Prepare to transform the humble acorn squash into a mind-blowing culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This isn't just another vegetable side dish - this is a smoky, butter-basted journey that elevates humble squash into a gourmet experience that will have your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your smoker by preheating it to 250°F (120°C), using a mild wood like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Carefully slice the acorn squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon, creating a clean cavity.
- Pat the squash halves dry with paper towels to ensure better smoke absorption and seasoning adherence.
- Lightly season the interior of each squash half with salt, ensuring an even distribution.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on a smoker-safe baking sheet or directly on the smoker rack.
- Smoke the squash for approximately 45-50 minutes, allowing the flesh to become tender and absorb the delicate smoky essence.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and mix in the maple syrup, creating a rich, sweet basting liquid.
- After the initial smoking period, begin basting the squash halves with the butter-maple mixture every 10 minutes, ensuring each application caramelizes slightly.
- Continue smoking and basting until the squash is fork-tender and has developed a beautiful golden-brown exterior, approximately 1 hour total.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, which will add a fragrant, herbal note to the dish.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to scoop out the tender, smoky, butter-basted squash flesh.
Tips
- Wood Choice Matters: Select mild woods like apple or cherry to ensure a subtle, not overpowering smoky flavor that complements the squash's natural sweetness.
- Moisture Management: Always pat your squash dry before smoking to help the seasoning adhere and promote better smoke absorption.
- Basting Technique: Apply the butter-maple mixture consistently but gently to create beautiful caramelization without burning.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a steady 250°F in your smoker for even, gentle cooking that preserves the squash's delicate texture.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the smoked squash to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and settle, ensuring maximum taste in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
