Description
This Maple Butter Roasted Acorn Squash recipe offers a warm and comforting side dish perfect for fall and holiday meals. Tender acorn squash is roasted to caramelized perfection with a luscious glaze of maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors enhanced by a touch of fresh thyme garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash
- 2 medium acorn squash (halved and seeds removed)
Maple Butter Glaze
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the squash: Cut each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. You can either leave the squash in halves or slice into wedges depending on your preference. Arrange the squash pieces cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the maple butter glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the squash: Generously brush or spoon the maple butter glaze over each piece of acorn squash, ensuring an even coating to enhance flavor and caramelization during roasting.
- Roast the squash: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 40 to 45 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, baste the squash with any juices or glaze that have collected in the pan to intensify the flavor and promote caramelization. Roast until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and caramelized along the edges.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the roasted acorn squash from the oven and drizzle with any remaining maple butter glaze from the pan. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, adding a fragrant and herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the maple butter roasted acorn squash warm as a delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or festive holiday dishes.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to choose acorn squash of similar size and thickness.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar according to taste.
- Using fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma, but it’s optional.
- To make cleanup easier, lining your baking sheet with foil or parchment is recommended.
- If you prefer softer squash, roast a few minutes longer until fork-tender.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven.
