There's something magical about cutting into a perfectly roasted acorn squash and seeing that golden, caramelized flesh. This Acorn Squash Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you're doing something fancy, but honestly, it's ridiculously easy. Just halve it, season it, and let the oven do all the work.
The edges get slightly crispy, the inside turns buttery and sweet, and your kitchen smells like autumn came to visit. I make this at least twice a month during fall, and my family never gets tired of it.
Why You'll Love This Acorn Squash Recipe
This easy acorn squash is the kind of side dish that looks impressive without asking much from you. The natural sweetness of the squash shines through when you roast it in the oven, and you can dress it up or keep it simple depending on your mood. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals when you need something that feels special.
Plus, it's healthy, filling, and works with just about any main course. If you love roasted acorn squash recipes or simple fall squash recipes, this Acorn Squash Recipe is about to become your go-to.
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What You'll Need
This acorn squash recipe keeps things beautifully simple. You need acorn squash, butter or olive oil, brown sugar or maple syrup, and whatever spices make you happy. That's basically it. Nothing fancy, nothing you have to hunt down at specialty stores. The full acorn squash instructions are right in the card below.
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 pounds each)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras
You can sprinkle on some chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, add a drizzle of honey at the end, or toss in some fresh thyme for a savory twist.
Some people love adding a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
How to Make Acorn Squash Recipe
Prep the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut each acorn squash in half from stem to bottom. Use a sturdy spoon to scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits from the center. Don't worry about getting every last seed, just get most of them out.
Season It Up
Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the melted butter over the cut surfaces and into the cavity. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Roast Until Tender
Roast the acorn squash in the oven for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender and the edges are starting to caramelize. The exact time depends on the size of your squash.
Q: How do I know when acorn squash is ripe?
A ripe acorn squash should be dark green with some orange patches, feel heavy for its size, and have a hard, dull skin. If it's shiny or still mostly green, give it a few more days on the counter. When is acorn squash ripe? When you can't easily dent the skin with your fingernail.
Check for Doneness
Insert a fork into the thickest part of the flesh. It should slide in easily when the squash is done. If it's still firm, give it another 10 minutes.
Serve Warm
Let the roasted acorn squash cool for a few minutes, then serve it right in the shell. You can scoop out the flesh or let everyone dig in with a spoon.
Aliana's Top Tip
Don't skip lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
The sugars will caramelize and can stick like crazy to a bare pan.
My daughter learned this the hard way when she tried to clean a pan I forgot to line.
Save yourself the scrubbing and just use parchment.
Also, if your squash is wobbly on the pan, slice a tiny bit off the rounded bottom to create a flat base so it sits steady.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can easily swap brown sugar for maple syrup, honey, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for something savory. Instead of butter, use coconut oil or olive oil to keep it vegan. For a stuffed acorn squash recipe, fill the cavity with cooked quinoa, sausage and rice, or even a sausage apple mixture for a complete meal. Yellow acorn squash works the same way as green. This simple roasted acorn squash is incredibly flexible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover baked acorn squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked flesh for up to three months. Just scoop it out, mash it if you want, and store it in freezer bags.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Acorn Squash Recipe
This roasted acorn pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or a simple grilled steak. It's also amazing alongside other veggie dishes like green beans or a fresh salad. During Thanksgiving, it fits right in with all the classic sides. My family loves it with maple-glazed salmon or even just a big bowl of soup on a chilly night.
FAQs About Acorn Squash Recipe
How do I bake acorn squash in the oven?
Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, season it with butter and spices, and roast cut-side up at 400°F for 40 to 50 minutes until tender. That's the easiest way to make acorn squash in the oven
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer acorn squash cooks faster at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't dry out.
What's the difference between acorn squash and butternut squash?
Acorn squash is smaller, has ridges, and a slightly nuttier flavor. Butternut squash is sweeter and smoother. Both work in similar recipes, but cooking times may vary.
Can I eat the skin of acorn squash?
The skin is edible once roasted and softens up nicely, but most people prefer to scoop out just the flesh. It's totally up to you.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into easy fall squash recipes like this one, you'll love my Butternut Squash Soup that's creamy and comforting. My Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze pair perfectly with roasted squash. And if you want more stuffed squash recipes, try my Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash for a hearty main dish. For Thanksgiving squash recipes, my Acorn Squash Casserole is always a hit. All of these fall under my DINNER collection where I share seasonal favorites that bring warmth to the table.
Gave this recipe your own spin? Share it on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes and show off your delicious version!
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Pairing
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