Description
This Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Browned Butter is a delicious and elegant fall side dish featuring tender roasted acorn squash slices coated in a rich, nutty maple browned butter and garnished with fresh sage. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the squash while the browned butter and maple syrup add a decadent, aromatic glaze.
Ingredients
Squash
- 2 medium acorn squash (1-3 pounds each)
Maple Browned Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Squash: Wash and dry the acorn squash thoroughly. On a cutting board, slice each squash in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out all seeds and pulp. Place each half cut-side down and slice into ½-inch wide half-moon shapes. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for even roasting.
- Make Browned Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk frequently as it melts and begins to foam.
- Bake Butter to Brown: Continue heating the butter over medium heat, whisking occasionally until brown specs appear at the bottom and the butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat immediately and transfer the browned butter to a measuring cup or bowl to halt cooking.
- Add Maple Syrup: Whisk the maple syrup into the browned butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Coat Squash: Drizzle the maple browned butter evenly over the squash slices. Use your clean hands or a pastry brush to rub the glaze into each piece. Sprinkle with kosher salt to season.
- Roast Squash: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Flip the slices once halfway through roasting for even browning. Roast until squash is fork-tender and skin is crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the squash from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped sage over the top as garnish, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Note 1: Washing the exterior of squash removes dirt and bacteria that could transfer during cutting.
- Note 2: Arranging squash evenly spaced ensures proper roasting and caramelization.
- Note 3: Browning butter requires close attention as it can burn quickly; watch for nutty aroma and golden color.
- Note 4: Fork-tender squash means it should pierce easily with a fork without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
