Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Drizzle

Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Drizzle is a beautiful sweet-and-savoury side dish featuring tender roasted squash, creamy Brie, crunchy toasted pecans, and a warm honey drizzle with a gentle chilli kick. It is simple enough for a cosy dinner but special enough for a festive table.

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Butternut Squash

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash while creating deeply golden, caramelised edges. The warm squash gently softens the Brie, while toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch.

And then there is the hot honey. The combination of honey, chilli flakes, lemon juice, and sea salt adds a sweet, slightly spicy finish that brings all the flavours together.

Ingredients

For the Butternut Squash

• 1 medium butternut squash, about 2 lb (900 g), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Toasted Pecans

• 1/2 cup (55 g) pecans, roughly chopped
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Hot Honey Drizzle

• 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt

For Finishing

• 5 oz (140 g) Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly cracked black pepper

How to Make Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie

1. Prepare the Squash

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the cubed butternut squash on a large parchment-lined baking tray.

2. Season the Squash

Drizzle the squash with olive oil and honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.

3. Roast Until Caramelized

Spread the squash into a single layer, leaving a little space between the pieces. Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway through.

Continue roasting until the squash is tender and the edges are deeply golden and caramelised.

4. Toast the Pecans

While the squash roasts, place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat.

Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, then remove from the heat and set aside.

5. Make the Hot Honey

Combine the honey, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and sea salt in a small saucepan.

Warm gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring until combined. Remove from the heat.

6. Add the Brie

Transfer the hot caramelised squash to a serving platter. Scatter the pieces of Brie over the top.

Allow the Brie to sit for 1–2 minutes so the heat from the roasted squash can gently soften the cheese.

7. Add the Toasted Pecans

Scatter the toasted pecans generously over the warm squash and softened Brie.

8. Drizzle with Hot Honey

Spoon the warm hot honey over the squash, Brie, and pecans, allowing it to coat the different layers.

9. Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh thyme, chopped parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately while the squash is warm, the Brie is soft and creamy, and the pecans are still wonderfully crunchy.

Tips for the Best Roasted Butternut Squash

• Give the squash space: Spread the cubes into a single layer so they can caramelise rather than steam.
• Turn halfway: This helps the squash brown more evenly on multiple sides.
• Watch the pecans: Pecans can toast quickly, so stir them frequently and remove them once fragrant.
• Don’t overheat the Brie: The residual heat from the roasted squash is enough to soften it gently.
• Adjust the chilli: Use more or less red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you want the hot honey.

What to Serve with Caramelized Butternut Squash

This dish works beautifully as a side for a cosy dinner or festive meal. The sweet roasted squash, creamy Brie, crunchy pecans, and hot honey also make it an especially appealing addition to a holiday spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes. The butternut squash can be seasoned with either honey or maple syrup before roasting.

Can I use another cheese instead of Brie?

This recipe is specifically designed around Brie, which becomes soft and creamy when placed over the hot roasted squash.

Can I make the hot honey less spicy?

Yes. Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of heat.

When should I add the Brie?

Add the Brie after transferring the hot roasted squash to the serving platter. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes so the residual heat gently softens it without completely melting it.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes
Servings	4
Calories	Approx. 395 kcal per serving
Protein	Approx. 9g per serving

Final Thoughts

Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Drizzle is an easy way to make roasted vegetables feel extra special. The caramelised squash, creamy Brie, crunchy pecans, and sweet-and-spicy honey create a delicious balance of textures and flavours in every bite.

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