Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Acorn Squash
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Acorn Squash, a delightful fall-inspired dish that perfectly balances the natural nuttiness of acorn squash with a luscious glaze of butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. This comforting side dish is not only visually stunning but also packs a punch of flavor that complements any meal. It's perfect for festive gatherings, holiday feasts, or a cozy dinner at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
4 (about 1 lb. each, cut in half and sliced)
butter or margarine
1/3 cup (melted)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
maple syrup
1/3 cup (none)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out and discard the seeds. Slice the squash crosswise into 1-inch thick slices for even cooking.
3
Lightly butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Arrange the squash slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them.
4
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the squash is almost tender.
5
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter (or margarine), packed brown sugar, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
6
After 35 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully uncover it.
7
Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the squash slices, making sure each slice is well-coated.
8
Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender, occasionally basting the squash with the syrup mixture from the bottom of the pan.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Acorn Squash?
It is a sweet and nutty fall-inspired side dish featuring acorn squash glazed with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
How many acorn squashes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 acorn squashes, each weighing approximately 1 pound.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the acorn squash?
Cut each squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then slice them crosswise into 1-inch thick pieces.
How thick should the squash slices be?
The squash should be sliced crosswise into 1-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking.
Should I peel the acorn squash?
The recipe does not require peeling; the skin of acorn squash is edible once cooked or can be easily removed after baking.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly butter the baking dish before arranging the squash slices.
How long does the squash bake initially?
The squash should bake covered for 35 minutes until it is almost tender.
Do I need to cover the squash while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 35 minutes of baking.
What ingredients are in the maple glaze?
The glaze consists of melted butter or margarine, packed brown sugar, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine.
What type of brown sugar is best?
Use 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar for the richest flavor.
How much maple syrup is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of maple syrup.
What is the role of cinnamon in this recipe?
Ground cinnamon adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple and brown sugar.
How do I mix the glaze?
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon and stir until well combined.
When do I add the glaze to the squash?
Remove the squash from the oven after the initial 35 minutes of baking to pour the mixture over the slices.
How long is the second baking period?
Bake the squash for an additional 15 minutes after adding the glaze.
Should the dish be covered during the second bake?
No, the dish should remain uncovered for the final 15 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the squash is finished cooking?
The squash is done when it is fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce the flesh.
What does basting mean in this recipe?
Basting involves occasionally spooning the syrup mixture from the bottom of the pan back over the squash slices during the final bake.
Can I use other types of squash?
While this recipe is designed for acorn squash, similar varieties like butternut or delicata could also work with adjusted cooking times.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for festive gatherings and holiday feasts.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features a balance of natural nuttiness from the squash and sweetness from the maple and brown sugar glaze.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by using a vegan margarine or plant-based butter substitute, the recipe becomes vegan-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 4 small squashes, this recipe typically serves 4 to 8 people as a side dish.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I reheat this dish?
Yes, you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I add toppings like nuts?
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 15 minutes of baking would add a nice crunch to the dish.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, its warm spices and sweet glaze make it a classic comfort food side dish for the autumn season.