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Flavorful Roasted Acorn Squash with Easy Maple Butter Glaze

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This simple yet stunning side dish features tender roasted acorn squash slices coated in a sticky-sweet maple butter glaze. Perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 45 minutes with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squashes (about 2–3 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for extra glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for extra glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for extra glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon. Place each half cut-side down and slice into 1-inch thick half-moons.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
  4. Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides of each slice generously with the maple butter mixture.
  5. Roast the squash for 15 minutes.
  6. While the squash roasts, make the extra glaze: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Heat until the butter is melted, then stir in a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to carefully flip each slice. Brush the flipped slices with the extra maple butter glaze.
  8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender and the edges are deeply caramelized and slightly crispy.
  9. Let the squash rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip the double glazing—it creates the caramelized coating. Slice squash uniformly for even cooking. Use room temperature butter for a smooth glaze. If using salted butter, reduce added salt by half. For extra caramelization, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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