This sweet-and-spicy Roasted Acorn Squash is topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds, crispy sage, recent citrus, and pomegranate. With completely caramelized edges, it’s a must-try facet dish for Fall!
This candy and spicy roasted acorn squash is something however fundamental! I’ve made a variety of roasted squash recipes through the years, however this candy and spicy model is hands-down my favourite.
That buttery glaze with cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili powder, and simply the correct quantity of brown sugar, hits all the correct notes. Particularly as soon as paired with recent orange zest, crispy sage, and pumpkin and/or pomegranate seeds on high.
Slice, roast, season, and toss it into the oven – this squash is secretly simple to make in lower than an hour. It’s the type of facet dish that will get extra compliments than the primary course!
Key Ingredient Notes
Discover the full printable recipe with particular measurements under.
- Acorn Squash: Search for squash with deep inexperienced pores and skin and no mushy spots; the ridges could make slicing difficult, so take your time and use a pointy knife.
- Brown Sugar: You need to use gentle or darkish relying on how wealthy you need the flavour. You may as well swap it for maple syrup, however I personally desire the caramel-like taste from brown sugar.
- Orange: Freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest add a terrific citrus pop to brighten up the dish. It actually brings all of the flavors collectively and I extremely advocate not skipping it! While you grate the orange zest, make sure you solely grate the brilliant orange pores and skin – and never the bitter white pith under it.
- Spices: The candy and spicy taste comes from a comfy mixture of cinnamon, ginger, smoked paprika, and a contact of warmth from the chili powder. If you would like much more warmth, be happy so as to add a pinch of cayenne!
Non-compulsory Toppings
The toppings actually take this squash to the subsequent degree! Toasted pumpkin seeds add crunch and a nutty taste that balances the mushy squash. Nevertheless you may also use the recent seeds from the acorn squash – simply season and roast them for a zero-waste choice.
The pomegranate arils deliver juicy pops of tartness that distinction the sweetness and spice. And in case you have recent sage, a fast toast brings out a wealthy, earthy taste that’s the proper of completion. The combo of the 2 makes the dish look beautiful with a brilliant pop of purple and inexperienced.
Every topping provides its personal layer of texture and taste, however you’ll be able to combine and match based mostly on what you’ve got. You may as well add crumbled goat cheese (or feta cheese) for a creamy addition.
How To Bake Acorn Squash
When you’ve by no means had roasted acorn squash with a candy and spicy twist, get able to be hooked. Under are just a few suggestions, scroll right down to the printable recipe card for full directions!
No have to peel. The pores and skin of acorn squash turns into mushy and completely edible as soon as roasted, so that you don’t need to peel it. When you’re not a fan of the feel, you'll be able to all the time peel it after roasting.
Use a pointy and durable knife. Acorn squash has robust pores and skin and deep ridges. A superb chopping board with a towel beneath might help maintain the squash secure as you chop it.
In case your squash is absolutely laborious to chop, pop it within the microwave for two to three minutes. It softens simply sufficient to make slicing safer and simpler.
Scoop out all of the seeds and stringy bits: A sturdy spoon or an ice cream scoop works nice for cleansing out the within. Save the seeds for those who plan to roast them!
You need the squash mushy however not mushy. In case your squash slices are thicker than ½ inch, add just a few further minutes to the roasting time and examine for tenderness with a fork.
Add garnishes for layers of taste and texture! It’s not nearly appears to be like, the pomegranate arils, seasoned pumpkin seeds (or acorn squash seeds!), orange zest, and crispy sage make it shine.
Put together in Advance
When you’re serving this for a vacation or feast, you'll be able to even prep every little thing forward of time.
Prep the squash forward of time, make your sauce, and retailer every little thing individually within the fridge. Then all it's important to do is assemble and roast whenever you’re prepared.
When you select to pre-roast the squash, heat the squash within the oven simply earlier than serving. Make sure you solely add the toppings if you find yourself able to serve, so that they keep crisp and recent.
Yield: 6 servings
Roasted Acorn Squash
Candy and spicy with completely caramelized edges, this Roasted Acorn Squash is the final word fall facet dish!
Substances
Seasoned Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Non-compulsory Garnish)
Crispy Sage Leaves (Non-compulsory Garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray).
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Minimize every of the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Then lower the squash into half inch slices. Lay the slices on the ready baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, whisk to mix the melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili powder, ginger, and salt. Drizzle the combination over the squash slices, then sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on high.
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Place within the oven and bake for 25 to half-hour, till fork tender.
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Place the squash on a serving plate and sprinkle the recent orange zest excessive. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, pomegranate arils, toasted sage leaves, as desired.
Seasoned Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
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Place the pumpkin seeds in a small bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cayenne, tossing to coat. Unfold on a baking sheet and bake for about quarter-hour (at 400°F) till barely toasted. You may roast these concurrently the squash within the oven!
Crispy Sage
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Warmth the oil in a skillet over medium warmth. As soon as scorching, add the sage leaves in a single layer. You wish to simply toast them barely, about 30 seconds. Watch rigorously as they burn shortly! As soon as crisped, switch them to a paper towel lined plate to empty.
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Notes
Reheat: Reheat within the microwave till warmed via. Take note – you don’t wish to warmth the Pomegranate seeds!
Vitamin
Serving: 1 serving, Energy: 244kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 3g, Fats: 16g, Saturated Fats: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g, Monounsaturated Fats: 5g, Trans Fats: 0.5g, Ldl cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 297mg, Potassium: 594mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 1234IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 72mg, Iron: 2mg
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