Sweet & Delicious Oven-Baked Acorn Squash

Roasting acorn squash in the oven is so easy, and can be done with just a few ingredients. Acorn squash are great to roast because they have such a rich flavor that is perfect for fall recipes. This side dish recipe will show you how to roast an acorn squash in the oven with 3 easy flavor combinations.

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Acorn squash is a vegetable that can be roasted in the oven, giving it a sweet and nutty flavor. Roasting the squash is an easy alternative to boiling or steaming it, which many people find less appealing, or bland. The squash can also be mashed after roasting to make it easier for young children and those with sensitive teeth to eat.

We love that this fall vegetable is a low-calorie, high-fiber, and loaded with vitamins A, C and K. Thankfully for people like myself, it can also be purchased year-round in the supermarket for off season cravings.

There’s nothing like a sweet butternut squash side dish on your kitchen table every night of Fall. I give this easy recipe side dish 5 stars out of five because its creamy texture makes me feel warm inside just thinking about it while watching my favorite tv show in front of our fireplace as we wait for winter to come around.

Ingredients

*Our recipe provided 4 halves for 4 people total*

Honey Butter

• Acorn Squash – This variety has a nutty, naturally sweet flavor and is perfect for roasting.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely sweet flavor.
• Butter – Salted butter balances the sweet ingredients in this recipe.
• Honey – Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize.
• Black pepper – Adds a perfect spice to counterbalance the sweet.

Sweet Cinnamon Pecan

• Acorn Squash – This variety has a nutty, naturally sweet flavor and is perfect for roasting.
• Cinnamon – Adds a delicious warm flavor.
• Pecans – These provide a rich, nutty flavor with a delicious texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely sweet flavor.
• Butter – Salted butter balances the sweet ingredients in this recipe.
• Honey – Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize.

Pumpkin Spice

• Acorn Squash – This variety has a nutty, naturally sweet flavor and is perfect for roasting.
• Pumpkin Spice – A taste of fall, this is the perfect spice in on jar to season your squash.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely sweet flavor.
• Butter – Salted butter balances the sweet ingredients in this recipe.
• Honey – Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and brown sugar until thick and combined.
3. Cut the squash in half and scoop out seeds with a spoon.
4. Place cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
5. Drizzle melted butter, brown sugar and honey mixture on top of each piece.
6. Sprinkle on the flavor combination you prefer whether it be the cinnamon, black pepper, pecan, or pumpkin spice flavors.
7. Roast for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork or knife.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Overall, roasting acorn squash is a great way to add more vegetables into 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 at Thanksgiving dinner. I hope you enjoyed the post and please share it with others who might appreciate these roasted acorn squash tips!

More Squash Recipes

• Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Bacon & Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Mashed Butternut Squash
• Butternut Squash Bacon Pasta

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Sweet, Buttery Acorn Squash Made 3 Ways

Acorn squash is a vegetable that can be roasted in the oven, giving it a sweet and nutty flavor. Roasting the squash is an easy alternative to boiling or steaming it, which many people find less appealing, or bland. The squash can also be mashed after roasting to make it easier for young children and those with sensitive teeth to eat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword acorn squash, baked squash, squash, sweet acorn squash

Servings 4 servings

Calories 292cal

Author Amy

Cost $4

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.

Notes

Nutritional values may vary and are meant to be a guide. 

Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. Heat in the oven or microwave until warmed. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 292cal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 281mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 706IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg