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Want a tasty fall dish? Try maple glazed acorn squash! It’s sweet, savory, and super easy to make. You’ll love how the maple syrup caramelizes and brings out the squash’s natural flavors.
Cut the squash, add butter and maple syrup, then pop it in the oven. In no time, you’ll have a yummy side dish that goes great with pork or chicken. It’s perfect for cozy autumn dinners or holiday meals.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
To make maple glazed acorn squash, you’ll need:
• 1 medium acorn squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground ginger
Can’t find acorn squash? Try butternut or delicata squash instead. They have a similar sweet flavor and texture.
No maple syrup? Use honey or brown sugar as a substitute. The taste will be a bit different, but still delicious!
For the oil, you can swap olive oil with melted butter or coconut oil. Each option adds its own unique flavor to the dish.
If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These will give your squash a nice kick.
Don’t have fresh ginger? Ground ginger works just as well. Or skip it if you’re not a fan.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to adjust amounts to suit your taste!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash the acorn squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
Place the squash halves cut-side down in a baking dish. Add a little water to the dish. Bake for about 45 minutes until the squash is tender.
While the squash bakes, mix these ingredients in a small bowl:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Take the squash out of the oven. Flip the halves over carefully. Pour the maple mixture into each half.
Put the squash back in the oven for 10-15 minutes. The glaze should bubble and start to caramelize.
Let the squash cool for a few minutes before serving. You can eat it right out of the skin with a spoon. Enjoy your sweet and savory maple glazed acorn squash!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Pick acorn squash that feels heavy for its size. Look for ones with smooth, dull skin and no soft spots.
To make cutting easier, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes first. This softens it slightly.
Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the squash. Be careful and take your time.
Don’t throw away the seeds! Clean them and roast for a tasty snack.
For extra flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne to your maple glaze.
Leftover maple glazed acorn squash keeps well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it, but the texture may change.
Freeze cooked squash for longer storage. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Try using leftovers in salads, grain bowls, or blended into soups for a sweet and creamy addition.