Caramelized Acorn Squash with Orange Glaze
This delightful recipe for Caramelized Acorn Squash takes advantage of the natural sweetness of winter squash. By baking the squash cut side down in a small amount of water, it becomes tender and develops a lovely caramelized flavor when broiled with a blend of orange marmalade and melted butter. Ideal as a side dish or a light vegetarian option, this dish brings warmth and brightness to your table. Perfect for fall or winter gatherings, it's a true crowd-pleaser that highlights seasonal produce with minimal effort.
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
1 (Cut in half and seeds removed)
Water
1 cup (For baking pan)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, for seasoning)
Orange Marmalade
1 tablespoon (For glazing)
Butter
1 teaspoon (Melted for glazing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure it's fully heated before placing the squash inside.
2
Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits using a spoon. Take the time to clean the inside for the best texture and flavor.
3
Place the squash halves in a shallow baking pan with the cut side facing down. Pour enough water into the pan to create a depth of about 1/4 inch. Adjust the water amount as necessary based on your pan's size to ensure even cooking.
4
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until it is fork-tender. If there is any excess water remaining in the pan after baking, carefully drain it off.
5
Once baked, remove the squash from the oven and flip each half over. If you prefer a savory touch, sprinkle the cut side lightly with salt.
6
In a small bowl, mix together the orange marmalade and melted butter until well combined. Spoon this delightful mixture evenly over the cut sides of the squash.
7
To finish, place the squash under the broiler for 5 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and caramelized. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Acorn Squash with Orange Glaze?
It is a seasonal side dish where acorn squash is baked until tender and then broiled with a sweet glaze made of orange marmalade and butter.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: acorn squash, water, salt, orange marmalade, and butter.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits.
Why is water added to the baking pan?
Adding about 1/4 inch of water helps steam the squash while it bakes, ensuring it becomes fork-tender.
How long does the squash need to bake initially?
The squash should bake for approximately 35 minutes or until it is fork-tender.
Do I bake the squash face up or face down?
Initially, the squash is placed in the pan with the cut side facing down.
What should I do if there is water left in the pan after baking?
You should carefully drain off any excess water before flipping the squash and adding the glaze.
What ingredients make up the orange glaze?
The glaze is a mixture of orange marmalade and melted butter.
How do I achieve the caramelized finish?
Spoon the glaze over the cut side of the squash and place it under the broiler for 5 minutes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the caramelized squash?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 4g of sugar per serving.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 2g of fiber per serving.
Is there protein in acorn squash?
This recipe provides about 1g of protein per serving.
Can I add salt to this recipe?
Yes, you can lightly sprinkle the cut side of the squash with salt after baking for a savory contrast to the sweet glaze.
What kind of squash is best for this recipe?
Acorn squash is specifically recommended for its shape and natural sweetness.
Is this a good dish for fall or winter?
Absolutely, it is ideal for fall and winter gatherings as it highlights seasonal produce.
How much orange marmalade do I need?
You will need 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of melted butter.
What is the preparation time for the squash?
Preparation involves cutting and seeding the squash, followed by a 35-minute bake and a 5-minute broil.
What should I watch for while broiling?
Keep a close watch to ensure the glaze turns golden brown and does not burn.
Can I use this as a main dish?
While typically a side dish, it can serve as a light vegetarian main option.
Is the salt amount fixed?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of salt is optional and for seasoning to taste.
Does the squash need to be peeled?
No, the squash is baked in its skin, which helps it hold its shape.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a knife, a spoon, a shallow baking pan, and a small mixing bowl.
Can I substitute the marmalade?
While orange marmalade provides the signature flavor, you could experiment with apricot preserves or honey if necessary.