Spiced Maple Glazed Acorn Squash

Want the *best* acorn squash baked? This spiced maple glazed recipe is pure comfort food! Easy to make, it's perfect for dinner or the holidays. Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had one of those days where you just need comfort food? let me tell you, acorn squash baked with a spiced maple glaze is exactly what your soul needs.

It’s autumn on a plate, honestly.

Brief Overview

Acorn squash , that wonderfully ridged gourd, has been a fall staple for ages, particularly in north america. this acorn squash baked recipe is super easy.

From start to finish, you're looking at about an hour, give or take, and it makes enough for four very happy people.

Main Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with fiber. talk about a win-win! it's perfect for a sunday roast or even thanksgiving.

The buttery sweetness of the glaze transforms acorn squash into something truly special and honestly, it’s my go-to when i'm craving something buttery .

Ready to unlock the secret to the perfect acorn squash in oven ? Keep reading.

Unlocking The Magic Of Acorn Squash

Roasted vegetable recipes can be a bit hit or miss, i get it. but trust me on this. this acorn squash recipe is a game-changer.

The key? letting the natural sweetness of the acorn squash shine through. i remember the first time i made baked squash this way, my mum was so impressed.

She normally only ever makes squash recipes and never acorn squash recipes healthy like this.

Gathering Your Ingredients: What You'll Need

Okay, let's gather our bits and bobs. you will need two acorn squash , olive oil, salt, pepper and ingredients for the buttery maple spice glaze: maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maybe a tiny pinch of cloves if you're feeling fancy.

This recipe really is simple.

Let’s be honest, a good recipe is like a trusty friend – reliable and always there when you need it. So, let’s get cooking!

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for the perfect acorn squash baked . I think the secret to great food is quality ingredients. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Ingredients: Setting the Stage

For two gorgeous servings of acorn squash , you'll need:

• 2 medium acorn squash (about 1.5-2 lbs total or 700-900g ), halved and seeded.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ). Good quality olive oil makes a difference here.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt ( 2.5 ml ) and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25 ml ).

• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup ( 45 ml ). Get the real deal, not the fake stuff.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted ( 30g ). For that buttery goodness.

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( 2.5 ml ). The warm, spicy aroma!

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 1.25 ml ). Just a touch of warmth.

• A tiny pinch of ground cloves is optional.

Seasoning: The Spice is Right

Honestly, the spice blend is where the magic happens. cinnamon and nutmeg are essential. cloves add a bit of depth, too! don't be shy – tweak it! want a kick? add a pinch of cayenne! running low on nutmeg? allspice works.

Just use a little less – it's stronger. try it with other squash recipes too.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

You really don't need much to make acorn squash in oven . a baking sheet is essential. plus a large bowl for tossing the squash and spices.

A small bowl for that glorious glaze. the only essential tools:

• Baking Sheet
• Sharp Knife
• Spoon

Alternatives? If you lack a pastry brush, no sweat!. Just drizzle the glaze. Seriously, don't let a fancy gadget stop you. Roasted vegetable recipes are all about simple joy.

For this Acorn Squash baked , I suggest to keep your ingredients fresh. The aroma of acorn squash recipes healthy is so nostalgic. So easy to make baked squash .

Okay, let's do this! I'm so ready to share my take on acorn squash baked . Honestly, it's one of my favourite things to make when the weather gets chilly. You know?

Ace Your Acorn Squash Prep

First things first. mise en place , darling! it sounds fancy, but it just means get everything ready. halve those acorn squash .

Scoop out the seeds. i sometimes save them to roast later, like pumpkin seeds. it's a zero waste hack. grab your olive oil, salt, pepper, maple syrup, butter, and spices.

It's all about speed and efficiency. safety reminder: watch your fingers when you're halving the squash! those things can be slippery.

Baking Your Acorn Squash In Oven: Step-By-Step

Here's how to get that acorn squash baked perfectly every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Seriously, don't skip this.
2. Brush the insides of the squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
4. Bake for 30- 40 minutes , cut-side up, on a baking sheet until a fork slides in easy.
5. Mix 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in a bowl.
6. Slather that gorgeous glaze all over the squash. Yum!
7. Bake for another 15- 20 minutes , until bubbly and caramelized. Golden perfection!

Pro Tips for Next-Level Squash Recipes

Okay, here's the tea: don't overcrowd the pan! acorn squash in oven needs space to breathe, otherwise, it gets steamed instead of roasted.

Common mistake? underbaking. you want that flesh soft! also, this is a buttery recipes , so don't be shy with the butter.

Feel free to make the glaze ahead of time. it saves you a couple of minutes. i love this is one of the acorn squash recipes healthy and tasty that you can make.

Honestly, this acorn squash baked recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof. plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing. the combo of maple and spice gives it a fall feeling.

Serve it as a side or even a light meal with a bit of quinoa and some greens. it is definetly one of the acorn squash recipes you should try out.

So, there you have it. my take on acorn squash baked . get baking, you lovely lot! this recipe is also part of my roasted vegetable recipes , and it is so versatile!.

Alright, so you've got your gorgeous Spiced Maple Glazed Acorn Squash fresh outta the oven. Now what? Let's talk about the finer details, yeah?

Recipe Notes

Honestly, nailing the acorn squash baked is only half the battle. making it sing is where the fun begins. this acorn squash recipe is one of my go-to squash recipes , and i've learned a few things along the way.

Trust me, these extra touches make a world of difference.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, listen up, presentation matters. don't just chuck that gorgeous baked squash on a plate! we're going for masterchef vibes here, alright? i like to arrange each acorn squash half on a bed of wilted spinach or kale.

Think about it! it adds a pop of color and a bit of earthy bitterness to balance the sweetness. a sprinkle of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) also adds a nice crunch.

As for sides, something savory is key. roasted chicken or pork loin would be divine. or, for a veggie option, some wild rice pilaf.

To drink? a crisp glass of pinot grigio or even a warm apple cider would be perfect. so very autumnal, you know?

Storage Secrets

So, you've accidentally made too much acorn squash in oven ? don't panic! this buttery recipe is actually pretty good leftover.

Let the acorn squash baked cool completely first, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing? eh, it's okay . the texture might change slightly, becoming a little softer, but it's still edible. wrap each half tightly in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.

It'll last for up to a month. to reheat, just microwave it or pop it back in the oven until it's warm.

Remixing the Recipe

Fancy a change? Easy peasy! Want to keep it healthy? It's already pretty great, but you can reduce the maple syrup to lower the sugar content. I promise it'll still taste amazing.

Want a vegan version of this acorn squash recipes healthy dish? just swap the butter for a good quality vegan butter alternative.

Boom! job done. during the winter months, i love adding some dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the glaze. so festive!

Nutrition 101

Okay, let's keep it real. i am not a nutritionist. but i can tell you this roasted vegetable recipe is packed with goodness.

Acorn squash is a great source of fiber, which is amazing for your gut. it's also full of vitamins and antioxidants.

Plus, the maple syrup gives you a little energy boost. just don't go eating the whole thing in one sitting, alright?

Look, i'm not saying this is a health food, but it's definitely a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a seasonal vegetable.

And honestly? that's what cooking is all about. finding the joy in food, you know? now get out there and make some amazing acorn squash baked ! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my baked acorn squash is done? I don't want a soggy bottom like last time!

You're right to be wary of the soggy bottom! To ensure your acorn squash baked to perfection, pierce the flesh with a fork. It should be very tender and offer little resistance. Also, the edges of the squash should be slightly caramelized. A little browning is your friend, signalling those lovely Maillard reactions and deepened flavour!

Can I prepare the acorn squash ahead of time for my dinner party? Like, a day before?

You can definitely prep the acorn squash a bit in advance, a bit like prepping for The Great British Baking Show! You can halve and seed the squash and even whisk together the glaze. However, I'd recommend baking the squash fresh for the best texture and flavor. If you absolutely must prep it further, bake it until almost done (just fork-tender), then glaze it and finish baking right before serving. Store the part-baked squash in the fridge, well-covered.

What's the best way to store leftover baked acorn squash? I always seem to have too much!

Leftover baked acorn squash will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven (covered, to prevent drying out), or even enjoy it cold in a salad. Think of it as a delicious way to avoid waste – good on ya, mate!

I'm watching my sugar intake. Can I make this acorn squash baked recipe healthier without sacrificing all the flavor?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of maple syrup in the glaze or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative like stevia (start with a very small amount, as it's much sweeter!). You could also enhance the savory flavors by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze to balance the sweetness. Emphasize the spices! Cinnamon and nutmeg are your friends. Don't forget the fibre in squash is great for healthy eating!

My family doesn't like nutmeg. What else can I use in the spiced maple glaze for my baked acorn squash?

No worries, plenty of other spices work wonders! Allspice is a good substitute (use slightly less, as it's more potent), or you could try ground ginger for a bit of zing. A little bit of ground cardamom would also bring a lovely warmth. Just remember, taste as you go and adjust to your family's preferences.

Is it possible to roast vegetables at the same time as baking the acorn squash?

Yes, roasting vegetables with the acorn squash is a time-saving trick that works well! Add vegetables like brussel sprouts or carrots on the same baking sheet, being mindful not to overcrowd. Give them a head start, adding them 20 minutes after putting the squash in and make sure to brush them with oil and salt before baking. Ensure both the squash and the vegetables have enough space for even browning.

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