Introduction
As autumn arrives, the bounty of seasonal vegetables invites us to create warm, comforting dishes that celebrate their flavors. This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad balances the earthiness of roasted vegetables with the creamy richness of burrata and the crunchy texture of walnuts, making it a delightful centerpiece for any fall gathering.
With the unexpected addition of crispy bacon and feta, this salad embodies the harmony of savory and sweet, showcasing how seasonal ingredients can transform a humble dish into something extraordinary. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that even the pickiest eaters will savor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are the star here, providing a slightly bitter, nutty flavor when roasted. They melt into creamy goodness that balances beautifully with the other ingredients. - 2 cups butternut squash, diced
The sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash contrasts with the Brussels sprouts and adds a lovely creaminess when roasted, making it essential for a complex flavor profile. - 3 tbsp olive oil
Olive oil is crucial for roasting the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors and preventing them from drying out during cooking. - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness, caramelizing the Brussels sprouts and squash, which enhances their flavors and creates a glossy glaze. - 4 oz burrata cheese
Burrata brings a luxurious creaminess to the salad, creating a delightful contrast with the crunch of vegetables and nuts, making each bite indulgent. - 3 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
Bacon provides a smoky, salty element that contrasts with the sweetness of the maple glaze, adding depth and richness to the dish. - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Chopped walnuts add a crunchy texture and a warm, earthy flavor, complementing the other ingredients and making the dish more wholesome. - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Feta introduces a tangy, salty note that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and the nuttiness of the squash and Brussels. - Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning is key in enhancing the natural flavors of all the ingredients, ensuring that each component shines individually while harmonizing together.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Preheating the oven is essential for achieving that perfect roast on your vegetables. At this high temperature, Brussels sprouts will caramelize beautifully, while the butternut squash becomes tender and sweet.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts and dicing the butternut squash.
Properly prepping the vegetables ensures even cooking. Halving the Brussels sprouts allows their insides to caramelize while dicing the squash into uniform pieces promotes consistent cooking, achieving the desired soft texture.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Tossing the vegetables ensures that they are evenly coated, which allows the flavors to meld during roasting. The maple syrup will caramelize as they cook, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 4: Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Spacing the vegetables in a single layer promotes even roasting, preventing steaming. Stirring halfway allows for uniform browning and caramelization, adding delicious depth to the flavors.
Step 5: While the vegetables roast, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it once cooled.
Crispy bacon adds a necessary crunch and salty flavor. Allowing it to cool slightly before crumbling ensures that it doesn't become soggy when mixed into the salad.
Step 6: Once the vegetables are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Allowing the vegetables to cool slightly enhances the texture, ensuring they maintain some bite when mixed with the other cold ingredients, creating a pleasing contrast.
Step 7: In a large serving bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, crumbled bacon, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Top with burrata.
Combining the ingredients while the vegetables are still warm allows the burrata to gently melt and mix throughout the dish, enriching every bite with creamy goodness.
Step 8: Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or olive oil if desired, and season to taste.
Finishing touches such as additional syrup or olive oil can elevate the dish further, enhancing richness and ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.
Step 9: Serve immediately while warm, or let it sit at room temperature for a while if desired.
Serving the salad warm allows the burrata to maintain its creaminess, while allowing it to sit can meld the flavors further. Either option will yield a deliciously satisfying salad.
Sweet Meets Savory: The Maple Connection
The vibrant flavors of the maple syrup in this salad create a delightful contrast to the earthy Brussels sprouts and nutty squash. The balance between sweet and savory is what makes this dish a standout. As the vegetables roast, the syrup caramelizes, providing a glossy finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
The Creamy Burrata Touch
Incorporating burrata into this salad elevates it to an indulgent level. This fresh cheese, with its rich outer shell enclosing creamy goodness, harmonizes beautifully with the roasted vegetables, making every bite luxurious. The subtle creaminess from burrata complements the crunch from the walnuts and the saltiness of the bacon.
Crunch Factor: Nuts and Bacon Unite
The combination of crunchy walnuts and crispy bacon adds an essential texture contrast to the soft, tender vegetables. Walnuts bring a wholesome nutty flavor, while bacon contributes a satisfying crunch and savory depth. Together, they create a salad that’s not just a feast for the eyes, but for the palate as well.
FAQs
What if my Brussels sprouts are too bitter?
If your Brussels sprouts are overly bitter, try roasting them longer with a bit more maple syrup; the caramelization tends to counteract bitterness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the burrata with a plant-based cheese and omit the bacon or use a vegan bacon alternative for a fully vegan dish.
What if the dressing seems too sweet?
If the dressing feels too sweet, adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar will help balance the flavors, providing acidity to cut through the sweetness.
How do I prevent my butternut squash from becoming mushy?
To prevent mushy squash, be sure to cut it into uniform pieces and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, allowing for even roasting.
Can I use different nuts in this salad?
Absolutely, feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile, as they will lend their own distinct textures and tastes.
What if my vegetables aren’t caramelizing well?
If your vegetables aren't caramelizing, ensure they’re spaced out on the baking sheet and check your oven temperature; a higher heat enhances caramelization.
Conclusion
This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata, Bacon, Walnuts, and Feta is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of flavor, texture, and the beauty of seasonality. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a delightful experience that will please guests and family alike.
Embrace the fall flavors and textures this salad has to offer, and relish the mingling of sweet and savory. Experiment with your variations and enjoy the process of making a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the table.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.