If you’re looking to elevate a simple squash dish into something truly show-stopping, this Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine sweet, golden cubes of butternut squash roasted to perfection, topped with creamy, melting brie, the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, and finally, that perfect drizzle of spicy, sweet hot honey. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that works beautifully for cozy weeknight dinners or as a dazzling holiday side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. Simple pantry staples paired with fresh toppings come together effortlessly to create magic.
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish, its natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the squash roast evenly and develop a golden crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- 4 oz (115 g) brie cheese, sliced or torn: Adds a rich, creamy texture that melts over the warm squash.
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans: Brings a crunchy element and nutty depth.
- 2–3 tbsp hot honey: Honey warmed with chili flakes; it’s the perfect topping to bring sweet heat.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish: Adds fragrant herbal notes and a pop of color.
How to Make Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure the butternut squash cooks evenly and doesn’t stick as it caramelizes, making cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Toss the Squash
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is coated so each bite will be juicy and flavorful. Then, spread it out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet for even roasting.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden
Roast the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through. You want those cubes to develop a golden brown exterior that’s packed with rich caramelized flavor — this is the heart of the dish’s appeal.
Step 4: Add Brie and Pecans
Once the squash is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and carefully place slices or torn pieces of brie cheese all over the top. Sprinkle toasted pecans evenly to add crunch and nuttiness to every bite.
Step 5: Melt the Brie
Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it — the goal is to gently melt the brie until it’s bubbling and irresistible, creating a creamy blanket over that caramelized squash.
Step 6: Sweet and Spicy Finish
Now the fun part: drizzle the hot honey generously over the warm dish. The combination of sweet honey and chili flakes creates a gorgeous contrast to the richness of the brie and the savory squash.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary leaves on top for a fresh, herbal aroma and beautiful visual appeal. Serve it warm as a side, appetizer, or even a vegetarian main course that will impress everyone at your table.
How to Serve Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary are more than decoration; they add a burst of fragrance and a little brightness that balances the richness of the brie and the sweet heat of the honey perfectly. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving also amps up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted meats or poultry, making it a fantastic holiday side. It also complements a green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which provides contrast in both texture and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this recipe on a rustic wooden board with slices of crusty bread to scoop up the melty brie and caramelized squash. Alternatively, stuff it into a warm pita or serve atop a bed of quinoa for a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal option that still feels indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Because of the brie, freezing this dish isn’t ideal as the cheese texture can change after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider roasting and seasoning the squash first, then adding brie, pecans, and hot honey when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven or skillet to preserve the creamy texture of the brie. Avoid microwaving as the cheese may become grainy and the texture suffers.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy, mild flavor that complements the squash perfectly, creamy goat cheese or camembert are great alternatives that also melt well and bring their own unique taste.
What can I substitute for hot honey if I don’t have chili flakes?
You can make a similar effect by drizzling regular honey and sprinkling a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika over the dish for that sweet-spicy kick.
How do I toast pecans evenly?
Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even toasting without burning.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes! Replace brie with a rich vegan cheese alternative, and swap hot honey for a mix of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper to keep the sweet-spicy element.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The components hold up well refrigerated for a couple of days. Just add the brie and hot honey fresh before serving to keep the textures vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Recipe is pure comfort and elegance wrapped into one dish. It’s a beautiful way to savor seasonal squash with a balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and melty textures that will charm anyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon — it truly feels like a warm hug in every bite.
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
Delicious caramelized butternut squash roasted to golden perfection, topped with melty brie cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and drizzled with spicy hot honey. This dish balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner side or elegant holiday appetizer with a fresh herb garnish.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings & 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 prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Squash: Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Roast Squash: Spread the squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through to promote even caramelization and golden browning.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly distribute the sliced or torn brie cheese and toasted pecans over the roasted squash.
- Melt Brie: Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3–5 minutes, until the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Finish & Garnish: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the warm squash mixture and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary to add an aromatic, fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve this caramelized butternut squash warm as a flavorful side, appetizer, or hearty vegetarian main dish.
Notes
- To make hot honey, gently warm honey with chili flakes to infuse spice before drizzling.
- For an extra crunch, you can toast the pecans yourself in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Substitute rosemary if you prefer a piney herb aroma over thyme.
- This dish can be prepared ahead to the roasting stage and reheated before adding brie and pecans for quick service.
- Brie rind is edible, but remove it if desired for a milder cheese experience.
