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Best Quick Maple Brown Butter Honeynut Squash Ever

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This quick maple brown butter honeynut squash comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. The brown butter adds a nutty richness, while the maple syrup brings the perfect sweetness, making it a weeknight side dish that steals the show.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium honeynut squash (about 1 lb each)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional but recommended)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Black pepper, to finish

Instructions

  1. Prep the squash: Rinse and pat dry the honeynut squash. Trim off the stem end and bottom. Slice each squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and stringy bits. Place each half cut-side down and slice crosswise into ¼-inch thick half-moons.
  2. Heat the pan: Place a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and let it warm for 2 minutes. Pat the squash slices dry with paper towels.
  3. Brown the butter: Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the hot skillet. Let it melt, swirling occasionally, until it foams, then the foam subsides and small brown specks appear (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add the squash: Carefully add the squash slices in a single layer. They should sizzle. If the pan is crowded, cook in two batches.
  5. Sear the first side: Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until deep golden brown on the bottom.
  6. Flip and add maple: Flip all slices. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons maple syrup, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and optional cinnamon. Add fresh thyme leaves if using. Cook for another 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
  7. Finish and serve: The squash should be tender. Remove from heat, finish with black pepper and optional flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the squash—wet squash steams instead of browning. Watch the butter closely; it goes from brown to burnt in seconds. Use medium heat, not high. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the squash rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking for the glaze to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: honeynut squash, maple brown butter, quick side dish, fall recipe, weeknight dinner

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