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Cozy Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash Halves

cozy brown sugar roasted acorn squash - featured image
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Perfectly caramelized acorn squash halves with a soft, buttery center, inspired by a beloved farm-to-table restaurant. This easy recipe delivers sweet, nutty flavor with crispy edges in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)
  • Crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional garnish)
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts (optional garnish)
  • Drizzle of maple syrup (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Carefully cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Rinse the halves and pat them dry.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved into a thick, pasty mixture.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cut sides and cavity with the butter-sugar mixture. Reserve about 1 tablespoon for later.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove the pan and brush the squash with the reserved butter mixture. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the squash is tender and the edges are golden brown and caramelized.
  6. Remove from the oven and let rest on the pan for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve warm, cut-side up, with optional garnishes like fresh thyme, crumbled cheese, or toasted nuts.

Notes

For easier cutting, microwave the whole squash for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each half space for proper caramelization. Watch the sugar during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow caramelized sugar to set. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, roasted squash, brown sugar squash, fall side dish, Thanksgiving side, caramelized squash, easy squash recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash-halves/