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Easy Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash Halves

brown sugar roasted acorn squash - featured image
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This easy brown sugar roasted acorn squash is a quick and delicious side dish made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Carefully cut the acorn squash in half from the stem end down to the point. Use a sharp chef’s knife and a gentle sawing motion.
  3. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each half using a sturdy spoon.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side up in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a rimmed sheet pan.
  5. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt into each of the four cavities. If using cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, sprinkle a tiny bit in now.
  6. Place 1 tablespoon of the softened butter into each squash cavity. Top each with 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar. Do not stir.
  7. Roast for 35-45 minutes, until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the edges are browned and caramelized.
  8. Remove from the oven and baste the cut surface of the squash with the buttery, sugary juices from the bottom of the dish. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a savory version, skip the brown sugar and cinnamon and stuff each cavity with butter, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary or thyme. For a vegan option, swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil. If the sugar is browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or apple cider for extra sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, brown sugar, roasted squash, easy side dish, fall recipe, weeknight dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash-halves/