The Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe is a dazzling combination of flavors and textures that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every bite. Tender, caramelized butternut squash melds beautifully with creamy brie, while crunchy toasted pecans add a nutty depth. The final touch of hot honey brings a subtle kick and an irresistible glaze that makes this dish a show-stopper at weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. This recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the flavors and textures of this dish. From the sweetness of the butternut squash to the spicy warmth of hot honey, every element shines bright.
- Butternut squash: The star of the show, peeled and cubed, it caramelizes to a tender, sweet perfection.
- Olive oil: Helps the squash roast evenly and brings a lovely richness to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Brie cheese: Its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture contrasts beautifully with the squash and pecans.
- Toasted pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and a deep, nutty flavor.
- Hot honey: Honey warmed with chili flakes offers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add a fresh, earthy note as a garnish.
How to Make Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the squash roasts evenly and doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Toss the squash cubes
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every piece is coated in oil and seasoning. This step is key to achieving perfectly caramelized, flavorful cubes.
Step 3: Roast the butternut squash
Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, making sure to toss halfway through. This ensures the squash caramelizes evenly and develops a beautiful golden color.
Step 4: Add brie and toasted pecans
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly distribute slices or torn pieces of brie over the warm squash. Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top to add that perfect crunch right before melting the cheese.
Step 5: Melt the brie
Return the baking sheet to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely as the brie melts into luscious pools of creamy goodness that partner perfectly with both the squash and pecans.
Step 6: Drizzle with hot honey and garnish
Once out of the oven, drizzle the entire dish generously with hot honey, letting the sweet heat drizzle down every morsel. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary to add an aromatic, herbaceous finish to elevate every bite.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
This dish can be enjoyed warm as a stunning side, a flavorful appetizer, or even a comforting vegetarian main. Its vibrant flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh thyme or rosemary is classic, consider sprinkling some flaky sea salt on top to amplify the flavors or a light drizzle of extra hot honey for those who adore more heat. These small finishing touches add personality and pops of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork for a hearty meal, or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter feast. The richness of the brie and sweetness of the squash complement a wide range of proteins and fresh vegetables effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe in a rustic casserole dish for a cozy family gathering or elegantly plated with a sprig of herb and a drizzle of honey on a white plate for entertaining guests. You could even stuff the mixture into puff pastry squares for a delicious appetizer to impress at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the honey separate if possible to avoid sogginess, and add it fresh when reheating.
Freezing
While the texture of butternut squash holds up well to freezing, brie tends to change when thawed. For best results, freeze the roasted squash and pecans alone, then add the cheese and hot honey when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey and a few extra pecans after reheating to restore the dish’s signature bright flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is wonderfully creamy and melts beautifully, you could swap it for camembert or even a mild mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The hot honey offers a mild to medium heat depending on how much chili flakes you use. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes when warming your honey.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the brie with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and use maple syrup infused with chili flakes instead of hot honey. You’ll still get a lovely balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All of the ingredients used in the Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to peel and cube butternut squash?
Start by slicing off both ends, then use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then cube it into roughly 1-inch pieces for even roasting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels both comforting and a little bit special, this Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe is your new go-to. The combination of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements makes it unforgettable and perfect for any season. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite side or vegetarian main!
Print
Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey is a delightful sweet and savory dish featuring tender roasted butternut squash cubes, melted creamy brie, crunchy toasted pecans, and a spicy-sweet drizzle of hot honey. This recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as an elegant holiday side that combines melty cheese with flavorful autumn ingredients.
Ingredients
Squash and Seasoning
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 4 oz (115 g) brie cheese, sliced or torn
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans
- 2–3 tbsp hot honey (honey warmed with chili flakes)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even roasting.
- Prepare Squash: Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure caramelization.
- Roast Squash: Roast the squash for 25 to 30 minutes in the oven, tossing halfway through to allow even browning and caramelization of the edges.
- Add Brie and Pecans: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly top the caramelized squash with slices or torn pieces of brie cheese and toasted pecans, distributing them for flavor in every bite.
- Melt Brie: Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the brie melts completely and begins to bubble, adding a creamy texture.
- Drizzle Hot Honey and Garnish: Take the dish out of the oven, drizzle generously with the hot honey (prepared by warming honey with chili flakes), and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm as a flavorful side, appetizer, or vegetarian main course, perfect for autumn-inspired meals or holiday gatherings.
Notes
- For the hot honey, gently warm honey with chili flakes in a small saucepan or microwave for about 30 seconds to infuse spice.
- Be careful when melting the brie; keep an eye on the oven so the cheese doesn’t overcook or brown too much.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a vegetarian option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add fresh honey drizzle before serving again.
