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Butter and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash is the perfect winter treat, especially around the holidays!
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My mom used to make this awesome butter and brown sugar roasted acorn squash when we were kids. Now, she didn’t reserve this treat for the holidays, we had it all the time! Well, at least while the squash was in season. And I loved it! Soft roasted flesh, covered in salted butter and caramelized brown sugar….mmmmm.
I’ve made this squash for many years, but only made it for the boyfriend for the first time last year. He was not excited when I told him what we were having, but quickly changed his mind after one bite. And the best part? There are only 3 ingredients! It so easy and I love having my own person squash to eat like a lady devour.
What is Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is a winter squash with firm, ribbed, green outer skin and orange flesh. The seeds look just like pumpkin seeds, and can be roasted and eaten in the same way. In fact, the entire acorn squash is edible if you so desire. In addition to being delicious, it has many health benefits as it contains virtually no cholesterol or sodium, and is high in potassium, fiber and vitamin C. And last, but not least, the gourd-like appearance of the squash makes for a beautiful presentation when entertaining.
More great easy to make vegetable recipes:
Braised Green Beans with Bacon
How to Make Butter and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash
This recipe is extremely easy to make, tastes great and is fun to serve. It’s the perfect holiday treat! It serves 2 people, but can be easily doubled, tripled, etc. to make as many you need.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the over is heating, cut the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds (discard or roast the seeds – you will need more than 1 squash to have enough seeds to roast). Place the halves on a baking sheet (make sure the sheet has at least a small rim for any leakage) and make sure they sit upright and even. You may have to trim the bottom of the squash a little to make sure it sits evenly. If the squash tilts too much, the liquid could leak out while cooking.
Put 2 tbsp. of butter and 2 tbsp. of brown sugar in each squash. I prefer dark brown sugar in this recipe for its slight molasses-like flavor; however, light brown will also work just fine. Bake the squash for one hour or until flesh is soft. A larger squash may have to cook longer than an hour. After the first hour, check it in 10 minute increments until the flesh is soft.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
To eat, carefully scrape the flesh off the sides and mix with the melted butter and brown sugar. Be careful not to punch a hole in the outer skin, otherwise you will lose all your sweet liquid. I get so disappointed when I punch a hole in my squash!
How to Roast Acorn Squash (Roasted Acorn Squash)
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the over to 375 degrees.
- Cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise and remove the seeds. Discard.
- Place 2 tbsp. of butter and 2 tbsp. of brown sugar in each half.
- Bake the squash for one hour or until flesh is soft. A larger squash may have to cook longer than an hour. After the first hour, check it in 10 minute increments until the flesh is soft (use a fork to test doneness - if the fork pierces the flesh easily, it is done).
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. To eat, carefully scrape the flesh off the sides and mix with the melted butter and brown sugar, being careful not to punch a hole in the outer skin.
Expert Tips:
- If you use unsalted butter, add 1/8 teaspoon of salt to each squash half - the salt helps bring out the flavor of the squash and sugar;
- Pierce the inside flesh of the squash to determine doneness - if squash can be easily pierced it is done. Do not pierce through the skin as your roasting liquid will leak out.
- To eat, carefully scrape the flesh off the sides and mix with the melted butter and brown sugar. Be careful not to punch a hole in the outer skin, otherwise you will lose all your sweet liquid.
- If you do lose the liquid, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a bowl. Scoop the flesh and mix with the butter mixture - and you're set!
Nutrition
[nutrifox id=”18888″]
If you’re looking for some other great recipes for the holidays, and you don’t want my free cookbook then I guess you’re out of luck. Just kidding, here are some other awesome recipes!
Oyster and Andouille Sausage Stuffing
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread (only available in the cookbook)
Cheesy Roasted Cornish Game Hens
Bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts (only available in the cookbook)
Love this idea for acorn squash!
My wife is standing over my shoulder with her mouth watering. These look so amazing!!! Thanks for sharing,
So easy to make too!