Autumn Orzo recipe served on a plate, by Grand Trunk Pub
Sep 17 2026
Restaurants›Grand Trunk Pub›Autumn Orzo Recipe

Autumn Orzo Recipe

Inspired by Grand Trunk Pub
Time1h
Serves4

Orzo pasta with roasted butternut squash and sweet potato, shaved Brussels, crispy bacon, toasted pecans & dried cranberries in a maple Dijon vinaigrette

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Vegetables

Bacon and Nuts

Dried Fruits

Vinaigrette

Method

Prepare the Vegetables

  1. 1

    Roast Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash and sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

  2. 2

    Shave Brussels Sprouts

    While the squash and sweet potato are roasting, rinse the Brussels sprouts and shave them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife.

Cook the Pasta and Bacon

  1. 3

    Cook Orzo Pasta

    In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 4

    Cook Bacon

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, reserving a tablespoon of the bacon fat.

Make the Vinaigrette

  1. 5

    Prepare Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

    In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon fat, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

  1. 6

    Mix Everything Together

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, roasted butternut squash, sweet potato, shaved Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

  1. 7

    Plate and Serve

    Serve the Autumn Orzo warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

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