If you’re looking to impress with something that’s both decadent and comforting, this Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe will quickly become your go-to. The natural sweetness of the roasted butternut squash pairs perfectly with the creamy, melty brie, while the toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. Drizzling it all with a spicy-sweet hot honey elevates the flavors to new heights, creating a dish that feels just as perfect for a cozy weeknight as it does for holiday celebrations. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role: the squash provides sweetness and body, the brie contributes creaminess, the pecans bring crunch, and the hot honey adds a delightful spicy-sweet kick.
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish, its natural sugars caramelize beautifully when roasted.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the squash roast evenly and develop that irresistible golden color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that plays well with the sweet and savory notes.
- 4 oz (115 g) brie cheese, sliced or torn: Melts to create a luscious, creamy texture that complements the squash perfectly.
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans: Provides crunch and a nutty flavor that adds depth.
- 2–3 tbsp hot honey (honey warmed with chili flakes): Offers a spicy-sweet drizzle that lights up the dish.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fragrant herbal note.
How to Make Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures even roasting and easy cleanup, setting the stage for perfectly caramelized squash.
Step 2: Prepare the Squash
In a bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every cube is coated nicely, which will help them crisp up and develop that mouthwatering caramelized exterior as they roast.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden
Spread the squash in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet so they roast evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and smell irresistibly sweet.
Step 4: Add the Brie and Pecans
Once the squash is perfectly roasted, pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Immediately top with slices or torn pieces of brie and sprinkle toasted pecans on top. This combination will soon meld together in delicious harmony.
Step 5: Melt the Brie
Return the tray to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the brie melts and starts to bubble. This step is magical because the cheese creates a creamy blanket over the warm, caramelized squash and nuts.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey and Garnish
Take the dish out again and drizzle generously with your homemade or store-bought hot honey. Finish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a beautiful and fragrant touch.
Step 7: Serve Warm
This dish is best enjoyed warm as a comforting side, an elegant appetizer, or even a vegetarian main course that’s packed with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are your best friend here. A few sprigs of thyme or rosemary lend a fresh aroma that brings out the complexity of the flavors. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can also brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork loin for a holiday feast. For a plant-based spread, serve alongside quinoa salad or a simple grain bowl to add creaminess and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving this dish in individual ramekins with a final drizzle of hot honey at the table. You can also layer it on toasted baguette slices for a fancy canapé that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, but the brie’s creamy texture might firm up, which is still delicious when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because the brie’s texture changes once thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh, but you can freeze the roasted butternut squash part separately for up to 1 month and add the cheese just before serving next time.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the brie softens again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the cheese oily and the squash mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie gives a creamy, mild flavor that’s perfect here, you can swap for camembert or even a mild goat cheese depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the meltiness and flavor intensity.
How do I make the hot honey at home?
Simply warm honey gently with chili flakes (adjust based on your heat tolerance) for about 5 minutes. Let it infuse, then strain if desired. It’s a quick way to add a spicy-sweet kick to many dishes.
Can I prepare the squash ahead of time?
You can peel and cube the squash a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Roasting is best done fresh to ensure the best caramelization and flavor.
Are toasted pecans necessary?
Toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and nuttiness that balances the softness of the squash and cheese, but if you’re allergic or prefer, walnuts or pistachios make great alternatives.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Not as written, because of the brie cheese and honey. That said, swapping brie for a plant-based cheese and using a maple syrup and chili drizzle instead of hot honey can make it vegan-friendly while keeping the spirit of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe is like inviting a little luxury into your everyday meals. It’s simple, yet so rich and satisfying—perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Trust me, once it touches your taste buds, you’ll find any occasion a great reason to make it again.
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 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and melty flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides, this recipe features tender roasted butternut squash caramelized to perfection, topped with creamy brie cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey. Garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary, it’s an elegant yet easy dish to impress your guests or elevate your weekday meals.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
- 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 make cleanup easy.
- Toss Squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast Squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Toss the squash cubes halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization and roasting, until they turn golden brown and are tender.
- Add Brie and Pecans: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly distribute the brie slices or torn pieces over the roasted squash. Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top.
- Melt Brie: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes until the brie melts and begins to bubble gently.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Remove from the oven again, then drizzle generously with hot honey made by warming honey with chili flakes. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the caramelized butternut squash warm as a delicious side dish, appetizer, or a vegetarian main course.
Notes
- To make hot honey, gently warm honey with chili flakes and let it sit to infuse before drizzling.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- If brie rind is too strong for your taste, you can remove it before adding to the squash.
- This dish can be prepared ahead: roast squash and pecans in advance, then assemble and melt brie just before serving.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
