Description
Succulent Baked Acorn Squash brings autumn’s warmth to your table with golden-brown edges and rich, caramelized flavors. Buttery herbs and a hint of sweetness invite you to savor this simple yet elegant seasonal side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
Seasonings
- 4 tbsp butter (60 ml)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (30 g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (2 g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (3 g)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 g)
Optional Toppings
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans (15 g)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (30 ml)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the acorn squash.
- Carefully slice the acorn squash in half lengthwise, removing all seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon to create clean, smooth cavities.
- Arrange the squash halves cut-side up in a baking dish, ensuring they sit stable and flat for even cooking.
- Blend softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to create a rich, aromatic seasoning mixture.
- Generously spread the butter mixture into each squash cavity, allowing the seasonings to penetrate and enhance the natural sweetness of the squash.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash becomes tender and develops a deep golden-brown caramelized surface.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and intensify.
- Garnish with chopped pecans and drizzle maple syrup over the top, adding a delightful crunch and extra layer of sweetness.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting each squash half as a beautiful, individually portioned side dish.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting brown sugar amounts for diabetic-friendly or low-sugar diets.
- Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil for vegan or dairy-free alternative preparations.
- Select ripe, heavy acorn squash with deep green color and no soft spots for optimal flavor and texture.
- Experiment with savory variations by replacing sweet seasonings with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg