This delicious Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is a fall favorite with its rich, nutty flavor and caramelized edges. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth squash has a delightful flavor and is perfect for serving as a side dish, adding to soup, or even using as a filling. Quick and easy to prepare, this seasonal favorite brings natural sweetness to the table.
Love a good squash recipe? You’ll want to try these ones next: Butternut Squash Soup, Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash and Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Butternut Squash.
Roast Acorn Squash
I feel like butternut squash gets all the love sometimes, but today I want to give a shoutout to my other favorite winter squash: acorn squash! This delicious squash is packed with flavor and nutrients, and roasting it is the easiest way to unlock its delicious potential.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it simply roasted for a healthy side dish, mash it with butter and herbs for a creamy topping, or even stuff it with your favorite fall fillings for a satisfying main course.
We’re keeping things simple with a classic roasted acorn squash recipe. This method highlights the squash’s natural sweetness and nutty flavor, and it’s easily customizable to your taste. Feel free to get creative with your spices! Throw in some smoked paprika for a touch of earthiness, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. This recipe is a great base for all your fall roast acorn squash recipe ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
- Super Simple: We’re talking minimal prep and ingredients and a hands-off cooking method that lets the oven do all the work. This side dish practically cooks itself while you work on other things.
- Packed with Nutrients: Acorn squash is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
- Customizable: Once you’ve mastered the basic roasting method, the possibilities are endless! Stuff it with savory quinoa and veggies, mash it with creamy herbs and garlic, or even use it as a base for a fall-inspired salad. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in dozens of ways.
How to Roast Acorn Squash
Roasting acorn squash is as easy as slicing it, drizzling it with butter sauce, and roasting it in the oven until it’s fork-tender. It’s so cozy and delicious! As always, the full printable recipe card is at the end of this post.
- Combine melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder together in a medium bowl.
- Prepare acorn squash by cutting it in half lengthwise. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and inner strings. Slice each acorn squash half into 1-inch thick wedges.
- Place the wedges out on the sheet pan and then brush with the butter mixture.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until squash is fork-tender.
If the squash is tough to cut, you can microwave it whole for 2-3 minutes on high to help soften it before cutting again.
Storage Information
Refrigerator: The roasted squash can be stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
Freezer: I recommend removing the skin off, cutting the squash into cubes and placing in a freezer safe ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a bacon-lover’s delight, crumble cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the roasted squash halves before serving.
- For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle the squash with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before roasting.
- Elevate the natural sweetness with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. Toss the squash for an even coating.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage add a lovely aromatic touch. Toss them in with the olive oil before roasting.
- Top your roasted squash with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a dollop of goat cheese for a decadent finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat the skin of roasted acorn squash?
Absolutely! The skin of roasted acorn squash is perfectly edible and softens up nicely during roasting. However, some people prefer the texture without the skin. If you choose to remove it, simply scoop out the flesh after roasting.
How can I tell if my roasted acorn squash is done?
A fork is your best friend! The squash is finished when a fork easily pierces the flesh, and the flesh feels tender throughout.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted acorn squash is more than just a delicious side dish – it’s a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in countless ways! Here are some ideas:
- Side Dish: This is a crowd-pleaser! Roast the squash halves for a straightforward side dish that complements any protein, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon.
- Salads: Ditch the boring lettuce salad! Cube roasted squash and toss it with your favorite salad greens, crumbled cheese, chopped nuts, and a vinaigrette for a hearty and satisfying fall salad.
- Soup: Roasted acorn squash adds a velvety texture and rich flavor to homemade soups. Simply blend roasted squash with vegetable broth, your favorite spices, and a touch of cream for a cozy autumn soup.
- Stuffed: Feeling ambitious? Once roasted, the squash cavity becomes a beautiful edible bowl! Stuff it with savory fillings like quinoa, brown rice, sausage, lentils, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is extra delicious!
- Mashed: For a creamy and comforting side dish, mash roasted acorn squash with butter, herbs, and garlic. It’s a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Appetizer: Cut roasted squash into wedges, toss them in a light vinaigrette, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs for a delightful and healthy appetizer.
Trish’s Tips
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. A dull knife can make cutting the squash really difficult.
- Give the squash halves enough space on the baking sheet to allow for even browning.
- Cook time can vary depending on how thick your slices of acorn squash is. Keep that in mind while cooking.
More Roasted Veggie Recipes
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Beets
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Oven Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt I used fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large acorn squash or 2 small to medium acorn squash
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese grated
- parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Whisk together the melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides so that just the flesh and skin remain.1 large acorn squash
- Slice into 1-inch thick wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each slice with the butter and spice mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the squash is fork tender.
- Server topped with fresh Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.Parmesan cheese, parsley
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