Maple-Bourbon Glazed Winter Squash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted butternut squash glazed with maple syrup and bourbon, finished with toasted pecans for a sweet-savory winter side dish that's perfect for holiday gatherings. This American-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs butternut squash, maple syrup, bourbon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 285 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and brush cut sides with 1 tbsp melted butter. Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast for 35-40 minutes until fork-tender, then flip squash cut-side up. Whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, remaining 1 tbsp butter, and sea salt in a small bowl until combined.
  3. Step 3: Brush glaze evenly over squash flesh, then scatter pecans and thyme leaves over the top. Return to oven for 10-12 minutes until glaze is bubbly and pecans are golden.
  4. Step 4: Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow glaze to set and flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Bourbon Glazed Winter Squash take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Bourbon Glazed Winter Squash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep butternut squash from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Bourbon Glazed Winter Squash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Bourbon Glazed Winter Squash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Maple-Bourbon Glazed Winter Squash?

American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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