Honeyglazed Baked Acorn Squash with Toasted Pecans

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some Acorn Squash Baked goodness? Ever wondered how to make that squash lurking in your fruit basket shine? My Honey Glazed Baked Acorn Squash Recipe with Toasted Pecans is here! It’s sweet, nutty, and totally autumn in a bowl.

Fall Harvest on Your Plate

Acorn Squash Recipes are kinda classic. This Acorn Squash dish hails from North America. It is a celebration of the harvest season.

It's super easy. Prep takes 15 minutes . Baking needs 45- 50 minutes . It yields two tasty servings.

Benefits of Baked Squash

This isn’t just tasty. This Acorn Squash is packed with fiber. Fiber is good for you. Serve this as a Fall Side Dish Recipe .

It also works as a Thanksgiving Side Dish Vegetarian option. Honestly, it's the perfect comfort food.

What Makes This Easy Acorn Squash Recipe Shine?

This recipe is special because of the honey glaze. The honey glaze is special with cinnamon and nutmeg. This enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.

Plus, toasted pecans add crunch. I love serving this on chilly evenings. It warms you right up!

Grab Your Ingredients

You only need a few things for this Roasted Acorn Squash With Pecans . Get one medium Acorn Squash . Also grab butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pecans.

Fresh sage is optional but pretty.

Personal Story

I remember the first time I made this. I nearly sliced my thumb halving the squash! Use a sharp knife, folks! Rock it back and forth carefully, or microwave the squash for a couple minutes to soften! Lesson learned!

Let's Cook!

Ready to make some magic? Follow the simple steps, and you will have a delicious and healthy dish! Let’s get started!

Alright, let's get this show on the road! We're diving into a seriously tasty baked acorn squash recipe . I promise, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.

This recipe will be a game changer for your fall side dish recipes.

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, let's chat about what you'll need for this honey glazed acorn squash masterpiece. Don't worry, you probably have most of it already. Honestly, acorn squash recipes don't need to be complicated!

Main Ingredients

Here’s the lowdown on the goods.

• 1 medium acorn squash (around 1.5 lbs or 680g ) - Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size. No bruises!
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted ( 30ml ). Use good quality butter. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• 2 tablespoons honey ( 30ml ) - Local honey is fab, if you can swing it.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( 2.5ml ) - Freshly ground? Chef's kiss .
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 1.25ml ) - Adds a warm, cozy vibe.
• Pinch of salt - Sea salt, kosher salt, whatever floats your boat.
• 1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted ( 30g ) - These add such a nice crunch.
• Optional: Fresh sage leaves - For a fancy garnish.

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up, baby! Essential spice combinations make this dish sing.

Cinnamon and nutmeg are a classic combo for a reason. They're warm and comforting. Flavor enhancers and aromatics elevate a simple dish.

Swap cinnamon for allspice or ginger for a twist. A quick substitution can save the day.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. Essential tools only.

• Baking sheet - Any old one will do.
• Parchment paper - (Optional) Makes cleanup a breeze.
• Sharp knife - Be careful!
• Mixing bowl - For the glaze.
• Small saucepan - (Optional) For toasting pecans.

You probably have all that stuff already. Sometimes, a common household alternative is all you need!

This easy acorn squash recipe is so versatile. It’s perfect as one of your Thanksgiving side dish vegetarian options. It's also fantastic as a roasted acorn squash with pecans .

Alright, let's dive into baked acorn squash recipe . Honestly, it's one of those fall side dish recipes that just screams "cozy".

I swear, the smell alone makes my flat feel like Thanksgiving is early.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place is your best mate. You know? The French term for getting everything ready. Grab 1 medium acorn squash and your spices.

You'll need 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt .

Don't forget 1/4 cup pecans .

Time saving tip? Microwave the squash for 2- 3 minutes if you're struggling to cut it. Seriously, it makes life easier.

Safety first, though. Use a sharp knife and watch those fingers.

step-by-step: Baking Brilliance

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get that Acorn Squash Baked vibe going!
2. Halve the acorn squash and scoop out the seeds.
3. Whisk together melted butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt .
4. Brush the cut sides of the squash with the glaze. Get every nook!
5. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 45- 50 minutes , until fork tender. That means a fork slides in easily.
7. Toast the pecans while it's baking. About 3- 5 minutes in a pan or the last 5 minutes in the oven.
8. Sprinkle pecans on top. Ta-dah!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Squash Game

Want that honey glazed acorn squash perfection? Toast those pecans! It brings out the flavor. Also, don't overcrowd the baking sheet.

Space helps with even cooking. This will give you a Roasted acorn squash with pecans

Common mistake? Not softening the squash before cutting. Trust me, that microwave trick saves lives. And, if you want an easy acorn squash recipe , make the glaze ahead of time.

Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you have these Acorn Squash Recipes up your sleeve, you're winning!

So, whether you're looking for Squash Recipes or the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish vegetarian option, this Acorn Squash is a winner. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Baked Acorn Squash Recipe

Alright, let's talk about this baked acorn squash recipe a bit more! I want to give you some extra tips.

These will really make your dish shine. Honestly, it’s all about the little things.

Serving It Up: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? For my honey glazed acorn squash , I like to put each half on a nice plate.

I sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top. A sprig of fresh sage adds a pop of colour. It makes it look fancy.

This easy acorn squash recipe will look amazing!

As for sides, a simple salad works wonders. Something green, like spinach or kale. A light vinaigrette is perfect. Also, think about a roasted chicken or pork loin.

Fall side dish recipes don't get much better than this. I sometimes enjoy it with a glass of dry sparkling cider, it's a treat!

Storing Leftovers: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! Let the baked squash cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days.

You can also freeze it! Just wrap each half tightly in cling film. Then, put them in a freezer bag.

It’ll last for up to 2 months.

Reheating is a breeze. Just microwave it for a few minutes. Or, heat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warm.

Honestly, it still tastes great the next day.

Remixing Your Squash: Variations Galore

Want to mix things up? Try a maple glaze instead of honey! It’s equally delicious. For a savoury twist, skip the honey.

Use olive oil and herbs like thyme and rosemary. It makes it another one of the unique Acorn Squash Recipes .

If you are vegan, no sweat! Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Vegan butter works just as well.

You can experiment with different nuts too. Walnuts or pumpkin seeds are great instead of pecans. You have other alternatives such as a Roasted acorn squash with pecans .

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside

Okay, quick nutrition lesson. One serving of this acorn squash has about 300 calories. You also get 3 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber.

The acorn squash baked is low in fat, so you can add it to your Thanksgiving side dish vegetarian menu.

Remember, this is a rough estimate!

So there you have it! All my tips and tricks for the perfect baked acorn squash . It’s easier than you think.

Give it a go and let me know how it turns out! You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an easier way to cut acorn squash? Mine's always so tough!

Cutting acorn squash can be a bit of a workout! If you're finding it too difficult, try microwaving the whole squash for 2-3 minutes. This will soften it just enough to make it easier to slice safely. Remember to use a sharp knife and rock it back and forth carefully.

Can I make this baked acorn squash recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components ahead! The honey glaze can be mixed and stored in the fridge. You can also roast the squash a day ahead of time, then simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Just add the toasted pecans right before serving to keep them crunchy - no one likes a soggy nut!

What other toppings go well with baked acorn squash? I'm looking for some tasty variations.

Baked acorn squash is like a blank canvas for flavor! Besides the honey and pecans in this recipe, try a savory version with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Crumble some goat cheese on top for a tangy contrast, or sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a burst of freshness. Get creative!

How do I store leftover baked acorn squash?

Leftover baked acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven, microwave, or even eat it cold it's delicious added to salads! Just be aware that the texture might soften slightly upon reheating.

It's a bit like reheated chips, still good, but best fresh!

Is baked acorn squash recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Absolutely! Acorn squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. While this recipe includes honey, which adds sugar, you can adjust the amount to suit your dietary needs.

It's a comforting and nutritious side dish that's much better for you than a bag of crisps!

Can I make this baked acorn squash recipe vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Instead of butter, use a vegan butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a breeze to enjoy this delicious dish while adhering to a plant based diet.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!