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Got a squash and not sure what to do with it? Here are all the best ideas for acorn squash recipes, from soup to salad to stuffed.

Acorn squash recipes

As soon as glossy green round squashes start to pop up farmers markets and grocery stores, it’s time for all the acorn squash recipes! Roast it, stuff it, puree it into soup: there are so many tasty ways to use this little squash and enjoy its bright and beautiful tender flesh. Here are some of the best ways we’ve found to eat it, and a few recipes from some favorite recipe developers and food bloggers.

And now…our top acorn squash recipes!

How to roast acorn squash

Acorn squash is easy to make: the only hard part is cutting it! To roast acorn squash, you’ll need to halve the squash using a very sharp knife and then scoop out the seeds. Then cut the acorn squash into quarters — you also can cut it into half moons (like in the salad below). Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then place the squash onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray.

It takes about 40 minutes to roast the squash; test and make sure it’s fork tender. The edges will turn slightly brown in the oven and the squash should smell slightly nutty as well. 

Acorn squash nutrition

So, what’s in squash that makes it so great? According to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, squash is full of beta carotene, protein, Vitamin C & B6, potassium, and fiber. While there are no studies to cite on specific health benefits of winter squash, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, and have a positive effect on blood sugar to keep your appetite in check.

Basically: acorn squash is full of vitamins and nutrients. So why not make it part of your fall recipe repertoire?

Note: Several of these Butternut Squash Recipes can also be made with acorn squash!

More squash recipes

Like butternut? Got a spaghetti squash instead? Found a delicata and not sure how to use it? Here are some resources for other types of squash:

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Baked Acorn Squash

15 Tasty Acorn Squash Recipes


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 to 8 1x

Description

This roasted acorn squash recipe comes out perfectly tender with a tasty brown butter maple drizzle! Here’s how to bake acorn squash.


Ingredients

Scale

For the squash

  • 2 acorn squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper

For serving

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • Sea salt, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. 
  2. Chop each of the acorn squash in half. Use a spoon to scrape out the strings and seeds. Then cut the squash into quarters. 
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the squash on the sheet and drizzle with olive oil on the cut sides, then sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Turn cut side down on the sheet and 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and tip the squash to the other side and roast 15 to 20 minutes more, until fork tender and lightly browned on the cut sides.
  4. Place the butter (sliced into pieces) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat for a few minutes until it melts, turns foamy, and then starts to become brown in color and smells nutty. Immediately remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl, and stir in the maple syrup.
  5. To serve, garnish the squash with the brown butter maple drizzle and sprinkle with chopped pecans and sea salt.
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasted
  • Cuisine: Fall
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Acorn squash recipes

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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