Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (2024)

Roasted acorn squash is a delicious and simple Fall side dish. It’s made of acorn squash, and a sprinkling of spices.

Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (1)

Acorn Squash

This roasted acorn squash will for sure please everybody in your house and it will change the minds of those who don’t even like squash vegetables. Why am I so sure about that? Well, would you believe me if I tell you that I was never a squash fan? True, I used to say that I didn’t like acorn squash even though I’ve never EVER tried acorn squash in my life. It took me a while to fall in love with Roasted Butternut Squash!I know sounds crazy, but growing up in Brazil I’ve never tried it because we don’t have acorn squash down there. And when I moved to Canada I was never curious to try it. I think it was easier to me to say “I don’t like it” and that’s all.

Roasted Acorn Squash

So, yesterday I went to my local grocery store and I decided to give it a try. OMG I’m so glad that I gave it a chance because I LOVED it. I swear to you. This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is just amazing. It’s a bitsweet, tender, tasty, rich and delicious! And you won’t believe how easy it is to make roasted acorn squash. I just love all the flavours that you get from roasting acorn squash with spices like paprika, garlic powder and dried oregano. So yummy! Now I feel like I use roasted acorn squash for everything, like my Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash, Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, and Sausage and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (2)

How to cut an acorn squash:

Cutting an acorn squash to cook can be a little hard and tricky because of the tough shell. So, follow the tips below to cut it easily and safely.

  1. Place the acorn squash on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, slice the squash in half. It will take some strength and force to cut it, but if you cut it slowly and straight down, you will get it.
  2. Once you slice the acorn squash in half, using a metal spoon, scoop out all of the seeds and membrane from each of the acorn squash halves.
Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (3)
  1. You can bake the acorn squash halves and stuff it with a delicious filling. Or you can lay the squash down, flat-side down, and slice into 1-2 inch slices for roasting.
  2. You don’t need to peel acorn squash before cutting or preparing it. Then, simply roast how I explained above or on the recipe box.
Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (4)

How to cook acorn squash

Ingredients

  • Acorn squash — to pick the perfect squash, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has blemish-free skin. It should be dark green but may have an orange spot or two. Make sure the squash feels firm and doesn’t have soft spots.
  • Olive oil — you can also use any oil of your choice.
  • Seasoning — I season my acorn squash with paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Fresh parsley — chopped for garnishing and it adds a pretty pop of colour.
Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (5)

Instructions

Instructions to Make Roasted Acorn Sqaush

It’s super easy to roast an acorn squash. And all what you need to do is:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare a baking sheetwith parchment or aluminum foil id you prefer.
  3. Place the acorn squash on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, slice the acorn squash in half. Then, remove the seeds using a spoon.
  4. Lay the half acorn squash cut-side-down and slice into 1/4 inch slices parallel to the stem.
  5. Now it’s time to bake it by arranging the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, pouring olive oil over the top of the acorn squash and sprinkling with the spices you prefer (black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander and so on.)
  6. Roast for 40-50 minutes, until the squash slices are fork-tender. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (6)

How To Store Leftovers

  • To Store: Let your leftover acorn squash cool and place it in an airtight container. Store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To Freeze: Keep in mind that while you can freeze roasted acorn squash, the texture won’t be as good the second time around. If you do decide to freeze your leftovers, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
  • To Reheat: Reheat your leftovers in the microwave or the oven at 350 degrees F until they are warmed through.

Recipe tips

  • For a sweeter touch, try drizzling maple syrup over your sliced acorn squash either before or after baking.
  • If you’re having trouble cutting the acorn squash, put it in the microwave for a few seconds. This will soften the squash and make it easier to cut through.
  • Roasted acorn squash tastes even better with fresh herbs, so if you have some feel free to use them! Some of my favorite additions to this recipe are thyme, sage, and rosemary.
  • Did you know that you can eat the skin on acorn squash? You’ll save time on peeling, but you’ll want to make sure you clean the exterior of the squash thoroughly.

What does acorn squash pair well with?

  • A holiday showstopper: This roasted acorn squash is a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes! Try pairing it with my garlic butter turkey breasts for a holiday meal that will really wow your guests.
  • Seasonal vegetables: I love pairing seasonal vegetables together anytime I can. Cauliflower and squash are great compliments to one another, so this dish pairs perfectly with my mashed cauliflower.
  • Savory veggie fried rice: Another favorite dish that I like to pair with roasted acorn squash is my fried cauliflower rice. Serve the roasted acorn squash as a side for a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal.

Recipe Variations

  • Add protein: Roasted acorn squash is the perfect vegetable to transform into a tasty and nutritious meal. Instead of slicing your acorn squash, simply cut it in half, roast the two halves, and stuff with your favorite ingredients. And the best part is that you can eat the bowl, too!
  • Switch up the seasoning: Acorn squash is a very versatile ingredient, so you can have fun with this recipe and try all kinds of different seasonings. Lean into the sweeter side by adding spices like nutmeg and allspice or try different combinations of fresh herbs.
  • Make it cheesy: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of your roasted acorn squash before you serve. The rich, nutty flavor of the parmesan complements this recipe so well.

Recommended Tools

  • Sharp Knife. The skin on acorn squash can be tough and a little tricky to cut through. A nice sharp knife will make this step easier and safer.
  • Metal Spoon. A sturdy metal spoon is the best tool for scooping out the seeds and membrane of your acorn squash.
  • Baking Sheet. For this recipe, you’ll want a baking sheet that is large enough to lay out all of your acorn squash slices without overcrowding. They should be close but not squeezed together.

More Acorn Squash Recipes to Try:

I especially love to make this recipe in the fall when things start to cool down and this beautiful vegetable is perfectly in season. If you’re looking for some easy and cozy new dishes to enjoy this squash season, be sure to check out these other recipes!

  • Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash: This recipe is simple and so tasty! The acorn squash is stuffed with flavorful taco ground turkey and topped with zesty salsa. Get creative and try it with other toppings as well, like sour cream, sliced green onions, or your favorite cheese.
  • Sausage and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash: The savory sausage and hearty kale in this recipe is so full of flavor and so filling. This one will be a fall family favorite for sure!
  • Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash: A fall favorite around here! The sweet apples and dried cranberries with the savory Italian sausage is just perfect for this time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acorn Squash?

Acorn squash is a winter squash that is a great source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and more! They’re great at being stored for long periods of time so I recommend picking up a couple if you see them on sale. Store them in a cool, dry location and they can last for up to a month before you cook with them.
Acorn squash can be baked, broiled, roasted, steamed, stuffed, and sautéed — it’s quite the versatile ingredients. It has a mild, buttery flavour when cooked and pairs well with both sweet and savoury seasonings.

Can you eat acorn squash skin?

Oh yes, absolutely. After you roast it for at least 40 minutes, the skin becomes edible and delicious. It is healthy too. The acorn squash skin provides lots of phytonutrient benefits and fiber as well. It’s the perfect dinner side dish! Need some dinners to go with this? Try my 40 Easy Fall Dinner Recipes!

Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (7)

3.39 from 380 votes

Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash recipe is a delicious and simple Fall side dish. It’s made of acorn squash, and a sprinkling of spices.

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 40 minutes minutes

Total: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

PrintRate

Video

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  • Slice the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds using a spoon.

  • Lay the half acorn squash cut-side-down on a cutting board and slice into 1/4 inch slices parallel to the stem.

  • Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.

  • Pour olive oil over the top of the acorn squash and sprinkle with all the spices listed on the ingredients section.

  • Roast for 40-50 minutes, until the squash slices are fork-tender.

Tips

  • Make sure you clean the exterior of the squash thoroughly, as the skin can be eaten.
  • For a sweeter bite, drizzle some maple syrup before or after baking the squash.
  • If you have trouble cutting your acorn squash, you can microwave it for a couple of minutes, so it softens enough to cut.
  • To store:Store leftover stuffed acorn squash in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also tightly wrap it up if you do not have a large enough container.
  • To reheat:Reheat the acorn squash in the microwave or oven.
  • To freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months, but the texture may change once thawed.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 Calories: 78kcal (4%) Carbohydrates: 10g (3%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 4g (6%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Sodium: 106mg (5%) Potassium: 402mg (11%) Fiber: 2g (8%)

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

© Author: Olivia Ribas

Similar Recipes:

  • Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Sausage and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Balsamic Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (12)

Reader Interactions

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  1. Melisa says

    I enjoyed this recipe. I did feel it was missing something.

    Reply

    • Terese says

      Great recipe. Added a dollop of sour cream and a few peppito seeds. Delicious

      Reply

      • Olivia says

        Awesome!

        Reply

  2. Dana Greyson says

    Super-easy. My husband and I snarfed these down nothing flat. Definite do-over for a late-night light supper/snack.

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      Happy you liked it.

      Reply

  3. katen marie bender says

    excellent recipe

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  4. Love you says

    The food photos look delicious. Thank you very much. I will try it and share the results with you later.

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      Awesome!

      Reply

  5. Kelli Soares says

    Thank you so much for such a good lay out. I enjoyed learning about the acorn squash!

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      You’re very welcome!

      Reply

  6. Sls says

    Love this recipe! Flavorful and healthy. Thought the paprika would make it too hot but not at all!

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      Yes right? It’s so good and flavorful!

      Reply

Older Comments

Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before roasting? ›

Good news: you don't need to peel acorn squash. Its hard, grooved skin softens significantly as it cooks, and it's edible, too. If you do want to remove the skin, wait until after you cook it, at which point it will peel right off.

Do you eat the skin of roasted acorn squash? ›

Next time you roast a squash like acorn, butternut or honeynut, try leaving the skins on and give them a nibble. Be sure to scrub the skin well, Joyce recommends, to remove any dirt or debris. The pleasantly chewy texture may just surprise you, plus you can never go wrong with more fiber.

How do you soften acorn squash to make it easier to cut? ›

You can quickly soften an acorn squash before cutting it by using a microwave. Using a knife or fork, make a few small incisions in the squash to allow steam to escape. Place the squash in a microwavable bowl and heat on high for three minutes.

How to tell when acorn squash is done cooking? ›

You'll know when the squash is done when you can easily insert a fork in the flesh. You want it tender, yet not mushy. If the squash is already cut in half, you can easily test if it is done by sticking a fork in the flesh of the squash. If it's fork-tender, it's done cooking and ready to eat.

Should you cover acorn squash when baking? ›

5Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30-45 minutes, or until squash is golden brown.

Should you roast squash up or down? ›

Putting it cut-side down creates a sort-of steam chamber for the flesh, helping it cook faster and retain moisture (no dried out squash here!). If you've added oil to the flesh before cooking, it will brown nicely where it's in contact with the sheet pan.

Is roasted acorn squash good for you? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

Can you eat acorn squash every day? ›

It is an outstanding source of vitamin C, selenium, folate, dietary fibre, magnesium, and potassium. Acorn squash skin consists of carbohydrates that are not easily digestible. Thus, consuming at least ½ a cup per day or at least 7 cups per week is handy for a healthy diet.

Is it OK to eat raw acorn squash? ›

Skip eating most hard-skinned squash raw. "Hard skinned squash is difficult to eat raw," Marz says. "They are usually much larger in size, have a harder flesh, and are much more fibrous." Examples of hard-skinned squash that should not be eaten raw include: pumpkins, delicate, butternut, Hubbard, and acorn.

How to cut acorn squash in half for roasting? ›

For stability, slice ¼" off the stem end and base of the squash. Stand it up on one of those cut ends and chop it in half, from top to bottom. This provides a solid base that won't slip and slide around your cutting board. We don't need any hands coming in contact with that knife of yours.

Why is my acorn squash dry? ›

Selection: Acorn squash should be uniformly green and matte—streaks/spots of orange are fine, but too much orange indicates over ripeness and the squash will be dry and stringy.

What knife is best for cutting acorn squash? ›

The 7-5/8" Petite Chef is a good knife for cutting acorn squash. Its sharp, long blade and comfortable handle allow for more control while cutting.

Do you peel the skin off of squash before cooking? ›

Some squash skin is edible, while other types of squash have tough skin that can be removed before cooking. Remove the skin of butternut, hubbard, buttercup, and turban squash. If you enjoy the taste, leave the skin on acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and zucchini squash.

Is it OK not to peel squash? ›

Young, small squash also have a thinner skin. So petite butternut and kabocha squash don't necessarily need to be peeled. And even thicker-skinned squash is fine if you cook it long enough. "If you roast any squash for a long enough time, the skin is easier to eat," says Romano.

How do you remove the skin from acorn squash? ›

After softening the squash, add to cold water and chill for 5 minutes until able to handle. The safest way to peel an acorn squash is to use a vegetable peeler. You can peel it while whole, or cut it down into slices or wedges and then peel.

How do you peel squash for roasting? ›

Step 1: start by peeling the skin off of the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. It's important to go around the butternut squash twice with a vegetable peeler or until you reach the orange flesh because the white flesh is much tougher and will not soften when you cook the butternut squash.

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