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Crispy Brown Sugar Glazed Stuffed Acorn Squash

crispy brown sugar glazed stuffed acorn squash - featured image
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A festive and flavorful side dish featuring acorn squash halves roasted until tender, stuffed with a savory mixture of quinoa, nuts, and herbs, and finished with a caramelized brown sugar and maple glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squashes
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or wild rice
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sautéed onions
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
  • Optional: Crumbled goat cheese or feta

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Wash acorn squashes and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out seeds and pulp with a spoon.
  3. Drizzle the inside of the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side up in the baking dish.
  4. Roast the squash for 20 minutes until partially tender.
  5. While squash roasts, mix cooked quinoa, toasted nuts, sautéed onions, and fresh herbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Remove squash from oven and stuff the cavities with the quinoa mixture. Return to oven for 10 minutes.
  7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne until glossy and thick.
  8. Remove squash from oven. Brush generously with the warm glaze.
  9. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until glaze bubbles and caramelizes into a crispy crust.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra nuts or herbs.

Notes

Ensure squash is tender but firm before stuffing to prevent collapse. Toast nuts beforehand for better flavor and crunch. The glaze can burn easily, so keep heat medium-low and watch closely. For a vegan version, swap butter for vegan butter and omit cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, brown sugar glaze, stuffed squash, vegetarian side, easy dinner, autumn recipes

Find it online: https://islatable.com/crispy-brown-sugar-glazed-stuffed-acorn-squash-easy-holiday-side/