Roasting acorn squash in the oven is so easy, and can be done with just a few ingredients. They’re great to roast because they have such a rich flavor that is perfect for fall recipes. In this article, we’ll show you how to roast an acorn squash in the oven with not one, but three different recipe variations!
What is Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is a winter squash with sweet and yellow flesh. It is low-calorie, high-fiber, and loaded with vitamins A, C, and K. It can be roasted in the oven, which brings out its sweet and nutty flavor.
In fact, roasting acorn squash is an easy alternative to boiling or steaming it, which many people find less appealing, or bland. You can also mash acorn squash (like butternut squash) after roasting to make it easier to eat.
Thankfully, it can also be purchased year-round in the supermarket for off-season cravings. There’s nothing like a sweet winter squash side dish on your kitchen table every night of Fall.
It can also be used as the main dish ingredient and stuffed with vegetables, stuffing, and meat like our flavorful Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash.
How to Roast Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash can be flavored in a variety of different ways. However, the process of preparing the squash for baking is usually the same.
You’ll start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Following that, wash the outside of the squash and cut them in half. Just like other winter squash, the inside cavity is full of seeds. Scoop out the seeds and compost them.
Now you’re ready to add butter, seasoning, and other toppings like nuts for a variety of different flavors. (Check out the different recipes below.)
Finally, Acorn Squash is baked in the oven at 375°F with the skin side down for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Popular Acorn Squash Recipes
Here are some popular delicious ingredient combinations used on acorn squash. The recipes below are all sweet and squash is the main ingredient. However, if you’re looking for something more savory or a recipe suitable as a main course, see our Baked Acorn Squash with Bacon and Sausage. It’s very satisfying!
Honey Butter Acorn Squash
This simple recipe uses only a few ingredients to enhance the rich nutty flavor of the squash. Simply add the following to the top of the raw squash before baking.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely sweet flavor. Sprinkle an even layer on top.
- Salted Butter – Balances the sweet ingredients in this recipe. Place about 6 pads of butter around the top and inside.
- Honey – Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize. Drizzle some over the top.
- Black pepper – Adds a perfect spice to counterbalance the sweet. Add just a pinch.
Sweet Cinnamon Pecan Acorn Squash
This variation uses cinnamon and chopped pecans to add a warm nutty flavor. You actually feel like you’re eating a dessert when eating this recipe.
- Cinnamon – Adds a delicious warm flavor. Sprinkle a few pinches to the top.
- Pecans – These provide a rich, nutty flavor with a delicious texture. Add chopped pecans to the tops and inside of the squash.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely sweet flavor. Sprinkle an even layer on top.
- Salted Butter – Balances the sweet ingredients in this recipe. Place about 6 pads of butter around the top and inside.
- Honey – Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize. Drizzle some over the top.
Pumpkin Spice Acorn Squash
If you’re a fan of pumpkin flavors, you’ll love this acorn squash recipe. This simple variation uses honey and brown sugar to add sweetness and spices it up with pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Spice – A taste of fall, this is the perfect spice in on jar to season your squash. Sprinkle a few pinches on top.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely sweet flavor. Sprinkle an even layer on top.
- Salted Butter – Balances the sweet ingredients in this recipe. Place about 6 pads of butter around the top and inside.
- Honey – Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize. Drizzle some over the top.
Overall, roasting acorn squash is a great way to add more vegetables to your diet. The best part about this recipe, in my opinion, is that it doesn’t take much effort or cooking time! This dish can be prepared in less than one hour and would make for an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. I hope you enjoyed the post and please share it with others who might appreciate these roasted acorn squash tips!
Recipe
I hope you were inspired to try these acorn squash recipes. There are many ways to enjoy these delicious vegetables and we’ve only touched the surface! Let me know in the comment below if you plan on trying any of them out, as well as which ones sound best to you.
Sweet, Buttery Acorn Squash Made 3 Ways
Equipment
- Oven
- large, rimmed baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Cutting board
- knife
- small microwave-safe bowl
- pastry brush
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 2 whole acorn squash washed, halved, and gutted.
- 8 tablespoon salted butter melted
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons honey
Optional flavor pairings
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper *optional, but provides a sweet & savory experience.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon *optional depending if you choose this flavor profile
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice *optional depending if you choose this flavor profile
- ½ cup crushed pecans *optional depending if you choose this flavor profile. ½ cup does 4 squash halves.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Place each piece of squash cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Add melted butter, honey, and brown sugar to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
- Brush on the sweet mixture coating the inside walls of the squash, dividing mixture amongst each piece. Sprinkle with optional flavor pairings.
- Bake squash for 45-50 minutes or until a fork inserted in the center can easily go through the flesh.
Oh yummy, since I love acorn squash I’ll have to try this. Need to go find some brown sugar first. Thanks for the recipe.
Excellent!! This is quite similar to the one my mom used when she prepared it. Level of sweetness was perfect. Can’t wait to prepare it again.
I put it in oven as is…. when fork soft i take it out cut in half and clean it out. then add the butter and brown sugar – will have to try the hone
Hi, that is also a nice method. I will try it when my squash is ready from the garden.
The recipe I just saw says 4 tablespoon cup brown sugar. What is the right amount for the sweet and buttery acorn squash? Thanks
Hello, sorry about that! I have added a recipe card that is easy to follow. Thank you!
Do you eat the skin?
Hi, no you do not. Thank you, for stopping by!
Hi I take a fork and fork the squash and bake the squash cut side down for 25-30 minutes and flip over take a tablespoon of butter and rub all over edge and center of squash and place the balance of it in the center. I add a quarter cup of brown sugar and cook the squash another 25-30 minutes cut side up. The butter and brown sugar melt and mix serve hot.
Love the recipes with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon…just like mom used to make. May try the honey recipe this time .thanks.