Description
This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with garlic, brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, roasted to tender perfection. Easy to prepare and packed with fall-spiced warmth, it makes a perfect side dish for autumn dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp raisins (any color), divided
Main Ingredient
- 2 acorn squash
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, poultry seasoning, minced garlic, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Add 2 tablespoons of raisins and stir to coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Prepare Squash: Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise, carefully remove the seeds, then slice into ½-inch wide half rings width-wise for even roasting.
- Coat Squash with Marinade: Place the cut squash slices into a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them. Using your hands or a basting brush, rub the marinade thoroughly into the squash slices to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated squash slices and the marinated raisins evenly on lined baking sheets. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top to enhance the flavor during roasting.
- Bake: Roast the squash in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 20 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly and become tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once roasted, top the squash with fresh minced parsley and the remaining 1 tablespoon of uncooked raisins to add a fresh and sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweet flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Ensure the squash slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
