Description
This Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar recipe delivers a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for cozy meals. The acorn squash halves are buttered, sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon, then baked until tender and caramelized, making for a comforting autumn treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
Toppings
- 2 tbsp whipped butter (or coconut oil, or vegan butter)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- Dash of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the squash.
- Prepare Squash Halves: Rub about 1/2 tablespoon of whipped butter evenly over the flesh side of each acorn squash half, coating both sides to add richness.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the buttered squash halves, then dust with a dash of ground cinnamon for warm flavor.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the squash halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the pan to help steam and keep them moist during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil or a lid and bake for 50 minutes, allowing the squash to soften and infuse with flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the brown sugar and create a slightly crispy top.
- Cool and Serve: Take the squash out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust brown sugar amount to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- Adding a pinch of salt can balance the sweetness if desired.
- Use a fork to check tenderness; squash should be soft when done.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 acorn squash half
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg