Buttery Brown Sugar Acorn Squash

Elevate your autumn dinner table with our Buttery Brown Sugar Acorn Squash recipe, where acorn squash halves are generously brushed with a sweet brown sugar buttery mixture, creating the perfect side dish for any fall meal or holiday table. 

Whenever I make this oven roasted acorn squash, I can’t help but think of my dad. He’s an avid gardener and this is his favorite way to prepare acorn squash. For another favorite squash recipe, try our Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash! Or turn squash into a full meal with our Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta.

Why This Recipe Works

• Most amazing brown sugar acorn squash. The combination of sweet brown sugar and rich, creamy butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Karly, a reader, said: “Never really thought I’d be drooling over a squash, but it’s happening. And this looks absolutely amazing- the perfect new dish to add to the Thanksgiving spread!”
• Easy acorn squash with butter and brown sugar. With just 3 ingredients and straightforward steps, this simple recipe is perfect to put together as a delicious side dish for any of your favorite fall meals. 

Ingredient Notes

• Acorn Squash: I used a 3 lb acorn squash, but feel free to use whatever size. Wash the whole acorn squash, then slice it in half and scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp to begin prep for this easy side dish. 
• Butter: Melt the butter and add the sugar. This will be our sugary butter mixture to brush onto the squash. 
• Brown Sugar: Feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar if you don’t want it as sweet. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cover a baking sheet or baking dish with aluminum foil and set aside.
2. Prepare the acorn squash. Wash the squash and cut in half. Remove seeds and stringy bits. Place on the baking sheet.
3. Combine buttery brown sugar mixture. In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Stir to combine.
4. Brush acorn squash with butter mixture. Using a pastry brush, brush the butter and brown sugar mixture over the entire squash, using the entire mixture. The mixture will pool in the squash cavity.
5. Roast the acorn squash. Place the acorn squash in the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes until soft and tender. A fork should slide through it with no resistance. Remove and let cool for a few minutes. Serve the baked acorn squash as is or scoop out the squash meet and place in a serving bowl. Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

Make sure to remove all the seeds and stringy center from the acorn squash before brushing it with the buttery brown sugar mixture.

For an extra flavor dimension, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar mixture.

The hint of salt balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly.

To check for doneness, insert a fork into the roasted squash; it should glide through without any resistance.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

Make Ahead: You can prepare the buttery brown sugar mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply brush the mixture onto the squash and roast as directed.

Storing: Leftover roasted acorn squash can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing: While acorn squash can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cut the squash into cubes, place them in an airtight container, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Recipe FAQs

More Squash Recipes

• Butternut Squash Alfredo
• Butternut Squash Ravioli
• Butternut Squash and Kale
• Butternut Squash Pasta