Smoked Acorn Squash with Maple Spiced Butter Recipe

This Smoked Acorn Squash with Maple Spiced Butter recipe transforms a simple seasonal vegetable into a flavorful barbecue dish filled with sweet, smoky, and warming spices. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this recipe combines tender smoked acorn squash with a rich maple cinnamon butter, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted almonds for a memorable side dish.

The Inspiration

Acorn squash is a classic autumn ingredient known for its naturally sweet flavor, beautiful golden-orange flesh, and versatility in both savory and sweet dishes. Traditionally roasted in the oven, acorn squash becomes even more special when prepared on the barbecue, where gentle smoke enhances its earthy sweetness and creates a beautifully caramelized exterior.

On Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo explore creative ways to use the grill beyond traditional meats. This recipe showcases how vegetables can become the highlight of a barbecue menu by using simple techniques and seasonal ingredients.

The inspiration behind this dish comes from the flavors of fall: maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, dried fruit, and toasted nuts. The maple spiced butter combines sweet and aromatic flavors that complement the creamy texture of smoked squash. Apple wood chips add a delicate smoke that pairs naturally with the sweetness of maple and winter squash.

Ingredient

¾ cup unsalted soft butter
¼ cup of maple syrup
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
2 acorn squash, seeds removed and quartered (skin on)
½ cup of sun-dried cranberries
¼ cup of toasted slivered almonds
3 cups of apple wood chips
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Place the butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper into a small saucepan and melt over low heat.
Brush the inside cavity of the squash generously with ½ of the maple butter.
Place 2 cups of apple wood chips into water to soak for 1 hour.
Squeeze out excess water from the wet wood chips and place on a large sheet of foil.
Mix in 1 cup of dry wood chips.
Close the foil around the wood chips sealing the package.
Using a fork, poke holes on the top and bottom of the package.
Remove one side of barbeque grill. Insert the smoke pouch.
Turn the heat under the smoke pouch to 400F or high heat and leave the other side of the barbeque off.
Close lid. Wait for smoke. Once smoke is achieved add the acorn squash to the indirect heat side of the barbeque.
Close the lid and allow the acorn squash to smoke for 1 hour or until soft and slightly caramelized.
Remove from grill. Place acorn squash on a large serving platter.
Season with salt.
Sprinkle with cranberries and toasted almonds.
Top each squash with a dollop of reserved room temperature maple butter.

Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Acorn Squash with Maple Spiced Butter makes an excellent side dish for fall dinners, holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving meals, and outdoor barbecues. Its sweet and smoky flavor pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as smoked turkey, roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, beef brisket, and grilled sausages. The maple flavors also complement hearty dishes like stuffing, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and seasonal grain salads.

For vegetarian meals, serve this smoked squash alongside wild rice, quinoa bowls, roasted mushrooms, fresh salads, or crusty artisan bread. It also works beautifully as part of a holiday buffet, where its vibrant color and elegant presentation make it stand out among traditional side dishes.

For entertaining, arrange the squash pieces on a large platter and garnish with extra cranberries, almonds, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of maple syrup. The combination of smoky apple wood flavor, sweet maple butter, and crunchy toppings makes this dish a memorable addition to any gathering.

Final Suggestions

This Smoked Acorn Squash with Maple Spiced Butter recipe celebrates the flavors of the season while showcasing the creativity of barbecue cooking. The gentle smoke from apple wood chips enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, while the maple cinnamon butter creates a rich, comforting flavor that feels perfect for cooler weather.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!