Roasted Acorn Squash

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Roasted Acorn Squash is the perfect dish to embrace the cozy vibes of fall. With its naturally sweet and nutty flavor profile, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s simple, delicious, and a wonderful way to highlight the season's bounty.

Ingredients for Roasted Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is the star of the show here, offering a subtly sweet flavor and a creamy, tender texture once roasted. It's a wonderful canvas for the other flavors in this dish.

Olive oil adds a rich, fruity undertone and helps the squash caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Maple syrup brings a natural sweetness and depth, enhancing the squash's natural sugars without overpowering its delicate flavor.

Salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Black pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity, cutting through the sweetness and rounding out the dish.

Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice, complementing the maple syrup perfectly.

Butter (optional) gives a rich, velvety finish that melts into the squash, creating an indulgent touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • To make slicing easier, microwave the squash for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin slightly.
  • Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, safe cuts through the squash.
  • If you're short on maple syrup, honey makes a good substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Acorn Squash pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, butternut or kabocha squash can be used with similar roasting times.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures easy cleanup and prevents the squash from sticking.

Next, take your acorn squash and carefully cut each one in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, making sure to remove all the stringy bits for a clean surface.

Once the squash is cleaned, slice each half into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness allows for even roasting, ensuring the slices become tender and caramelized.

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. This mixture will be the flavorful glaze that coats your squash slices.

Lay the squash slices out on the prepared baking sheet and brush them generously with the maple mixture. Make sure each slice is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. You'll know they're done when the slices are golden brown and fork-tender.

If desired, add a small dollop of butter on top of each slice before serving for an extra layer of richness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Healthy and naturally gluten-free.
  • Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 medium acorn squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut each acorn squash in half and remove the seeds.
3. Slice each half into 1-inch thick slices.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
5. Place squash slices on the baking sheet and brush with the maple mixture.
6. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
7. Optional: Top with a dollop of butter before serving.

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