Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Description: Treat yourself to a delightful dish with this Baked Acorn Squash & Brown Sugar recipe, perfect for cozy winter evenings or as a healthy side dish any time of year. The natural sweetness of acorn squash pairs beautifully with the caramelized notes of brown sugar, creating a savory-sweet symphony that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is not only delicious but also low in protein and cholesterol, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking healthier options. With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this delectable dish in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 112.4
- Fat Content: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 8.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 29.2g
- Fiber Content: 3.2g
- Sugar Content: 6.7g
- Protein Content: 1.7g
Recipe Details:
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 minutes | 0 minutes | 40 minutes | 2 |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your squash bakes evenly and develops a deliciously tender texture.
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Prepare the Squash: Carefully slice the acorn squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Take care to cut through the stem, and then gently scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center using a spoon. Discard the seeds or save them for roasting if desired.
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Bake the Squash: Place the squash halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Sprinkle each half evenly with brown sugar, allowing the natural nooks and crannies of the squash to catch the sweetness.
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Bake Until Tender: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the squash for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender and caramelized around the edges. The brown sugar should melt and form a delicious glaze over the surface of the squash, enhancing its natural flavors.
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Serve Warm: Once baked to perfection, remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. For a finishing touch, you can gently stir the brown sugar into the softened squash flesh until it’s somewhat smooth, creating a luscious, caramelized filling that’s sure to impress.
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Enjoy: Serve the Baked Acorn Squash & Brown Sugar as a savory side dish alongside your favorite entrees, or savor it on its own as a wholesome and satisfying snack. The tender squash infused with the sweetness of brown sugar is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Tips for Success:
- Choose ripe acorn squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, rich color. This ensures that your squash will be flavorful and tender once baked.
- For added flavor, you can enhance the dish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice before baking.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil during the first half of baking and then remove it for the remaining time to prevent excess browning.
- Don’t limit yourself to just brown sugar! Experiment with different sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Reviews:
This recipe has received an impressive 5-star rating based on 9 reviews. Here’s what some of our satisfied home cooks had to say:
- “Absolutely delicious! The squash came out perfectly tender, and the brown sugar added just the right amount of sweetness. This will definitely be a staple in my kitchen from now on!” – Sarah
- “Such a simple yet satisfying recipe! I loved how easy it was to prepare, and the end result was simply divine. Even my picky eaters couldn’t get enough!” – Michael
- “I made this for a dinner party, and it was a huge hit! The squash was perfectly caramelized, and the brown sugar added a delightful sweetness that complemented the savory flavor beautifully. I’ll definitely be making this again!” – Emily
Keywords:
Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Winter, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this irresistible Baked Acorn Squash & Brown Sugar recipe. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side dish or a cozy winter treat, this simple yet satisfying dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of roasted acorn squash enveloped in a sweet, caramelized glaze – it’s a culinary delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
