Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for roasting. Ensuring your oven is hot will help the acorn squash caramelize and develop a lovely golden-brown color.
Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick spray. This will help the acorn squash rings not to stick during roasting, ensuring they come out perfectly tender.
Arrange the sliced acorn squash rings on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; give them some space for even cooking.
Brush each ring with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt. This step infuses flavor and helps achieve a beautifully roasted exterior.
Bake the squash for 15 minutes. You want them to start softening, which will make them easier to flip.
Carefully remove the squash from the oven and gently turn each ring over. This is crucial for even cooking, leading to tender squash all around. Return to the oven to bake for another 15 minutes.
While the squash is baking, combine the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan. Pour in the orange juice, ground cinnamon, honey, and ground all spice. Stir them together to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the orange juice reduces by half, thickening into a glaze.
After the squash has finished baking, brush the orange juice glaze generously over the rings. This step not only adds flavor but also a beautiful glossy finish.
Return the squash to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This last step allows the glaze to set and caramelize slightly, enhancing the sweetness.
Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot. You’ll want to enjoy the Orange Glazed Acorn Squash Rings while they’re warm for the best flavor and texture!
