Description
This delicious Roasted Acorn Squash recipe features tender, caramelized squash halves brushed with a buttery honey-cinnamon glaze. Perfectly roasted at a high temperature, it offers a sweet and savory side dish that is easy to prepare and suitable for a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash
- 2 small acorn squash (or 1 large, about 2 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Squash: Cut the acorn squash lengthwise through the stem and scrape out the pulp and seeds using a spoon, creating hollowed halves ready for roasting.
- Season Squash: Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Place them cut side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Initial Roast: Roast the squash face down for 15 minutes; this helps soften the flesh and starts the caramelization process.
- Make Glaze: While roasting, melt the unsalted butter along with honey and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl until fully combined and fragrant.
- Glaze and Continue Roasting: Remove the squash from the oven, flip them over so the cut side is facing up, and brush generously with the butter-honey-cinnamon mixture. Roast for an additional 15 minutes until the squash is tender and beautifully glazed.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving to add a fresh finish and extra flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to use similarly sized squash pieces.
- Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Use a sharp knife carefully when cutting the squash as it has a tough skin.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings, adjusting roasting time slightly if needed.
