Maple Glazed Stuffed Acorn Squash
Indulge in this delightful Maple Glazed Stuffed Acorn Squash, a heartwarming dish inspired by a cherished family recipe. The sweet, caramelized flavor of brown sugar and maple syrup perfectly complements the earthy richness of acorn squash, creating a delectable combination that will leave your taste buds dancing. Enhanced with the warm sweetness of applesauce, this dish can be enjoyed as a savory stand-alone meal or served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and succulent chicken. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
2 (halved and seeded)
sweetened applesauce
2 cups (ready to use)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
corn syrup
2 tablespoons (light or dark)
butter
2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for drizzling)
salt
to taste (optional seasoning)
pepper
to taste (optional seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Carefully cut each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center.
3
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until fully mixed.
4
In each half of the squash, place 1/4 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the center.
5
Pour the brown sugar and corn syrup mixture into each squash half, pressing it slightly down.
6
Spoon the sweetened applesauce into the squash halves until the center is filled to the top.
7
If desired, add an additional dollop of butter on top of the applesauce.
8
Arrange the stuffed squash halves in a baking pan and add about 2 inches of water to the bottom of the pan to create steam during baking.
9
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly golden. Remove the cover during the last 15 minutes of baking to enhance browning, if desired.
11
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple Glazed Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a heartwarming dish inspired by a family recipe featuring acorn squash filled with sweetened applesauce and a maple-style brown sugar glaze.
How many acorn squashes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 acorn squashes, which are halved and seeded.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for stuffing?
Carefully cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center.
What ingredients make up the glaze mixture?
The glaze is made by stirring together 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of light or dark corn syrup.
How much butter is added to each squash half?
Place 1/4 teaspoon of butter in the center of each squash half.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of olive oil is placed in the center of each squash half alongside the butter.
What is the main filling for the squash?
Sweetened applesauce is used to fill the center of the squash halves to the top.
Can I add extra butter to the recipe?
Yes, if desired, you can add an additional dollop of butter on top of the applesauce before baking.
How should the squash be arranged in the baking pan?
Arrange the stuffed halves in a baking pan and add about 2 inches of water to the bottom of the pan.
Why is water added to the bottom of the baking pan?
The water creates steam during the baking process to ensure the squash stays tender.
Should the baking pan be covered?
Yes, cover the baking pan with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long does it take to bake the stuffed squash?
Bake for about 60 minutes in total, or until the squash is tender and lightly golden.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
To enhance browning, you can remove the foil cover during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of corn syrup is recommended?
You can use either light or dark corn syrup depending on your preference.
Are there any optional seasonings?
Yes, you can add salt and pepper to taste as optional seasonings.
What are the suggested serving pairings?
It serves well alongside creamy mashed potatoes and succulent chicken, or as a stand-alone meal.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically tagged for Thanksgiving and fall recipe collections.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 ingredients: acorn squash, sweetened applesauce, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
How much applesauce do I need?
You will need 2 cups of sweetened applesauce.
What should I do after removing the squash from the oven?
Let the squash cool for a few minutes before serving.
What texture should the cooked squash have?
The finished squash should be tender and the filling should be caramelized and golden.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Does this dish have a specific flavor profile?
It has a sweet, caramelized flavor from the sugar and syrup that complements the earthy richness of the squash.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a side dish and comfort food.
How do I ensure the sugar mixture is correct?
Stir the brown sugar and corn syrup in a small bowl until they are fully mixed before adding to the squash.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a savory stand-alone meal.
How much olive oil is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil total, divided among the squash halves.