Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a delightful winter vegetable that is known for its sweet and nutty flavor. It pairs perfectly with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. This Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash recipe is the ultimate comfort food for those chilly evenings. Made with just a few ingredients, this dish is super easy to prepare and will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive right into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Brush the melted butter over the cut sides of the acorn squash.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the cut sides of the acorn squash.
5. Place the acorn squash halves in the crockpot, cut side up.
6. Add the water to the bottom of the crockpot.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the squash is tender.
8. Optional: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the acorn squash for added crunch.
9. Once cooked, remove the acorn squash from the crockpot and serve warm.
10. Enjoy the deliciousness of this Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash!
How to Prepare:
Preparing this Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:
1. Start by gathering all the required ingredients.
2. Preheat your crockpot on low setting.
3. Cut the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds. Set aside.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Brush the melted butter over the cut sides of the acorn squash.
6. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the cut sides of the acorn squash.
7. Place the acorn squash halves in the crockpot, cut side up.
8. Add the water to the bottom of the crockpot.
9. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the squash is tender.
10. Optional: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the acorn squash for added crunch.
11. Once cooked, carefully remove the acorn squash from the crockpot and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
12. Serve the Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash warm and enjoy!
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash is minimal. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to gather the ingredients, prepare the squash, and set it in the crockpot. After that, you can sit back and let the slow cooker work its magic for 4-6 hours.
Servings:
This recipe serves 2 people as a side dish. If you are planning to serve it as a main course, you may want to double the ingredients to accommodate more guests.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutrition information for this Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash may vary depending on the size of the squash and the amount of optional ingredients used. Here is an approximate breakdown:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Tips:
1. Choose acorn squash that is firm and heavy for its size.
2. To make it vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
3. Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg according to your taste preferences.
4. If you don’t have a crockpot, you can also bake the acorn squash in the oven at 375°F for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
FAQs:
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the acorn squash halves and mix the brown sugar mixture in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately until ready to cook. Just assemble and cook in the crockpot when you’re ready to enjoy the dish.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Unfortunately, acorn squash doesn’t freeze well due to its high water content. It’s best to enjoy the dish fresh.
Q: Can I use other types of squash?
A: Yes, you can use this recipe with other winter squash varieties like butternut squash or spaghetti squash. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of squash used.
Q: Can I omit the nuts?
A: Absolutely! The chopped pecans are optional and can be omitted if you have any allergies or personal preference.
Now that you have all the details, go ahead and try this delightful Crockpot Brown Sugar Acorn Squash recipe. It’s a perfect side dish for your next family dinner or holiday gathering. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
