Buttery Brown Sugar Acorn Squash: An Easy Fall Side Dish

Easy Baked Acorn Squash Side Dish

Acorn squash is baked with just butter and brown sugar until it turns perfectly soft, tender, sweet, and buttery—a deliciously easy fall side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or grilled chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Acorn Squash Recipe

This simple roasted squash dish brings warm flavors to your dinner table:

• Effortless prep in just 5 minutes
• Natural sweetness enhanced by brown sugar
• Perfect balance of savory butter and fall spices

Ingredients for Perfect Baked Acorn Squash

• 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• Pinch of salt and pepper (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Roast Your Acorn Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place each squash half cut-side up. Use a pastry brush to spread butter evenly in the cavity.
3. Spoon brown sugar into the center of each half, then season with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the flesh is soft when pierced with a fork—this brings out the natural sugars and creates a caramelized edge.
5. Let cool slightly, then serve warm for a side that steals the spotlight at any dinner.

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 189 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 18 g

Tips & Tricks for Roasting Acorn Squash

• Pick the right squash: Look for firm, unblemished skins.
• Flavor variations: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Batch prep: Roast extra squash and mash for soups or use in salads.

Enjoy your acorn squash side dish—it’s the perfect comfort food that brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to any meal.