Description

This Maple Butter Roasted Acorn Squash recipe delivers tender, caramelized squash wedges brushed with a luscious blend of melted butter, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon. Perfectly roasted to bring out natural sweetness and enhanced with optional fresh thyme garnish, this easy side dish makes a comforting addition to any meal or holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash

2 medium acorn squash (halved and seeds removed)

Maple Butter Glaze

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Garnish (optional)

Fresh thyme

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prepare for roasting the squash.
Prepare Squash: Cut each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Either slice each half into wedges or leave them halved based on preference, then place cut-side up on the baking sheet.
Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined to create the maple butter glaze.
Coat Squash: Generously brush or spoon the maple butter mixture over each piece of squash, making sure to coat evenly for full flavor coverage.
Roast Squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, basting once halfway through cooking, until tender and caramelized around the edges.
Finish and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, drizzle any remaining maple butter from the pan over the squash, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Serve: Serve warm as a cozy side dish alongside roasted meats or your favorite holiday dishes.

Notes

For extra crisp edges, slice the squash into wedges rather than leaving in halves.
Fresh thyme adds a savory contrast but can be omitted or substituted with rosemary.
You can adjust the amount of brown sugar for a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
Make sure to baste halfway during roasting to enhance caramelization and flavor absorption.
Use parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.