Brown Sugar Baked Acorn Squash
on Sep 05, 2019, Updated Oct 20, 2020
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This super easy Brown Sugar Baked Squash will make for a delicious side dish for fall. To make this dish, cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, add butter, brown sugar and a little cinnamon before baking in the oven.
Brown Sugar Baked Acorn Squash
During the fall months, Brown Sugar Baked Acorn Squash is on my dinner menu quite frequently. Since it is so easy to prepare, it is great for busy weeknight meals. I can serve it with a Garlic Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin or a Simple Baked Chicken Breast.
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Acorn squash is a winter squash, so it is an excellent choice for a holiday dinner side dish. I like to serve it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The sweet and savory flavors pair well with a holiday turkey.
Many baked acorn squash recipes include maple syrup-like The Pioneer Woman’s version. I feel the brown sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness and keeps the dish more healthy. So, no need for the maple syrup, in my opinion.
How to Store Acorn Squash
If purchasing Acorn squash ahead of time, store them in a cool and dry place. Do not stack them on top of each other. If stored with skins touching, it may cause the squash to go bad much quicker.
Ingredients to Make Baked Acorn Squash
- Acorn Squash
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
How to Cut Acorn Squash in Half
The simplest way to cut acorn squash is first to microwave the squash for about one minute. This step will soften the squash a little making it easier to cut. Microwaving is not necessary but can be helpful. A very sharp knife is best. Be very careful and cut from stem to stem. This will be the hardest step of the entire recipe.
How to Make Baked Acorn Squash
After cutting the squash in half, slice a small amount of skin off the bottom sides. You can see this step in the pictures I have included. Taking the little slice off will allow the acorns to sit evenly in a casserole dish and or also on a plate.
Next, the seeds and flesh need to be scooped out from the inside of the squash. I like to use a spoon for this step.
Then, using your knife score the inside of each half. I like to make the scoring about a half-inch deep. This step allows the butter, sugar, and cinnamon to bake into the squash.
Now in a small bowl, add the butter and microwave for about 1 minute.
Add the halved acorn squash and water to a casserole dish with the hollowed sides facing up.
With a spoon or a basting brush thoroughly coat each acorn half with melted butter. You will have quite a bit of the butter left after coating. Evenly distribute it to each acorn.
Add the brown sugar and the cinnamon to a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
Lastly, evenly sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mixture on top of squash halve and bake.
Brown Sugar Baked Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn Squash
- 1/2 cup Water
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise (through the stem). Be careful doing this because the squash can be very hard.
- To keep each half from rocking, cut a small slice off the bottom parallel to the center cut.
- Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and fibers inside each until smooth.
- Score the inside of each half about 1/2" deep.
- Place each one cut side up in a roasting pan.
- Pour water into the pan.
- Melt butter in microwave for 1 minute.
- Brush or spread butter evenly over the inside of each squash. Pour remaining butter into the middle of each.
- Stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over each half.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until tender and browned.
Nutrition
Wow! This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it, girl!