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Quick Roasted Acorn Squash with Easy Brown Butter

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A quick and easy weeknight side dish featuring acorn squash rings that are partially microwaved then roasted to perfection, finished with a nutty brown butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional but recommended)
  • 4–6 fresh sage leaves (optional)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the acorn squash well. Cut off the stem end and tip, then cut crosswise into ½-inch thick rings (about 5-6 rings). Scoop out seeds and stringy bits.
  2. Arrange squash rings in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Let rest for 1 minute.
  3. Transfer partially cooked rings to a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and rub both sides. Arrange in a single layer without touching.
  4. Roast for 12 minutes, flip each ring, and roast another 5-8 minutes until deep golden brown and tender.
  5. While squash roasts, make brown butter: Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt, then swirl occasionally. Butter will foam, then subside, and brown specks will form (about 4-6 minutes). Remove from heat when nutty and golden. Add sage leaves if using. Stir in maple syrup if using.
  6. Transfer roasted squash to a platter, drizzle with brown butter, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan; rings should not touch. Watch brown butter carefully—it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or ghee. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, brown butter, quick, weeknight, side dish, roasted, microwave shortcut

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/quick-roasted-acorn-squash-with-easy-brown-butter/