As the leaves begin to change and the air takes on a crisp freshness, nothing quite captures the essence of autumn like the comforting embrace of roasted acorn squash paired with the sweet warmth of apples and cinnamon. Our Apple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash is not just a dish, but a journey that brings families together, offering a perfect blend of seasonal flavors that embody creativity and celebration.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4

Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
  • 2 large apples, cored and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the acorn squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet. Brush the insides with melted butter and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the squash halves.
  4. Scatter the apple slices around the squash on the baking sheet.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the apples are caramelized and soft.
  6. Optional: During the last 10 minutes of roasting, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the squash and apples for added crunch and flavor.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Helpful Tips

  • If you don’t have acorn squash, butternut squash or even sweet potatoes can be excellent substitutes.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh autumn salad and a glass of chilled apple cider or a warm cup of spiced tea.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warm.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of certain spices, pumpkin pie spice can be a convenient all-in-one alternative. For those with nut allergies, you can omit the nut garnish or use dried cranberries for a sweet, tart crunch.

Conclusion

We hope you and your family enjoy the cozy, heartwarming flavors of this Apple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your creative variations and beautiful presentations on social media using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. We would love to hear your feedback and see your culinary creations grace our community! Visit us at www.zynahz.com to leave a comment and subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes and updates. Follow us on social media for daily inspiration and kitchen tips. Happy cooking!

Last Update: November 28, 2024