Squash and sesame are an unlikely flavor combination – that totally works. Check out this new and creative way to dress up acorn squash.

Sesame-glazed acorn squash: A unique twist on squash, with a bit of a crunch. Click through for recipe!

Sesame seeds are the greatest thing to happen to squash since butter, pecans, and brown sugar.

Seriously: Sesame seeds add a great crunch and nutty flavor to squash.

Additionally, sesame oil is added to the glaze adding great nutty flavor that permeates the squash.

In fact, I liked this flavor combination so much that I made a similar dish just two days later: Sesame squash brûlée.

Sesame-glazed acorn squash: A crunchy, caramelized glaze makes this extra delicious! Click through for recipe.

About The Recipe: Sesame Glazed Acorn Squash

One of my favorite candies is honey sesame candy, which I usually find in Asian grocery stores. The candy is crunchy, sticky, sweet, and wonderfully nutty. It’s totally addictive.

This squash recipe is reminiscent of sesame candy.

Just like any good American Thanksgiving squash dish, this one is sweet. But not overwhelmingly so. The sweetness enhances, not dominates, the squash.

You’ll have to partially bake the squash before cutting it – unless you’re extremely confident in your knife and squash-cutting skills. (I am not!)

More Thanksgiving Recipes

I love Thanksgiving – especially cooking for it! Check out these crowd-pleasing and budget-friendly recipes:

Try This Similar Recipe: Sesame Squash Brulee

Sesame squash brulee: A totally different squash recipe, with a sweet, crunchy topping which can be made using a broiler.

Sesame-glazed acorn squash: A crunchy, caramelized glaze makes this extra delicious! Click through for recipe.

Sesame Glazed Acorn Squash

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Don't cut your fingers: Make sure to par roast the squash to soften it a bit (follow recipe instructions).

Please note: I had extra maple butter so I served it alongside the squash. Delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 medium acorn squash
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cut acorn squash in half and remove seeds. Place on a baking sheet, skin side down. Put a tablespoon or so of water in each squash half. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit until squash is cool enough to handle.
  2. Meanwhile, mix butter, maple syrup, and sesame oil together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Place squash flesh side down on a cutting board. Cut squash into 1/2 inch pieces, flesh side down.
  4. Place squash slices on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Brush each slice with the butter mixture. Sprinkle on half of the sesame seeds. Flip each squash slice and brush with the remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, until squash is tender.

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