Get ready to transform an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! This Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Walnuts recipe is not just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that bridges the gap between comfort food and gourmet cooking. With its caramelized brown sugar, crunchy walnuts, and tender squash, this recipe turns a humble vegetable into a mouthwatering masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squashes
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Carefully wash the acorn squashes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each squash in half from top to bottom, cutting through the stem end.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each squash half. Discard the seeds or save them for roasting separately.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly season the inside of each squash half with a pinch of salt.
- Divide the butter evenly among the squash halves, placing a small pat of butter in the hollow center of each half.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar into each squash half, making sure to distribute it evenly across the surface.
- Generously scatter the chopped walnuts over the brown sugar, pressing them slightly into the sugar to help them adhere.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the squash cool for 5 minutes before serving. The brown sugar will have caramelized, creating a rich, sweet glaze.
- Serve warm as a side dish, ensuring each person receives a half squash with its caramelized walnuts and brown sugar topping.
Tips
- Choose squashes that feel heavy for their size and have a deep, rich color with minimal blemishes.
- For easier cutting, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes to soften it slightly before slicing.
- To enhance the nutty flavor, consider lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them to the squash.
- For a more complex flavor profile, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the brown sugar.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, substitute maple syrup for brown sugar or use a combination of both.
- Always let the squash rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the caramelized sugar to set and cool slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
