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Spiced Cranberry-Pecan Butternut Bake is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of autumn in a single, comforting recipe. The combination of sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a perfect harmony that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also offers a medley of flavors that will elevate any meal.

Spiced Cranberry-Pecan Butternut Bake

Discover the comforting warmth of autumn with this Spiced Cranberry-Pecan Butternut Bake. This easy weeknight dinner features sweet butternut squash, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all baked to perfection. It's not just a side dish; its a celebration of seasonal flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Try it tonight and let the rich aroma fill your kitchen. Save this recipe for a delightful fall feast!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 lbs), peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Salt and black pepper to taste

A handful of fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bake cooks evenly.

    Prepare the Butternut Squash: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash. Pour in the melted butter and maple syrup, then sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the ingredients together until each piece of squash is thoroughly coated in the spiced mixture.

      Incorporate Cranberries and Pecans: Gently fold the rinsed cranberries and roughly chopped pecans into the butternut squash mixture. Be careful not to crush the cranberries; you want them to retain their shape for texture.

        Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the flavorful mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring it is spread out evenly. This helps with consistent cooking.

          Bake in the Oven: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and edges are slightly caramelized.

            Garnish and Serve: Once fully baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with finely chopped parsley or thyme before serving. Enjoy this warm as a delightful complement to your meal.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr | Serves 6-8