Imagine your oven filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of caramelized maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg blending seamlessly with the smoky scent of sizzling bacon.

Bacon Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash is more than just a side dish—it’s a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes. The squash’s natural sweetness, paired with a rich bacon-pecan glaze, creates a flavor combination that’s sure to impress at any fall gathering.

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a showstopper that embodies the cozy, comforting essence of the season. Perfect for a Thanksgiving centerpiece or a way to celebrate the flavors of squash season, it’s bound to have your guests coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: The natural sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the smoky, crispy bacon and the richness of maple pecans.
Elegant Presentation: The Hasselback style creates a visually stunning dish that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Easy to Prepare: With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is as approachable as it is delicious.
Versatile: Ideal for your Thanksgiving menu, a holiday table, or even as a fancy weeknight dinner side.

The Story and Culture Behind the Dish

Hasselback-style dishes trace their roots back to Sweden, where the technique was originally used for potatoes. Over time, creative cooks began applying this slicing method to everything from sweet potatoes to squash, adding not only visual appeal but also an opportunity to layer flavors in the grooves.

Butternut squash is a quintessential fall vegetable, celebrated for its natural sweetness and creamy texture. Pairing it with bacon and maple syrup reflects the rich culinary traditions of the American South, where sweet-and-savory combinations reign supreme. This dish is a love letter to fall flavors, embodying the warmth and nostalgia of the season.

Equipment List

Cutting board: For stability while prepping the squash.
Chef knife: Essential for making thin, precise Hasselback cuts.
Large spoon: To scoop out the seeds.
Vegetable peeler: For removing the skin from the squash.
Chopsticks or butter knives: To guide your cuts and prevent slicing all the way through.
Sheet pan or baking tray: Perfect for even roasting.
Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the glaze.
Basting brush: Helps evenly distribute the glaze into the grooves.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

Butternut Squash: Choose squash halves of similar size for even cooking. Its natural sweetness shines in this recipe.
Olive Oil: Ensures the squash roasts evenly and develops a golden exterior.
Bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch, making every bite irresistible.
Maple Syrup: Brings a touch of caramelized sweetness that complements the squash perfectly.
Pecans: Provide a nutty crunch that adds texture and depth.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Infuse warmth and a subtle spiciness into the dish.

How to Make Bacon Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the squash: Cut the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and peel the skin. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking tray. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

Removing the seeds with a spoon from a butternut squash.

Initial roast: Roast the squash for 15–20 minutes, just until soft enough to slice.
Cool and slice: Once slightly cooled, position chopsticks or butter knives on either side of the squash and make thin cuts about ⅛ inch apart across the width.

One butternut squash half with one chopstick on each side.

A knife cutting small slices all the way down to to the chopsticks, leaving the butternut squash intact and making the hasselback.

Season and roast again: Sprinkle the sliced squash with cinnamon and nutmeg. Roast for another 20 minutes.

Four cut hasselback butternut squash halves sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Make the glaze: Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. In a saucepan, combine the grease, butter, maple syrup, and pecans. Simmer for 1 minute, then stir in half of the bacon.

Glaze the squash: Drizzle the roasted squash with half of the glaze. Roast for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until fork-tender and golden.

Drizzling the butternut squash halves with the maple bacon mixture.

Serve: Transfer the squash to a large platter. Brush with the remaining glaze and sprinkle the rest of the bacon on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Chef Secrets & Tips

Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor profile.
For perfectly thin slices, take your time with a sharp knife and steady hand.
If your squash halves are uneven, trim the bottoms slightly so they sit flat on the sheet pan.
Drizzle an extra splash of maple syrup over the squash before serving for a touch of glossy sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Spring Greens, Pears, Sugared Walnuts, and Gorgonzola: A fresh, crisp salad that balances the rich and savory flavors of the squash with its sweet and tangy notes.
Easy Honey Mustard Roasted Salmon: The perfect protein to complement the squash, offering a savory yet slightly sweet profile that ties the meal together.
Jiffy Corn Casserole: A classic, comforting side dish that adds a touch of buttery goodness to your holiday spread.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use a different squash?
Yes! Acorn squash or delicata squash would work well, though cooking times may vary.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can roast the squash and prepare the glaze a day in advance. Reheat and assemble before serving.

Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable oil instead of bacon grease for the glaze.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the texture of the squash may become mushy upon thawing.

With its sweet and savory flavor profile, stunning presentation, and rich Southern-inspired roots, this Bacon Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash is destined to become your go-to holiday side dish. Happy cooking!

Complete Your Holiday Feast!

Mains

Ultimate Turkey Brine: Transform your Thanksgiving turkey with this flavorful brine. It infuses your bird with juicy tenderness and bold flavor, ensuring every bite is unforgettable.
Herb-Butter Rubbed Turkey: Take your turkey to the next level with a rich herb-butter rub. This recipe delivers a golden, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.

Sides

Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole: A classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s fluffy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for balancing savory Thanksgiving flavors.
Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made just like grandma used to. They’re a comforting staple for any holiday spread.
Sweet Potato and Apple Bake: A sweet and tangy side that combines tender sweet potatoes and apples with a hint of cinnamon. A holiday favorite that pairs beautifully with turkey.
Sautéed Garlic Butter Green Beans: Vibrant green beans sautéed in garlic butter, offering a fresh, flavorful contrast to heavier dishes.
Crispy Duck Fat Oven Roasted Potatoes: These golden, crispy potatoes are rich in flavor and texture, thanks to the indulgent addition of duck fat.
Homemade Southern Creamed Corn: A rich, velvety dish bursting with fresh corn flavor, making it an irresistible holiday side.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon: Smoky bacon and tender cabbage come together in this flavorful Southern classic.
Southern-Style Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens with smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey wings, seasoned to perfection, add a hearty, savory touch to any holiday menu.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy, indulgent side that’s guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Creamed Spinach: Lush and creamy, this dish is a fantastic way to add a rich, earthy green to your holiday table.
Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy: The perfect finishing touch for your turkey and mashed potatoes. This rich, velvety gravy is packed with savory flavor and holiday nostalgia.

Salads

Creamy Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon: A refreshing, crunchy salad with a creamy dressing and crispy bacon bits, providing a fresh counterpoint to hearty Thanksgiving dishes.
Apple-Snickers Salad: A fun, sweet twist on salad with crisp apples, whipped topping, and chunks of Snickers—a dessert in disguise.
Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: A tangy, creamy pasta salad with the zesty kick of dill pickles, adding a unique flair to your holiday sides.

Desserts

Easy Pumpkin Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Soft, spiced pumpkin bars topped with luscious maple cream cheese frosting—ideal for pumpkin lovers.
Pineapple Upsidedown Sheet Cake: A retro favorite with caramelized pineapple and cherries baked into a tender cake. A beautiful and delicious holiday dessert.
French Silk Chocolate Pie: A decadent, silky chocolate pie with a flaky crust and whipped cream topping—perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.
Buttermilk Pie: A Southern tradition, this creamy, custard-like pie has a subtle tang from buttermilk and a sweet, flaky crust.
Pecan Pie: The ultimate holiday classic, with a gooey, nutty filling and a buttery crust that’s synonymous with Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Dump Cake: An effortless dessert that layers spiced pumpkin with a buttery cake topping for a warm, comforting treat.
Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Moist, spiced carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, a holiday favorite for any occasion.
Texas Sheet Cake: A rich, chocolatey sheet cake with a fudge-like frosting, perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays.

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Bacon Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash

Indulge in fall flavors with Roasted Bacon Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash. A perfect side dish for your holiday table with crispy bacon and maple pecan glaze.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: holiday side dishes, thanksgiving side dishes

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 10

Servings:

Calories: 272kcal

Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

Ingredients

2 butternut squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Black Pepper

Bacon-Maple Pecan Glaze:

½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
8 slices thick cut bacon chopped
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the squash:

Cut each butternut squash lengthwise down the center. Scoop out the seeds and peel the outer skin. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet, and coat them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Roast until tender:

Roast the squash for 15–20 minutes, just until soft enough to cut into thin slices.
Cool and slice: Allow the squash to cool slightly for easier handling. Place one squash half on the baking sheet and position chopsticks or butter knives alongside it to prevent slicing all the way through. Make thin slices about ⅛ inch apart across the width of the squash. Repeat with the other squash halves.

Season and roast again:

Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Return to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes.

Prepare the glaze:

While the squash roasts, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. In a saucepan, combine the reserved bacon grease, butter, maple syrup, and pecans over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and set aside to cool.

Glaze the squash:

Remove the squash from the oven and drizzle with half of the prepared bacon-pecan glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 20–30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden.

Serve:

Carefully transfer the squash to a serving platter using spatulas. Drizzle with the remaining glaze and sprinkle with the reserved crumbled bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

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