Prepare to transform your ordinary pumpkin into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! This Sweet Savory Roast Pumpkin recipe is not just another side dish—it's a flavor explosion that bridges the gap between comfort food and gourmet cuisine. Imagine golden, caramelized pumpkin cubes that are crispy on the outside, meltingly tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that will make this dish the star of your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Carefully wash the pumpkin and use a sharp knife to remove the outer skin. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, then cube the flesh into roughly 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-integrated glaze.
- Add the cubed pumpkin to the bowl and gently toss, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sweet and savory mixture. This will help develop deep, caramelized flavors during roasting.
- Spread the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even roasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, turning the pumpkin pieces halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning and caramelization.
- The pumpkin is done when the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the interior is tender when pierced with a fork. The sugars will have created a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon.
Tips
- • Choose a fresh, firm pumpkin with smooth, unblemished skin for the best results. • Cut pumpkin cubes as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking and consistent texture. • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give each pumpkin piece breathing room to achieve that perfect caramelization. • Use a high-quality olive oil and fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor impact. • For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg to the seasoning mix. • If the pumpkin edges are browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning. • This roasted pumpkin is incredibly versatile—serve as a side dish, mix into salads, or use as a topping for grain bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 74kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
