Maple Acorn Squash No. 1
Description
This Maple Acorn Squash is a comforting and elegant side dish that transforms humble winter vegetables into a festive centerpiece. The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by a rich filling of melted butter, pure maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each roasted half is crowned with savory bacon, creating a delightful contrast between sweet, tender flesh and salty, crisp meat. The steaming method ensures the squash becomes fork-tender while retaining its vibrant color. Perfect for holiday dinners, Thanksgiving gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that appeals to both adults and children. It pairs beautifully with roast meats or stands alone as a vegetarian-friendly option (omit bacon).Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
-
Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands.
-
Arrange the squash halves cut-side up in a large shallow baking pan.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and softened butter until well combined.
-
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the maple-butter mixture into the hollow of each squash half.
-
Place one quarter piece of bacon on top of the filling in each squash half.
-
Pour boiling water into the baking pan until it reaches about 1 inch deep around the squash.
-
Bake in the preheated oven until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour.
-
Remove from oven and serve warm, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 542.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33.6g52%
- Saturated Fat 14.7g74%
- Cholesterol 55.2mg19%
- Sodium 3421.0mg143%
- Total Carbohydrate 42.2g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
- Sugars 31.8g
- Protein 19.7g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
acorn squash, maple syrup, bacon, roasted squash, holiday side dish, winter vegetables, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, butter, thanksgiving, christmas dinner, vegetarian option, comfort food, oven baked, side dish, spiced squash, sweet and savory, fall recipe, easy sides