Easy Baked Acorn Squash Recipe by Chef John

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for baking the squash.
2. Score the acorn squash by making ¼-inch deep slashes into the flesh. Place in a baking dish. Brush with fresh orange juice and season lightly with salt.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the squash is lightly browned, approximately 30 minutes.
4. In a small skillet over medium heat, combine butter, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes.
5. Remove the squash from the oven. Discard any accumulated liquid. Generously brush the maple syrup glaze over the squash halves. Return to the oven and bake until tender, about 20 minutes more. Spoon any glaze collected at the bottom over the squash edges. Season to taste with salt.

Nutrition

• Calories: 194 kcal
• Fat Content: 6 g
• Fiber Content: 4 g
• Sugar Content: 15 g
• Sodium Content: 10 mg
• Protein Content: 2 g
• Cholesterol Content: 15 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 37 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g