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Cozy Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans

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This cozy brown sugar roasted acorn squash with pecans is a simple yet delicious fall side dish. Tender squash wedges are caramelized with brown sugar and butter, then topped with toasted pecans for a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 2 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • ½ cup pecan halves or pieces
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out seeds and stringy pulp.
  3. Cut each half into 3-4 wedges, about 1-inch thick at the widest part.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  5. Arrange squash wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  7. Brush the butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the squash wedges, including the edges.
  8. Roast for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle pecan halves or pieces evenly over and around the squash wedges.
  10. Return to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until squash is fork-tender and edges are caramelized.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar over the top. Drizzle with maple syrup if using.
  12. Serve warm, spooning any pecans and caramelized brown sugar from the pan over the top.

Notes

Don’t skip the salt—it balances the sweetness. Watch the oven in the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Let squash cool slightly before serving to allow caramelized sugar to set. Make extra as it disappears quickly. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, brown sugar, pecans, roasted squash, fall recipe, Thanksgiving side dish, caramelized squash

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/cozy-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash-with-pecans/