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Easy Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash Halves

easy brown sugar roasted acorn squash halves - featured image
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A simple, forgiving side dish featuring acorn squash roasted with brown sugar, butter, and spices until tender and caramelized. This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a luxurious, sweet-savory comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Wash the squash thoroughly. Carefully cut each squash in half from stem to bottom. If the shell is too hard, microwave for 2 minutes to soften slightly.
  3. Use a sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each half.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the squash. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, rubbing it into the flesh.
  5. Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the oiled flesh. Place small cubes of butter on top of the sugar.
  6. Arrange squash halves cut-side up on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the sugar starts burning before the squash is tender, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. For a dairy-free option, swap butter for coconut oil. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter or coconut oil. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, roasted squash, brown sugar, fall recipes, vegetarian side dish, healthy sides, easy dinner, seasonal cooking

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash-halves/