This Maple Walnut Roasted Vegetables recipe is one of my favorite fall-inspired sides. It brings together the earthy depth of Brussels sprouts, the sweetness of butternut squash, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tart cranberries—all tied together with a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish combines textures and flavors in the best way possible—crispy roasted veggies, buttery walnuts, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup make it comforting yet refined. It’s a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or when I want to add a warm, seasonal touch to my meal. Plus, it’s vegetarian and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Brussels sprouts
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Butternut squash
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Walnuts
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Maple syrup
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Dried cranberries
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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I trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then peel and cube the butternut squash.
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I toss both veggies in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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I spread everything out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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I roast for 25 to 30 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through, until they’re golden and caramelized.
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While the vegetables roast, I toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant.
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Once the vegetables are out of the oven, I combine them with the toasted walnuts, cranberries, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
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I serve it warm—it’s so satisfying right out of the oven.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people as a side dish. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it ready in just about 45 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add sweet potatoes or carrots if I want a more hearty mix.
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For a savory twist, I sprinkle a bit of rosemary or thyme before roasting.
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I’ve also swapped cranberries with chopped dried apricots or golden raisins for a different type of sweetness.
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If I want a richer flavor, I use pecans instead of walnuts.
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A splash of balsamic vinegar after roasting gives it a tangy depth I really enjoy.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. I avoid the microwave if I want to keep the veggies crisp.
FAQs
How do I keep the Brussels sprouts from getting soggy?
I make sure to dry them well after washing and spread them out evenly on the baking sheet—crowding traps steam and causes sogginess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often roast the vegetables a day in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving. I wait to add the maple syrup, walnuts, and cranberries until just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
I prefer fresh for the best texture, but in a pinch, I use frozen Brussels sprouts and squash. I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting.
What can I serve this with?
I usually pair this dish with roasted chicken, turkey, or even a quinoa pilaf. It complements any main that needs a warm, sweet-savory side.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes, I simply leave out the walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a similar crunch without the allergens.
Conclusion
This Maple Walnut Roasted Vegetables recipe is one I turn to when I want something cozy, healthy, and bursting with seasonal flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holiday tables. I love how it brings warmth and color to the plate—and it never fails to impress.
Print
Maple Walnut Roasted Vegetables
A cozy, fall-inspired side dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, tossed with toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-savory balance.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, peel and cube the butternut squash.
- Toss vegetables in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden.
- Remove roasted vegetables from the oven and combine with toasted walnuts, cranberries, and maple syrup.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Add sweet potatoes or carrots for more variety.
- Enhance flavor with rosemary or thyme before roasting.
- Swap cranberries for dried apricots or golden raisins.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a richer flavor.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar after roasting for a tangy finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or skillet for best texture.
- For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg