As the leaves transform into a dazzling display of autumn hues, the anticipation of Thanksgiving begins to fill the air in everyone’s home. Kitchens become hubs of activity, with families bustling about, preparing time-honored dishes with cherished memories – remember those moments? Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of fall flavors, this dish brings together the earthy sweetness of acorn squash with the caramel notes of maple syrup – the maple roasted spaghetti squash recipe.
Preparation time: ~ 15 minutes
Roasting time: ~ 40-50 minutes
Total cooking time: ~70-100 minutes
How to Make Maple Roasted Spaghetti Squash for Thanksgiving
It may sound intimidating at first, however, this is a really easy recipe that you can even make ahead of the holiday! The best thing about it is that it makes a great addition and simple side dish to turkey!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 small acorn squash, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp butter (can be substituted with coconut oil for a vegan option)
- A handful of chopped fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, and thyme work well)
Optional ingredients to make it even better:
- Crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
- Grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese for garnish
- Roasted garlic or caramelized onions
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sage leaves
- Bussel sprouts
Alternative ingredients:
- Spaghetti Squash – butternut squash, however it has a slightly different texture and taste
- Olive oil – avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- Pure Maple syrup – honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar
- Acorn squash – butternut squash or delicata squash
- Melted Butter – coconut oil or ghee
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Maple Syrup
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Step 2: Cut the squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife and remove the flesh of the squash and seeds.
Step 3: Season the cut sides with salt and pepper and then lightly brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 4: Spread the cut sides down on parchment paper on top of a baking pan and bake the squash.
Step 5: Put in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes (depending on size) until fork tender.
Step 6: Toss the diced acorn squash with the remaining olive oil, a tablespoon maple syrup, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper in a large mixing dish a little bit while the spaghetti squash roasts.
Step 7: Place the acorn squash cubes in a single layer on a separate baking sheet. Put in the oven with the spaghetti squash and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is soft and caramelized.
Step 8: When the spaghetti squash is done roasting and has cooled slightly, scrape the long strands from the sides with a fork and fluff them before placing them in a serving bowl.
Step 9: Combine roasted acorn squash, butter, herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) – Salt and pepper to taste, as needed as squash has natural sweetness.
Lastly, Serve warm, garnished with grated cheese if desired (parmesan cheese is best!)
Expert Tips to Make It Even Better
Looking to make your recipe stand out more? We’ve got you!
If you want to add some different protein to this dish, add:
- Grilled chicken
- Chickpeas
- Toasted pine nuts
- Ragu (bolognese)
- Toasted pecans
Alternatively, if you want to create something more creamy, add some ricotta cheese or goat cheese to this great recipe while the spaghetti squash is still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions? We’ve got the answers!
What is the difference between spaghetti squash and acorn squash?
While both are winter squashes, spaghetti squash has a unique texture that, when cooked, can be scraped into spaghetti-like strands. Meanwhile, acorn squash has a denser, sweeter flesh – so, when you combine both, you’ll have a fest of textures and aromas!
Can I make the Acorn Maple Roasted Spaghetti Squash ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! You can roast the squash a day in advance and simply reheat it in the oven before serving – this makes it super convenient with all the holiday preparation stress!
How do I store leftover Acorn Maple Roasted Spaghetti Squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Once you’re ready to eat it again, just put it in the microwave to heat it up – enjoy!
Print
Acorn Maple Roasted Spaghetti Squash Recipe for Thanksgiving
- Total Time: 70-100 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 small acorn squash, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp butter (can be substituted with coconut oil for a vegan option)
- A handful of chopped fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, and thyme work well)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife and remove the flesh of the squash and seeds.
- Season the cut sides with salt and pepper and then lightly brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Spread the cut sides down on parchment paper on top of a baking pan and bake the squash.
- Put in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes (depending on size) until fork tender.
- Toss the diced acorn squash with the remaining olive oil, a tablespoon maple syrup, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper in a large mixing dish a little bit while the spaghetti squash roasts.
- Place the acorn squash cubes in a single layer on a separate baking sheet. Put in the oven with the spaghetti squash and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is soft and caramelized.
- When the spaghetti squash is done roasting and has cooled slightly, scrape the long strands from the sides with a fork and fluff them before placing them in a serving bowl.
- Combine Roasted acorn squash, butter, herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) – Salt and pepper to taste, as needed as squash has natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 Minutes
