Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
This maple roasted acorn squash is the perfect holiday dish! It is very simple and takes minimal prep time. The roasted squash turns out very tender with the perfect caramelization.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 130kcal
Ingredients
- 2 small acorn squash
- Olive oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Slice squash: Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scrape off the seeds with a spoon. Then, cut each half into halves again. Slice into even ½ inch thick slices.
- Arrange the sliced squash on a very large sheet pan in a single layer without overcrowding (you may need to use 2 sheet pans). Drizzle generously olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper evenly and toss to combine. Tip: Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, so use 2 sheet pans if needed.
- Roast for 18 minutes or until almost tender.
- Remove from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Brush squash with maple syrup on both sides.
- Then, return to the oven and roast for another 8 to 10 minutes or until caramelized. Serve immediately. If desired, brush with more maple syrup. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use GOOD quality pure maple syrup. Don't use pancake syrup.
- How to pick a good acorn squash: Look for one with a smooth, dull rind that is not too shiny. It should feel heavy for its size, with no soft spots. The colors should be green and yellow. If the rind is too yellow, the squash is overripe.
- Use a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy wooden cutting board to cut the squash.
- Optional: For a fragrant buttery taste, drizzle some melted butter along with the maple syrup 10 minutes before it’s done.
- Prep ahead: Slice the acorn squash up to 3 days ahead. When ready to cook, season and follow roasting directions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
- I would not recommend freezing this dish. It will get soggy.
- Maple syrup: Honey or brown sugar.
- This recipe will also work with butternut squash.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg