Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
If you’ve never ventured into the world of Acorn Squash, this recipe is a fantastic introduction – you’ll fall in love instantly! I was pleasantly surprised to see how much both of my kids adored it. It seems impossible to resist the allure of maple syrup and butter.
What is an Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash gets its name from its resemblance to an acorn, featuring grooves or ridges running from the tip to the stem. Like pumpkins, it boasts a tough skin that can be quite challenging to cut through, so make sure to go through our helpful tips below before you get started. Most acorn squash varieties sport a dark green exterior but can exhibit a range of colors from orange to yellow. Inside, you’ll find pale yellow flesh.
Pro Tip: When selecting a squash, opt for one that feels heavy for its size and has smooth skin without any soft spots. Similar to a watermelon, a green acorn squash should ideally have a deep orange spot where it touched the ground, indicating it was picked at the perfect time.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for this delightful dish are quite simple and can typically be found in your refrigerator or pantry.
- Acorn Squash – You’ll need 1 squash to serve 2 people (see our tips below for buying the perfect squash).
- Olive oil – Opt for extra light olive oil for a milder flavor when brushing the squash.
- Unsalted Butter – While 1 tablespoon per squash half may seem generous, you’ll appreciate it once you take that first bite. Butter truly enhances the dish.
- Maple Syrup – Use real maple syrup for that authentic taste, and you might want extra for serving.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon imparts lovely fall flavor notes.
- Fine Sea Salt – Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt before roasting and more to taste if needed after.
