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Cozy Roasted Acorn Squash with Easy Maple Butter Glaze

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A simple and delicious roasted acorn squash recipe with a caramelized maple butter glaze. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this dish comes together in about 40 minutes with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (25g)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for finishing
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional garnish: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, toasted pecans, or a pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Carefully cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon. Do not rinse the squash.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until combined and bubbling slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side up on a lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cut sides and inside cavities with the maple butter glaze. Reserve about a quarter of the glaze for later.
  5. Roast the squash for 25 minutes, until starting to soften and edges are golden.
  6. Remove the squash from the oven and brush with the reserved glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until fork-tender and edges are caramelized.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme if using. Serve warm, spooning any pooled glaze over the top.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. To speed up cooking, score the cut sides of the squash in a crosshatch pattern before glazing. Watch the glaze carefully in the last few minutes to prevent burning; tent with foil if edges get too dark.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted acorn squash, maple butter glaze, fall side dish, easy squash recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-roasted-acorn-squash-with-easy-maple-butter-glaze/