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For a delightful festive pumpkin side dish, look no further than this roasted Kabocha squash with cranberries and pecans. This one-pan baked dish captures the essence of autumn and is incredibly easy to prepare. It can also be made with butternut squash and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a regular roast dinner, this squash recipe is a gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly option.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to share one of my favorite holiday season side dishes. This paleo-friendly roasted Kabocha squash pumpkin side dish is sure to please a crowd and can be served at festive gatherings or as a hearty accompaniment to your next dinner.
How To Make Roasted Kabocha Recipe
For the complete list of ingredients, detailed instructions, notes, and nutritional information for this Kabocha squash side dish, refer to the recipe card below. Here are some step-by-step photos to help you through the process.
Pick The Right Winter Squash
To make this dish shine, it’s essential to choose the right type of pumpkin or winter squash. You can learn more about different varieties of pumpkin and winter squashes here.
For this recipe, opt for a sweeter pumpkin variety like Kabocha, Kent, or Japanese. Butternut squash is also a suitable alternative, although it may have a less starchy texture and milder flavor.
Step 1. Begin by preheating the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Peel, quarter, and deseed the squash. Cut it into cubes and place them in a large roasting tray or baking dish.
Step 2. Add the onion, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 10 minutes. While it’s roasting, chop most of the pecans and prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3. After 10 minutes, add the remaining ingredients like pecans, cranberries, garlic, salt, and spices. Roast for another 7-10 minutes, then add the remaining pecans and drizzle with the glaze mix. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
Make-ahead: This dish works well as a make-ahead option for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Simply roast it in advance and reheat before serving.
More Healthy Side Dishes
Full Recipe
Find the complete list of ingredients, instructions, and nutrition details below. If you have any questions or try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment, and don’t forget to rate this recipe for others to enjoy.