If you’re looking for an easy, delicious fall side dish, this roasted acorn squash with brown sugar is perfect for adding cozy, sweet flavor to your meal. With simple ingredients and a few handy kitchen tools, you’ll have a comforting dish that’s ideal for the holiday table or a weeknight dinner.
Benefits of Roasting Acorn Squash
Roasting acorn squash is one of the easiest ways to bring out its naturally sweet, nutty flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the stringy pulp that some other cooking methods can leave. Roasting also helps soften the tougher skin, making it tender and easy to eat.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Acorn Squash
This recipe starts with a whole acorn squash. It’s packed with nutrients, and its nutty flavor is perfect for roasting. - Vegan Butter (or Butter Mixture)
Using melted vegan butter adds a rich taste. Olive oil or browned butter are also great alternatives for those who prefer a different flavor profile. - Brown Sugar
Sweet brown sugar caramelizes beautifully when roasted, but maple syrup is a delicious swap for a slightly different sweetness. - Seasonings
A pinch of salt and pepper adds balance. For more spice, cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder can add a savory kick.
Helpful Tools
- Cutting Board and Large Sharp Knife
Cutting acorn squash can be tricky, so a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are essential. - Spoon
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff from the squash cavities. - Pastry Brush
A pastry brush makes it easy to apply the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the squash. - Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Prep Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the acorn squash on a cutting board. Cut it in half from the stem end to the bottom of the squash, and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the hollow center.
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with melted vegan butter and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking Instructions
- Bake the squash in a preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove it from the oven, flip the squash halves so the cut sides are up, and sprinkle brown sugar over the insides of the acorn.
- Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the squash is caramelized and tender.
Optional Notes:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the sweet flavors, or try drizzling a little maple syrup on top instead of brown sugar.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Roasted Acorn Squash
- Prevent Slipping: Placing a kitchen towel under the squash while cutting helps keep it stable.
- Flavor Boosts: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder for a hint of heat.
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for a squash without soft spots or deep cuts for the best results.
Serving Suggestions: Roasted Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar
This roasted acorn squash pairs well with savory flavors like garlic roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or a main course like roasted turkey or vegan roast. It’s also a delicious addition to your holiday table or Thanksgiving feast.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftover roasted acorn squash, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Acorn Squash vs. Other Winter Squashes
Acorn squash stands out for its nutty flavor and compact size. While it has tougher skin compared to delicata squash, it’s more manageable than butternut squash. Spaghetti squash, on the other hand, has a unique stringy texture.
Why Acorn Squash is a Perfect Fall Side Dish
Acorn squash is a fall favorite because it’s hearty, versatile, and packed with nutrients. Its sweet, nutty flavor and beautiful dark green and orange colors make it a showstopper on any table.
Nutritional Benefits of Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which is great for immune support and glowing skin. Its nutritional value makes it a fantastic choice for a balanced diet.
Adding Extra Flavor with Spice Variations
Want to experiment? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to bring out the sweet side of the squash, or a dash of chili powder if you’re craving savory flavors.
FAQs: Roasted Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar
Yes, delicata or butternut squash work well, though cooking times may vary.
A ripe acorn squash will have dark green skin and feel heavy for its size, without soft spots.
Maple syrup or coconut sugar can work as a great replacement.
The skin becomes tender when roasted, so feel free to enjoy it if you like!
Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1-2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1-2 tbsp melted butter vegan
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds and centre using a spoon. Cutting the squash on a kitchen towel can help prevent it from slipping. Always be extra careful when cutting a squash.
- Brush the cut side of the squash with the melted vegan butter and sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the squash onto a baking sheet with parchment paper, cut side down.
Baking
- Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
- At 25 mins, pull the squash out, flip it so the cut side is up and sprinkle on the brown sugar.
- Place it back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Roasted Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar
Roasted acorn squash with brown sugar is a simple recipe that captures the flavors of fall. It’s a comforting, nutrient-rich dish that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just as a healthy side for any meal. Enjoy this recipe’s rich flavors and ease, and try adding it to your Thanksgiving table or weekly dinners for a little extra seasonal joy.
Yum! This acorn squash was delicious!! And used maple syrup and brown sugar, such a great side dish!!
yay! So happy you loved it and it’s so good with maple syrup too! thank you so much 🙂
I love squash and this recipe was fantastic so simple and delicious!!
Thank you so much! I’m SO glad you liked the recipe! 🙂