Cinnamon Honey Glazed Acorn Squash Recipe

Welcome in! 🍂

Oh, acorn squash—one of fall’s best little gifts! It’s like nature made it for cozy evenings, complete with its sweet and nutty flavors. I think of this Cinnamon Honey Glazed Acorn Squash as a perfect side dish or even a light vegetarian main. The warm spices, touch of honey, and caramelized edges make it irresistible!

Hook: If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, wholesome, and packed with autumn vibes, stop scrolling because this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ It’s as easy as slice, drizzle, bake. You truly can’t mess this up!
🍯 Sweet, sticky, and spiced—the honey glaze, combined with cinnamon and nutmeg, screams fall comfort food.
🌿 Totally versatile—this dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, a hearty salad, or as a vegan delight on its own.
📸 Oh, and did I mention it’s kind of a showstopper to look at?

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials

Acorn Squash: Look for smaller ones with a deep green hue and firm skin. Feel free to double this recipe if serving a crowd.
Honey: Adds a luscious natural sweetness. If you’re vegan, maple syrup works beautifully here!
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warming spices bring all the fall feels.
Butter: For richness and that golden-brown caramelization. Swap for vegan butter if needed.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly!
Optional Garnishes: I love serving this with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of parsley for an extra touch of texture and color.

Pro Tips

Slice the squash evenly: Consistent pieces ensure even cooking. I like to go for 1-inch thick wedges.
Preheat your baking sheet: This gives the squash a head start and helps with caramelization.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Carefully halve the acorn squash, scoop out the seeds, and slice it into 1-inch wedges. Leave the skin on—it softens beautifully when roasted.
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of melted butter (or vegan butter), 2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Arrange the squash wedges on the prepared baking sheet, then brush them generously with the honey-cinnamon glaze.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized. Pro Tip: If you like crispy edges, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end.
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped pecans or parsley, and enjoy while warm!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Want perfect glaze coverage? Use a pastry brush for the most control—you’ll get those hard-to-reach spots!
Double the glaze: If you’re like me and love things extra saucy, you can make more glaze and drizzle it over the squash just before serving.
Leftover squash? Toss it into a grain salad or puree it for soup—it’s all about making it stretch!

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
Nut Swap: Instead of pecans, try toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Pair It With: This dish goes wonderfully alongside roasted turkey, grilled salmon, or quinoa pilaf.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Store the roasted squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Can the recipe be frozen? While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked squash for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Do I need to peel the squash? Nope! The peel softens during roasting and is totally edible (and tasty!), but you can peel it if you prefer.

Cinnamon Honey Glazed Acorn Squash

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 medium acorn squash
3 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter), melted
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
Optional: Chopped pecans or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
Cut and prep your acorn squash into 1-inch wedges.
Mix the honey-cinnamon glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
Brush the squash with glaze and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for crisp edges if desired.
Garnish, serve warm, and enjoy!

There you have it—Cinnamon Honey Glazed Acorn Squash that’s a fall favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or savoring it as a solo treat, this dish always delights. I can’t wait to see how you make it! Drop me a comment below or tag #TheKitchensAid on social media to show me your creations. 🌟