Creamy Honey Glazed Acorn Squash: A Sweet Side (Print Version)

Discover creamy Honey Glazed Acorn Squash! A simple side dish with sweet, savory notes. Perfect for any meal, easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Acorn Squash & Dairy

01 - 1 medium acorn squash
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Sweet & Savory Glaze

03 - 3 tablespoons honey
04 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

→ Seasoning Essentials

05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Flavor Boosters

08 - Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
09 - Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that acorn squash ready. I usually give it a good scrub under running water. Then, carefully cut it in half lengthwise. This can be a bit tricky, so take your time! Scoop out the seeds and those stringy bits—a sturdy spoon works wonders for this. I always feel a little accomplishment when I get all those seeds out, honestly. Then, cut each half into about 1-inch thick slices. This is where I sometimes get a little uneven, but it all cooks up fine in the end!
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a small saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s all liquidy and shimmering, stir in the honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Keep stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and everything is beautifully combined. It should smell absolutely divine, a warm, sweet aroma filling your kitchen. This is where I almost always taste it, just a tiny bit, to make sure it's perfect. Don't burn yourself, though!
03 - Time to get hands-on! In a large bowl, toss your acorn squash slices with a drizzle of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat them. Then, pour that gorgeous honey glaze all over the squash. Use your hands, or a spatula, to make sure every single piece is evenly coated. I love seeing how the glaze clings to the vibrant orange flesh. Arrange the glazed squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don't overcrowd it, or it won't caramelize properly!
04 - Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Let it roast for about 20-25 minutes. This is where the magic really happens! The edges start to get tender, and the glaze begins to thicken and bubble. I usually peek in a couple of times, just to admire the process. The smell, oh my goodness, the smell is just incredible at this point—a sweet, earthy aroma that makes your stomach rumble.
05 - After that initial roasting time, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs or a spatula, flip each slice of acorn squash so the other side can get some of that beautiful caramelization. You'll see those lovely browned bits, which are pure flavor bombs! Return the tray to the oven and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is perfectly tender and the glaze is sticky and golden. Don't be afraid to let it get a little dark on the edges, that's where the best flavor lives.
06 - Once your Honey Glazed Acorn Squash is beautifully tender and glistening, pull it out of the oven. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. I like to give it a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if I'm feeling fancy, or a tiny bit of fresh parsley for color. The final result should be soft, sweet, and just a little bit savory. It's truly a sight to behold, and honestly, it tastes even better than it looks!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; giving your squash space means better caramelization, honestly.
02 - Leftovers are great, but sometimes I find reheating in the oven keeps the texture better than the microwave.
03 - Maple syrup works beautifully if you're out of honey, I tried it once and it was a cozy swap.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh thyme at the end adds a surprising brightness, trust me on this one.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - parchment paper
03 - small saucepan
04 - large mixing bowl
05 - sharp knife
06 - spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Protein: 2g

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