Sage Butter Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Introduction

Sage butter roasted acorn squash is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for autumn. The combination of nutty squash with fragrant sage and a touch of brown sugar creates a sweet and savory delight that melts in your mouth. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead for a hassle-free meal.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, chopped fresh sage, and brown sugar until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Place the acorn squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the squash, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Roast the squash in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with a little extra melted butter for added richness.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh sage for the best flavor, but dried sage can be substituted—use about one-third the amount.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg with the brown sugar for a warm, spiced twist.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Storage

Store leftover roasted acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squash in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a small drizzle of melted butter before serving helps restore moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I roast the squash whole instead of halving it?

It’s best to halve and seed the acorn squash before roasting to ensure even cooking and to allow the sage butter to infuse the flesh properly.

Is it necessary to use fresh sage?

Fresh sage provides the most vibrant flavor, but dried sage can be used in a smaller quantity if fresh is unavailable. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Sage Butter Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 81 reviews

Savor the cozy flavors of autumn with this Sage Butter Roasted Acorn Squash recipe. Lightly sweet and nutty, this tender roasted squash is brushed with a fragrant mixture of melted butter, fresh sage, and brown sugar, then oven-roasted to perfection. It makes a comforting side dish that can be prepared ahead of time and easily reheated for a warm, delicious addition to any meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (half a squash per serving) 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Squash

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded

Sage Butter Mixture

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for roasting the squash evenly.
2. Prepare the Sage Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, chopped fresh sage, and brown sugar. Stir well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a fragrant and flavorful glaze.
3. Season and Brush: Place the acorn squash halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Generously brush the sage butter mixture over the flesh of each squash half. Sprinkle salt and pepper to your taste to enhance the natural sweetness and flavor.
4. Roast the Squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The squash is done when it is tender throughout and easily pierced with a fork, and the butter mixture has caramelized slightly on the surface.
5. Serve or Store: Serve warm as a side dish or let cool before storing. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated at 350°F until warmed through. Add a little extra melted butter before serving for added richness.

Notes

• You can prepare the squash ahead of time and reheat before serving to save time on busy days.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra texture and flavor.
• Fresh sage can be substituted with dried sage; use about 1/3 teaspoon dried if fresh is not available.
• Adjust brown sugar to taste for more or less sweetness.
• Be sure to baste the squash evenly to ensure maximum flavor on every bite.

Keywords: acorn squash, roasted squash, sage butter, autumn recipe, fall side dish, easy roasted vegetables