The Maple Bacon Carnival Squash and Apple Hash is a hearty and seasonal dish that captures the essence of fall. This comforting, savory-sweet hash combines roasted carnival squash, crisp apples, and smoky bacon, balanced with a touch of maple syrup and aromatic spices. It’s finished with toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme, adding layers of texture and flavor that make it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dish at a festive gathering.
The highlight of this dish is carnival squash, recognized for its sweet, nutty taste and colorful, speckled skin. Roasting this squash enhances its natural sugars, resulting in tender cubes with caramelized edges that complement the tart sweetness of apples perfectly. For this recipe, using apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala is ideal, as they retain their shape during cooking and provide a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Bacon adds a smoky depth to the hash, while its rendered fat enhances the other ingredients, infusing the dish with a rich, savory base. The diced onion and garlic are sautéed in the same skillet, picking up the bacon’s flavor and creating an aromatic foundation for the apples and roasted squash. The addition of paprika and a hint of cinnamon introduces a subtle warmth, complementing the maple syrup, which ties the savory and sweet elements together.
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s perfect as a stand-alone breakfast or brunch option, but it also works beautifully as a side dish for roasted meats like pork or chicken. The toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the grated Parmesan cheese brings a savory richness. Fresh thyme, sprinkled over the top, adds an herbaceous note that brightens the dish and ties the flavors together.
For those seeking a festive dish to impress guests, this hash delivers both in flavor and presentation. The vibrant colors of the roasted squash and apples, combined with the golden-brown bacon and a sprinkle of fresh garnishes, make it as visually appealing as it is appetizing.
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What sets this recipe apart is its ability to capture the best autumn flavors. The sweet earthiness of carnival squash, the tart juiciness of apples, the smoky saltiness of bacon, and the indulgent drizzle of maple syrup all unite in harmony. This dish feels rustic and refined, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Whether you serve it for a weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or as a side dish at your holiday table, this Maple Bacon Carnival Squash and Apple Hash is sure to please. Its comforting flavors and vibrant presentation celebrate the season’s bounty, ensuring it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Maple Bacon Carnival Squash and Apple Hash
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesThe Maple Bacon Carnival Squash and Apple Hash is a savory-sweet dish that combines roasted carnival squash, crisp apples, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Topped with toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme, this hash is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive side dish.
Ingredients
1 medium carnival squash, seeded and cubed
3 apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, toasted walnuts
for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Roast the Carnival Squash:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed carnival squash with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, until tender and golden. Set aside. - Cook the Bacon:
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 6-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Add the Apples:
Stir in the diced apples, paprika, cinnamon, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are slightly softened and begin to caramelize. - Combine the Ingredients:
Add the roasted carnival squash and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir in the fresh thyme and maple syrup. Toss gently to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. - Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the hash to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with toasted walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme, if desired. Serve warm.