Maple Glazed Roasted Acorn Squash

$- 2 medium acorn squashes - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Fresh parsley leaves for garnish - Alternative sweeteners: You can use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. - Oil options: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. - Nut substitutes: If you want to skip pecans, try walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. When I make this dish, I love to play with the ingredients. You can easily swap out the maple syrup for honey if you like a different kind of sweetness. Olive oil brings great flavor, but avocado oil works just as well. Pecans add a fun crunch, but walnuts or even pumpkin seeds can be a great choice too. I encourage you to experiment just like I do. Each change can give the dish a new twist! 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the squash roasts evenly and caramelizes well. 2. Cutting and cleaning acorn squash Carefully slice the acorn squashes in half from stem to tip. Use a sharp knife for this. After cutting, scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon. This creates a hollow space that will hold the glaze. 3. Making the maple glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. This glaze brings out the sweetness of the squash. 1. Arranging squash on the baking sheet Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the squash halves cut-side up on the sheet. This setup helps with easy removal later. 2. Brushing the glaze Generously brush the maple glaze over the cut sides of the squash. Make sure to coat them well. The more glaze, the more flavor. 3. Roasting time and temperature Roast the squash in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. Check if the flesh is tender by piercing it with a fork. It should go in easily. 1. Applying additional glaze halfway through Halfway through roasting, take the squash out. Brush a bit more glaze over the tops for added flavor and sweetness. 2. Garnishing before serving Once the squash is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish each half with fresh parsley leaves. This adds color and a fresh taste. 3. Plating tips Serve the roasted squash halves on a nice platter. Show off their caramelized glaze. If you have leftover pecans, sprinkle them on top for extra crunch and appeal. To make the best maple glaze, you need a mix of sweet and spicy. Start with pure maple syrup. It adds a rich sweetness. You can also add ground cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. Fresh spices give a bolder flavor than dried ones. If you use dried spices, check the amounts. They are usually more potent. To check if your squash is done, poke it with a fork. It should slide in easily. If you want even roasting, cut the squash halves uniformly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Place them cut-side up. This allows the glaze to caramelize well. Maple glazed roasted acorn squash pairs well with meats like turkey or chicken. It also goes great with grains like quinoa or wild rice. For drinks, try a light white wine or a spiced apple cider. These will enhance the meal's flavors. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your maple glazed roasted acorn squash in fun ways. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. This adds warmth without overpowering. If you prefer savory flavors, mix in minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These additions bring a new layer of flavor to your dish. You can cook acorn squash in different ways. Air frying is a great option. It gives you a crispy texture while using less oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 25 minutes. Check for doneness by poking it with a fork. Grilling is another fun method. Cut the squash into rings for easy grilling. Brush the glaze on both sides and grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. You’ll get a lovely smoky flavor along with the sweetness from the maple. If you want a vegan dish, it’s easy to adjust the recipe. Simply skip the optional pecans if you’re concerned about nuts. Make sure that all your ingredients are plant-based. Most maple syrup is vegan, but check the label to be sure. Enjoy your delicious and dairy-free meal! To store leftover maple glazed roasted acorn squash, first let it cool. Place the squash in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying. The squash will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To freeze acorn squash, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. The squash can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the squash in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. In the fridge, maple glazed roasted acorn squash lasts about three days. Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell or mushy texture. If you see mold, it is best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when checking food freshness. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for pre-prepping: - Prepare the Squash: You can cut the squash and scoop out the seeds a day before. Store them in the fridge. - Make the Glaze: Mix the maple glaze and store it in an airtight container. This saves time when you are ready to cook. - Roasting: When you are ready to serve, take the squash out, brush with glaze, and roast as directed. To know when the acorn squash is done, look for these signs: - Tender Flesh: The flesh should be soft when you poke it with a fork. - Caramelization: You will see nice caramelized edges on the squash. - Time: Roasting usually takes around 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Quinoa Salad: A light salad adds a nice contrast. - Grilled Chicken: The squash enhances the savory flavor of grilled chicken. - Green Beans: Steamed green beans bring a fresh touch. - Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice goes well with the sweet squash. For the complete recipe, click [here](#). In this post, I covered how to prepare delicious maple glazed roasted acorn squash. You learned about the key ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips to perfect the glaze and suggested various cooking methods. Finally, I explained storage options and answered common questions. Now, it’s your turn to try this tasty dish. Enjoy the flavors and the ease of making it!$

Maple Glazed Roasted Acorn Squash

Savor the flavors of fall with this delicious Maple Glazed Roasted Acorn Squash recipe! Perfectly roasted and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze, this dish is not only simple to make but also brings a cozy touch to your table. Discover how easy it is to create a stunning presentation that might just steal the spotlight at dinner.

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Ingredients

2 medium acorn squashes

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)

Fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect roasting environment for the squash.

Carefully slice the acorn squashes in half from stem to tip using a sharp knife. Use a spoon to scoop out any seeds and stringy flesh from the center, creating a hollow space for the glaze.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined into a smooth glaze.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange the squash halves with the cut-sides facing up on the sheet.

Generously brush the maple glaze mixture over the cut sides of the squash halves, making sure to coat them thoroughly for maximum flavor.

If you wish for an added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans inside each squash half before placing them in the oven.

Roast the squash in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and a fork easily pierces through.

About halfway through the roasting time, take the squash out and brush a little more of the maple glaze over the tops for an extra layer of flavor.

Once they are perfectly roasted, remove the acorn squashes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before handling.

Just before serving, garnish each half with fresh parsley leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the roasted squash halves on a platter, showcasing their beautiful caramelized glaze, and make sure to sprinkle any leftover pecans for an inviting texture.