Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries (2024)

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Acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be easily baked in the oven for a healthy and satisfying meal. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet, and is perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries (1)

I had this acorn squash sitting on my counter forever and I had this plan to make a Thai soup with curry paste and coconut milk. This recipe for baked acorn squash with brown butter I've been seeing a lot on the Internet lately and it looks so good. It's a Paula Deen recipe so you know it's going to be good!

When you take the squash out of the oven, you'll notice a glorious pool of butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar just waiting to be scooped up an eaten with your choice of kitchen utensil. Your house will smell amazing and you'll have some of the best acorn squash you've ever tasted! This is how I'm used to making squash because my family always had it this way.

If you like Paula Deen recipes try her recipe for Paula Deen's Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, Crock Pot Potato Soup, or Hash Brown Quiche.

Jump to:
  • How to know if an acorn squash is cooked?
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Squash Variations
  • How to Make Baked Acorn Squash
  • What to serve with acorn squash?
  • Recipe FAQS
  • More Great Recipes to Try :
  • Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter

How to know if an acorn squash is cooked?

To check an acorn squash for tenderness prick it with a fork. If the flesh is tender on the inside it is ready to eat.

Ingredients Needed

  • Acorn squash - is also packed with nutrients. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and is low in calories and fat. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and wellness.
  • Brown sugar - Is made by combining granulated white sugar with molasses, which gives it a brown color and a slightly different taste than regular white sugar.
  • Butter, softened -is the most commonly used type of butter in baking, as it allows for more control over the amount of salt in the recipe.
  • Maple syrup - is a delicious, natural sweetener that comes in different grades and types, each with its own unique flavor and color.
  • Salt and Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Squash Variations

For a sweet twist on this savory vegetable, try baking the squash with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar. This makes a delicious side dish or dessert that is perfect for fall. You can also stuff the squash with a mixture of apples, walnuts, and raisins for a healthy and satisfying dessert option.

How to Make Baked Acorn Squash

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Scoop the seeds and stringy pulp out of the squash cavities and discard. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt and pepper, to taste. Rub the squash cavities and cut sides of the squash with the butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. When the squash is done baking cut it in half and then into quarters. The serving size is ¼th of the squash.
Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries (2)

What to serve with acorn squash?

There are many ways to prepare acorn squash, but some of the best accompaniments include rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a variety of meats. Try this recipe for Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs.

Acorn squash is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of side dishes and main courses to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, there are many ways to prepare acorn squash that are sure to please your taste buds.

Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries (3)

Recipe FAQS

How to know if an acorn squash is cooked?

To check an acorn squash for tenderness prick it with a fork. If the flesh is tender on the inside it is ready to eat.

How do I store leftovers?

Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.

More Great Recipes to Try :

  • Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
  • Weight Watchers Meatloaf Muffins
  • Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Taco Soup (Low Sodium)
  • Banana Bread Weight Watchers (Low Point)

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Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries (8)

Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter

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4.4 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Jenna
  • Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter is my favorite way to have squash and it can be cooked in the oven or air fryer!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 acorn squash, cut in ½
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Scoop the seeds and stringy pulp out of the squash cavities and discard. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt and pepper, to taste. Rub the squash cavities and cut sides of the squash with the butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. When the squash is done baking cut it in half and then into quarters. The serving size is ¼th of the squash.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

My WW Personal Points: 6 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)

Serving size: The picture shows the squash cut in half but it is actually meant for 4 servings. So cut each half into quarters.

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Category: Easy
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 225
  • Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 10
  • Protein: 2

More Weight Watcher Recipes

  • Creamy White Chicken Chili
  • Weight Watchers Spaghetti Pie
  • Weight Watchers Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
  • Ree Drummond Perfect Potato Soup

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy Gonzalez says

    I grew up in a famiy of 7. We always got 1/2 squash each. Less meat that meal but we didn't care because we loved this squash. ❤

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Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to bake acorn squash at 350? ›

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place acorn squash halves cut-side down onto a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until flesh begins to soften, about 30 to 45 minutes.

How do you cook Ina Garten acorn squash? ›

Place 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup in the cavity of each squash. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle the squash with 3 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until tender when pierced with a small knife.

Do you peel acorn squash before cooking? ›

Good news: you don't need to peel acorn squash. Its hard, grooved skin softens significantly as it cooks, and it's edible, too. If you do want to remove the skin, wait until after you cook it, at which point it will peel right off.

What temperature do you cook squash in the oven? ›

Butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes, should be perfectly roasted after about 25 to 35 minutes in an oven heated to 400 degrees F. When it's done, the squash should be lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.

Can you eat the green skin on acorn squash? ›

Yes, You Can Eat the Skin of Acorn Squash and Other Winter Squashes—Here's How. Some varieties, like acorn squash and honeynut, have tender, tasty skin. Others, not so much.

What is good to eat with acorn squash? ›

For instance, you can add roasted squash to a fall salad, cook it alongside chicken, or serve it up with bacon and eggs. Of course, one of the most popular ways to serve acorn squash is to stuff it. The edible bowls act as a vessel for anything from mac and cheese to sausage to taco fillings.

How healthy is acorn squash? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

Can dogs eat acorn squash? ›

Dr. Klein explains that the best types of squash to feed your dog are butternut squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and acorn squash. In particular, zucchini is the squash most easily digested by dogs.

Can you eat raw acorn squash? ›

Skip eating most hard-skinned squash raw. "Hard skinned squash is difficult to eat raw," Marz says. "They are usually much larger in size, have a harder flesh, and are much more fibrous." Examples of hard-skinned squash that should not be eaten raw include: pumpkins, delicate, butternut, Hubbard, and acorn.

How do I make my acorn squash soft enough to cut? ›

Soften acorn squash by using one of the above methods: boil, steam, or microwave. After softening the squash, add to cold water and chill for 5 minutes until able to handle. The safest way to peel an acorn squash is to use a vegetable peeler.

How do you make an acorn squash easier to cut? ›

You can quickly soften an acorn squash before cutting it by using a microwave. Using a knife or fork, make a few small incisions in the squash to allow steam to escape. Place the squash in a microwavable bowl and heat on high for three minutes.

Why is my roasted squash mushy? ›

There could be a few reasons why your roasted butternut squash is turning out soggy: Overcrowding: If you overcrowd the baking sheet with butternut squash pieces, they will release more moisture and steam, making it difficult for them to roast properly.

How long do you keep squash in the oven? ›

Roast your prepped squash at 475 degrees for about an hour. Smaller squashes will run anywhere from 45-60 minutes. Larger/thicker squashes will be more like an hour or an hour and 15 minutes.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

What temperature do you put squash on? ›

Your large butternut squash halves should be perfectly baked after about 90 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. If you're using a small or medium squash, adjust the bake time.

How do you know when squash is done in the oven? ›

The squash is done when tender.

The squash is ready when you can easily pierce a fork through the flesh all the way to the peel. The flesh will also separate easily into spaghetti-like strands.

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