Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash with Dried Cranberries
This delightful dish features tender acorn squash, lovingly roasted and glazed with a rich mixture of browned butter, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon. The addition of unsweetened dried cranberries lends a vibrant tartness that perfectly complements the sweet, nutty flavor of the squash. This visually stunning dish makes for an excellent centerpiece on any holiday table, whether it be Thanksgiving or Christmas, and is sure to impress your guests with its festive colors and flavors. Treat your tastebuds to this sweet and savory medley, and enjoy the warm, comforting essence of fall.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
2 (halved and seeds removed)
Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
Unsweetened Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Brown Sugar or Brown Sugar Substitute
2 tablespoons (packed)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cut each acorn squash in half and carefully scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands with a spoon.
3
Place the cleaned halves of squash cut side up in a large oven-proof dish. If necessary, trim a small slice off the bottom of each squash to ensure they sit flat.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, dried cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a luscious filling. Mix until well combined.
5
Evenly divide the tasty filling among the cavities of the squash halves.
6
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the squash is fork-tender. Cooking time may vary based on squash size.
7
Once tender, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Place the dish on a top rack about 8 inches from the broiler. Broil for approximately 10 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown, but be sure to monitor closely to avoid burning.
8
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash?
This dish offers a sweet and savory medley featuring the nutty flavor of acorn squash, rich browned butter, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon, balanced by tart dried cranberries.
What ingredients are needed for this acorn squash recipe?
You will need 2 acorn squash, 1/4 cup of butter or margarine, 1/2 cup of unsweetened dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or a substitute, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How should I prepare the acorn squash before cooking?
Cut each acorn squash in half and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How do I keep the squash halves from rolling over in the baking dish?
If necessary, you can trim a small slice off the bottom of each squash half to ensure they sit flat in the oven-proof dish.
What goes into the filling for the squash?
The filling consists of melted butter, dried cranberries, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon mixed until well combined.
Should the squash be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking phase.
How long does it take to bake the squash?
The squash should bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is fork-tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the squash.
What is the final step to get a golden brown top?
Once tender, remove the foil and broil the squash on a top rack about 8 inches from the broiler for approximately 10 minutes.
Can I use a sugar substitute for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for either brown sugar or a packed brown sugar substitute.
Are the cranberries used in this recipe sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of unsweetened dried cranberries.
Is this dish suitable for holiday meals?
Absolutely, it is an excellent centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday tables.
Should I serve the squash hot or cold?
The dish is best served warm as a delightful side dish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either butter or margarine, melted.
How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?
The squash is ready when it is fork-tender after being baked for 45 to 60 minutes.
What type of dish should I use for roasting?
Use a large oven-proof dish that can accommodate all the squash halves.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Should the butter be melted before mixing the filling?
Yes, the butter or margarine should be melted to create a luscious filling.
How should the squash halves be positioned in the baking dish?
Place the cleaned halves of the squash cut side up in the dish.
Is this recipe considered a vegetable dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a vegetable dish and a holiday side dish.
What is the role of the dried cranberries in this dish?
The dried cranberries lend a vibrant tartness that complements the sweet and nutty flavor of the acorn squash.
How many squash halves does this recipe produce?
Using 2 acorn squash will result in 4 individual squash halves.
What should I monitor while broiling?
You should monitor the squash closely while broiling to ensure the tops become golden brown without burning.
Can this recipe be prepared for fall-themed dinners?
Yes, the recipe is designed to capture the warm, comforting essence of fall flavors.
Is any preparation needed for the dried cranberries?
No specific preparation is needed; the cranberries are added directly to the filling mixture.
How do I distribute the filling?
Evenly divide the cranberry and sugar filling among the cavities of the prepared squash halves.
Is the squash roasted or steamed?
The squash is roasted in the oven, initially covered with foil to retain moisture and then broiled to finish.
What makes this dish visually stunning?
The combination of the roasted squash's texture and the festive colors of the cranberries and glaze makes it very visually appealing.
Should the brown sugar be packed when measuring?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar or substitute.
How far should the squash be from the broiler?
The squash should be placed on a top rack approximately 8 inches from the broiler.