn squash, scoop out the seeds, and brush the cut surfaces with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (if using). Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• While the squash roasts, toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter begins to foam and then turns a nutty brown color with brown specks at the bottom of the pan (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the chopped sage. The residual heat will release the sage's aroma.
• Stir in the maple syrup, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Once the squash is cooked, flip the halves over and drizzle generously with the sage brown butter. Sprinkle with the toasted pecans.
• Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:280

Fat:18g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real!

Okay, so you're thinking about making some acorn squash recipes . that's awesome! honestly, it's one of my favorite fall things.

This recipe for savory acorn squash with sage brown butter and pecans? total game changer.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here's what you'll need. I'm giving you both US and metric because, you know, sometimes you just gotta use what you have.

• Acorn Squash: 2 medium squash (around 1.5 lbs/680g each). Look for ones that feel heavy for their size. No bruises allowed!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Nothing fancy here, just good quality olive oil.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . It makes a difference, trust me.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) , freshly ground.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) . Get the good stuff! It really shines in the brown butter.
• Fresh Sage: 1/4 cup (15g) , roughly chopped. Fresh is key.
• Pecan Halves: 1/4 cup (30g) . Toasted? Even better!
• Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Grade A is my go-to.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g)
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional, for a little kick)

You are looking for healthy squash recipes , so this should be a good guide.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters

Sage and brown butter? it's like a hug in a pan. the maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

Rosemary garlic could also work if you love recipe with rosemary or rosemary garlic flavoring. i found that the brown butter needs your full attention, or it will burn.

Burnt butter smells terrible!

• Essential Spice Combinations: Sage + nutty brown butter = fall perfection.
• Flavor Enhancers & Aromatics: A little maple syrup balances the savory. Red pepper flakes add a nice zing.
• Quick Substitution Options: No sage? Try thyme or acorn squash recipes healthy with rosemary.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a ton of fancy stuff.

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the squash.
• Parchment Paper: (Optional) Makes cleanup easier.
• Large Skillet: Stainless steel is best for watching the butter brown.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the squash. Be careful.
• Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: To scoop out those seeds.

Honestly, you probably have everything already. If you are looking for Squash Recipe or Roasted Acorn Squash , then it should be easy to make with simple tools!

Okay, let's do this! i'm picturing crisp fall leaves, a cozy kitchen, and the aroma of roasted acorn squash filling the air.

Honestly, is there anything better? this autumn's embrace: roasted acorn squash with sage brown butter & pecans will become your family's favourite side dish in the cooler months, even your nan's!

Autumn's Embrace: Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage Brown Butter & Pecans

This recipe transforms humble acorn squash into an elegant side. sweet squash meets nutty brown butter, fragrant sage, and crunchy pecans.

It's a true taste of autumn, perfect for thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place ! get everything chopped, measured, and ready. it'll save you a ton of time and stress later.

Oh my gosh, no one wants burnt butter because they were still chopping sage! you'll need two medium acorn squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, butter, sage, pecans, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended!).

For extra brownie points, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. cleanup is a breeze. safety-wise, be careful when slicing the squash.

They can be tricky!

Step-by-Step to Squash Perfection

Okay, here's the easy part:

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Halve the acorn squash . Scoop out those seeds. (Save 'em to roast later! They're yummy.) Brush cut sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35- 40 minutes , until tender. You should be able to pierce it with a fork easily.
4. While squash roasts, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. About 5- 7 minutes , until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them closely! They burn easily.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling, until it turns a nutty brown color with brown specks. That's the good stuff! This should take about 5- 7 minutes .
6. Remove from heat and stir in sage. The heat will release the aroma.
7. Stir in maple syrup, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Flip cooked squash over. Drizzle with sage brown butter . Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

• Brown Butter Blues? Keep a close eye on it! The colour change is subtle. If it smokes, remove it from the heat immediately . Burnt butter is a sad waste of good butter.
• Score Big: Score the cut surface of the squash in a crisscross pattern. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can roast the squash a day ahead. Just reheat it before adding the brown butter and pecans. This is great if you want acorn squash recipes healthy and quick for weekday meals or healthy squash recipes for your meal prep!
• There are also countless variations, such as butternut squash or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the squash before roasting for a warmer flavour. Don't be afraid to change the nuts, add rosemary garlic , or even create your own acorn squash recipes

Savory acorn squash is a fantastic side dish. looking for acorn squash recipes ? this is a squash recipe that's sure to impress.

Rosemary can be used in place of sage. or maybe you would like to change the recipe with rosemary .

Honestly, this roasted acorn squash with sage brown butter and pecans is a game-changer. it elevates humble acorn squash recipes healthy into something truly special.

I think what makes it fun is, that one time when i hosted thanksgiving for the first time, i totally burnt the butter! the whole house smelled like burnt nuts.

But hey, we all learn from our mistakes, right? now, i never take my eyes off that skillet. give this healthy squash recipe a try.

You won't regret it!

Alright, let's dish about this amazing autumn's embrace: roasted acorn squash with sage brown butter & pecans recipe. honestly, this isn't just another side dish; it’s a total flavor bomb.

You know how sometimes you just crave something that screams fall? this is it! let's dive into some essential recipe notes that will take your acorn squash recipes game to the next level.

Recipe Notes

I had a little kitchen mishap once where I totally scorched the butter. Trust me, you don't want that. These notes will help you avoid similar disasters!

Serving Suggestions That Will Wow

Think presentation! plating matters, right? arrange the roasted acorn squash halves artfully on a platter. garnish with extra toasted pecans and a sprig of fresh sage.

For a complete meal, serve alongside roast chicken or pork tenderloin. it also goes great with a vibrant fall salad.

Think cranberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. wash it all down with a glass of pinot noir. classy, eh?

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? lucky you! refrigerate any remaining acorn squash recipes healthy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until warmed through. you could also gently warm them in a skillet.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the texture can change, but you could freeze the puree for later use.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to switch things up? sub butternut squash for a similar flavor and texture. i've tried it, and it's delish.

For a vegan twist, use vegan butter and maple syrup. for a cozy recipe with rosemary , add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before roasting the squash.

Instead of pecans, try walnuts or pumpkin seeds. you can use thyme or rosemary instead of sage.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Each serving of this healthy squash recipes masterpiece clocks in around 280 calories. you also get 3g of protein, 18g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 5g of fiber.

Not bad, huh? acorn squash recipes healthy like this one is a good source of vitamins and minerals, plus healthy fats from the pecans.

This squash recipe also provide sustained energy and keeps you feeling full. that's right savory acorn squash is good for your well being.

So, there you have it! with these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to creating a memorable acorn squash dish.

This squash recipe healthy is a game changer, give it a try!. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Now go forth and conquer!