Roasted Honeynut Squash with Maple Miso Butter Recipe
This Roasted Honeynut Squash with Maple Miso Butter recipe features tender, caramelized squash halves roasted to perfection and topped with a flavorful maple miso butter blend. The combination of sweet maple syrup, savory miso, and nutty toasted sesame oil creates a rich and umami-packed complement to the naturally sweet honeynut squash. Finished with a sprinkle of crunchy furikake seasoning and flaky sea salt, this dish is a deliciously unique side perfect for fall or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-inspired)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Squash
- 4 honeynut squash, halved, seeds and stems removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Maple Miso Butter
- 4 tablespoons butter, very soft
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon dark miso paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
Toppings
- Furikake seasoning, for sprinkling
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully halve the honeynut squashes and remove all seeds and stems using a spoon. Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil to ensure even roasting and prevent sticking.
- Roast the squash: Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
- Make the maple miso butter: While the squash roasts, combine the very soft butter, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, dark miso paste, and ground white pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully integrated.
- Finish the squash: Once the squash is roasted, remove from the oven and immediately dollop or spread the maple miso butter over the cut sides of each half. Allow the butter to melt into the hot squash for a minute or two.
- Season and serve: Sprinkle each squash half generously with furikake seasoning and flaky sea salt to add texture and flavor crunch. Serve warm as a stunning side dish or a unique vegetarian main.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very soft to ensure easy mixing with the other ingredients for the maple miso butter.
- Furikake seasoning is a Japanese rice seasoning typically containing seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish flakes; it's optional but adds a great flavor and texture contrast.
- Dark miso paste can be substituted with red miso but will alter the flavor slightly.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or vegan butter.
- Roasting times may vary depending on squash size; test doneness by piercing with a fork.
