Acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be easily baked in the oven for a healthy and satisfying meal. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet, and is perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet.
I had this acorn squash sitting on my counter forever and I had this plan to make a Thai soup with curry paste and coconut milk. This recipe for baked acorn squash with brown butter I've been seeing a lot on the Internet lately and it looks so good. It's a Paula Deen recipe so you know it's going to be good!
When you take the squash out of the oven, you'll notice a glorious pool of butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar just waiting to be scooped up an eaten with your choice of kitchen utensil. Your house will smell amazing and you'll have some of the best acorn squash you've ever tasted! This is how I'm used to making squash because my family always had it this way.
If you like Paula Deen recipes try her recipe for Paula Deen's Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, Crock Pot Potato Soup, or Hash Brown Quiche.
Jump to:
How to know if an acorn squash is cooked?
To check an acorn squash for tenderness prick it with a fork. If the flesh is tender on the inside it is ready to eat.
Ingredients Needed
- Acorn squash - is also packed with nutrients. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and is low in calories and fat. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and wellness.
- Brown sugar - Is made by combining granulated white sugar with molasses, which gives it a brown color and a slightly different taste than regular white sugar.
- Butter, softened -is the most commonly used type of butter in baking, as it allows for more control over the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Maple syrup - is a delicious, natural sweetener that comes in different grades and types, each with its own unique flavor and color.
- Salt and Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Squash Variations
For a sweet twist on this savory vegetable, try baking the squash with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar. This makes a delicious side dish or dessert that is perfect for fall. You can also stuff the squash with a mixture of apples, walnuts, and raisins for a healthy and satisfying dessert option.
How to Make Baked Acorn Squash
Step 1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2 Scoop the seeds and stringy pulp out of the squash cavities and discard.
Step 3 In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 4 Rub the squash cavities and cut sides of the squash with the butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5 When the squash is done baking cut it in half and then into quarters. The serving size is ¼th of the squash.
What to serve with acorn squash?
There are many ways to prepare acorn squash, but some of the best accompaniments include rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a variety of meats. Try this recipe for Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs.
Acorn squash is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of side dishes and main courses to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, there are many ways to prepare acorn squash that are sure to please your taste buds.
Recipe FAQS
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees and the time for 20 to 25 minutes.
To check an acorn squash for tenderness prick it with a fork. If the flesh is tender on the inside it is ready to eat.
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.
More Great Recipes to Try :
If you tried this Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Recipes Diaries.
Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter is my favorite way to have squash and it can be cooked in the oven or air fryer!
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, cut in ½
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Scoop the seeds and stringy pulp out of the squash cavities and discard. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt and pepper, to taste. Rub the squash cavities and cut sides of the squash with the butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- When the squash is done baking cut it in half and then into quarters. The serving size is ¼th of the squash.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen
My WW Personal Points: 6 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)
Serving size: The picture shows the squash cut in half but it is actually meant for 4 servings. So cut each half into quarters.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 225
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 2
Ann says
I've made this so many times and my whole family loves it.
Karen says
While I enjoyed it, I prefer sweet potatoes. I had never had acorn squash so I made both the sweet and savory versions. I LOVED the savory!
Jenna says
The picture shows the squash cut in half but it is actually meant for 4 servings. I had to double-check what I had in my recipe builder and it was 4 servings not 2.
Need to update the photo and # of servings since I hadn't touched this recipe since 2014.
Cheryl says
The point values given are half of what they should be, unless you meant one teaspoon each of the butter, sugar, and syrup?
Tracy says
Trying this tonight! Bought a squash at a local market! Sounds amazing!
Vickie says
I added a little nutmeg. Also used 1 T brown sugar and 1 T maple syrup to cut back on the sweetness!
Linda says
LOVE this recipe! It’s my husbands most favorite way to have squash! He requests it once a week!
Janaan domeyer says
The maple butter is fantastic. I had to hasten the cooking, so I put the squash in the microwave for 8 minutes. I then put it in a convection oven for 15 minutes. It came out wonderfully!
Wendy says
Once my family and I tried this, it has been my go to recipe time and time again!! Delicious every time!! Yum!
Ntando says
I love your post, I love fall, I'm into it too and I also love fall food recipes, so I will be chncikeg your squash one. Come over for a piece of Cinnamon bread and coffe. Sunflowers are so right for fall, I will be having a total fall tablescape for TT at, BNOTP...you're welcomed already. Lots of hugs. FABBY