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Light & Easy Maple Butter Roasted Acorn Squash

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This light & easy maple butter roasted acorn squash is a simple yet stunning side dish, with caramelized edges and a tender, sweet center. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle.
  2. Wash the acorn squash and pat it dry. Cut off the very top and bottom, then cut the squash in half from top to bottom.
  3. Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each half.
  4. Place each half cut-side down and slice into half-moon shapes about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk until smooth.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the squash slices in a single layer without overlapping.
  7. Brush the maple butter mixture generously over the squash slices.
  8. Roast for 20 minutes.
  9. Flip each slice carefully and brush with any remaining glaze.
  10. Roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the squash is tender and caramelized (total roasting time 30-35 minutes).
  11. Remove from the oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely as maple syrup can burn quickly. Don’t skip flipping the slices for even caramelization. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted acorn squash, maple butter squash, easy side dish, fall recipe, Thanksgiving side

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/light-and-easy-maple-butter-roasted-acorn-squash/