Autumn, with its crisp air and vibrant leaves, always makes me crave something cozy and sweet, you know? Like, the other day I was just walking through the park, and the smell of roasted chestnuts hit me – bam!
It reminded me of this maple roasted acorn squash I made last Thanksgiving. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, with that caramelized maple glaze that just makes you want to snuggle up with a blanket and a good book.
I mean, who knew squash could be this comforting, right?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a towel on your cutting board for stability, then carefully cut the acorn squash in half from tip to stem by inserting the knife into the side first and cutting through.
- Stand the squash on the stem end and cut all the way through the stem. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and strings from the center of each squash half.
- Arrange the squash halves cut-side-up on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the interiors with olive oil and place a tablespoon of butter in each half.
- Drizzle each squash half with half a tablespoon of maple syrup, and sprinkle with salt and cinnamon for flavor. Place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven.
- Roast the squash for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size, until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a knife. After 30 minutes, brush the cut sides with the accumulated juices to enhance the flavor.
- Once roasted, transfer the squash halves to a serving platter. Optionally, cut them into smaller wedges for serving, and drizzle with additional maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash (serves 2 people)
- Extra light olive oil for brushing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 tablespoon per squash half)
- 1 tablespoon real maple syrup (1/2 tablespoon per squash half, plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 232kcal | Carbs: 29g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 775mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1141IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I eat acorn squash seeds?
- Yes, acorn squash seeds are edible. You can roast them in a similar fashion to pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack.
- What does acorn squash taste like?
- Acorn squash has a mildly sweet and buttery flavor with a hint of nuttiness, offering a subtler taste compared to butternut squash.
- How should I store an acorn squash?
- Store acorn squash in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit for up to three months. Avoid refrigerating it unless you plan to eat it within 1-2 weeks, as prolonged refrigeration can affect its quality.
- Is it possible to double this recipe?
- Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up or down. Just ensure you use a baking sheet that accommodates all the squash without them being too crowded.
- Can roasted acorn squash be frozen?
- While freezing may affect the texture slightly, roasted acorn squash can be frozen. Just scoop out the flesh and store it in an airtight freezer-safe bag for up to two months, which can be useful for making soups later.
Tips
- Stabilize the Acorn Squash: When cutting the acorn squash, place it over a towel on your cutting board to prevent it from slipping. This will help ensure your safety by providing extra stability.
- Microwave for Easier Cutting: If you find the squash difficult to cut, try microwaving it for about a minute. This can soften the skin slightly, making it easier to slice through.
- Enhance Flavor During Roasting: After the squash has been roasting for 30 minutes, brush the cut side with the juices that have collected inside. This will help infuse more flavor into the squash.
- Check for Ripeness: When selecting an acorn squash, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has smooth skin without any soft spots. A deep orange spot on a green squash indicates it was picked at the right time.
Equipment
- Roasted Acorn Squash, here is a list of main equipment that you might need to purchase from Amazon if not already available at home:
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – Essential for roasting the squash.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp, sturdy knife is crucial for cutting through the tough skin of the acorn squash.
- Cutting Board – A stable surface for safely cutting the squash.
- Pastry Brush – Useful for brushing olive oil and juices onto the squash.
- Microwave (if not already owned) – Optional, for softening the squash slightly to make it easier to cut, as suggested in the pro tip.
