Orange Caramelized Acorn Squash Rings with Brown Sugar Glaze
Sweet and savory acorn squash rings glazed with orange marmalade and brown sugar create a beautiful autumn side dish. The squash is first microwaved to soften, then sliced into rings and baked until tender with caramelized edges. The orange marmalade adds bright citrus notes that complement the earthy squash, while brown sugar creates a golden, sticky coating. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any fall meal where you want an elegant vegetable side that's both visually appealing and deliciously comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F
- 2
Wash squash and pierce several times with fork
- 3
Place squash on microwavable paper towel in microwave oven
- 4
Microwave on High 5 to 6 minutes, turning and rotating twice, until skin starts to soften
- 5
Let stand in microwave about 5 minutes to cool slightly
- 6
Cut off small portion of each end of each squash
- 7
Cut each squash into 4 rings about 1 inch thick and remove seeds
- 8
Place rings in ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, overlapping slightly if necessary
- 9
Brush tops with half of the butter, then turn and brush with remaining butter
- 10
Bake 30 minutes
- 11
Mix marmalade and brown sugar in small bowl
- 12
Brush marmalade mixture over top of squash
- 13
Bake 10 minutes
- 14
Turn slices over and brush with remaining mixture
- 15
Bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until squash is tender
Tips
Pierce squash thoroughly before microwaving to prevent bursting from steam buildup.
Choose squash that feel heavy for their size and have hard, unblemished skin for best results.
Rings should be about 1 inch thick for even cooking - thinner slices may become mushy.
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can be prepared through step 8, covered and refrigerated up to 1 day. Add 5-10 minutes to initial baking time if cold.
Serve hot as a side dish alongside roasted meats or holiday meals.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip microwaving step or squash will be too hard to cut safely
Pierce squash thoroughly to prevent explosive bursting in microwave
Don't overbake or squash becomes mushy and loses its ring shape
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use other winter squash varieties?
Yes, butternut or delicata squash work well, though cooking times may vary slightly based on size and thickness.
What if I don't have a microwave?
Roast whole squash at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until slightly softened, then proceed with cutting and glazing steps.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.