How to make easy oven-roasted acorn squash- (recipe)

Roasted acorn squash is a favorite fall vegetable and easy to make.  Brush the squash with olive oil, bake it in the oven and it is ready to eat!  Somehow sweet and savory, acorn squash pairs well with many dishes for a cozy meal on a cold winter night.  Try roasted squash. Your taste buds and family will thank you!

In the fall, I love to go to the farmer’s market to see the assortment of winter squash displayed throughout the market.  They come in an amazing array of colors, shapes, sizes, and varieties. Even though they are generally available in the grocery stores year-round, this is the time of year when they have the best flavor and the nutrients in the squash are at their peak.

One of my favorite types of winter squash is acorn squash.  They look like acorns but instead of being brown, they have a green ridged outer skin, and the inside flesh is orange.  As a matter of fact, the contrasting combination of colors is beautiful.  

At first glance, acorn squash looks intimidating to prepare.   For the longest time, I did not cook them because I had no idea how to prepare or serve them.  In college, a friend invited me to dinner and served roasted acorn squash.  I loved them and learned how easy they are to cook.  From that time on, I look forward to autumn to eat them.  As a matter of fact, they are on my fall menu rotation every year!

Is acorn squash healthy to eat?

Acorn squash is rich in antioxidants which can help protect people from various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.  It is also rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium.  One cup of cooked, cubed, unsalted acorn squash provides 115 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of fiber.  USDA

How to choose an acorn squash

The squash should be heavy for its size.  The skin should be dull, smooth, and have no cracks or soft spots.  If the skin is shiny it means it was picked too early and will not be sweet.  Therefore, the skin should be mostly green.  If there is too much orange, it means the squash is overripe and it will be stringy and dry.

How to store squash

Because acorn skin is slighter thick, whole acorn squash can be stored in a dry cool (50-60°F) place for up to three months. 

What ingredients are needed to roast squash?

Other than salt and pepper only two ingredients are needed to roast the squash.

• Extra virgin olive oil-this oil is great for roasting because of its smoke point. If you prefer to use neutral-flavored oils, canola, or vegetable oil is a good choice.
• Acorn Squash

How to roast acorn squash halves

Step 1: Cut the squash in half

To be honest, the most difficult part of cooking acorn squash is cutting it.  Even though acorn squash looks challenging to cut, a few tricks make it much easier. 

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1. Use a sturdy sharp chef’s knife (affiliate link).  This is key!  A small flimsy knife (like a paring knife) could be dangerous to use since the flesh of the acorn squash is thick.
2. Soften the skin by microwaving the squash on high for one minute.  
3. Do not try to cut through the stem.  It is difficult and unnecessary to do.
4. Insert a knife in the squash and cut down towards you.
5. Remove the knife and turn the squash around and cut within 2-3 inches of the stem. 
6. With your hands, take the cut ends and pull the acorn apart  The squash should easily break in half leaving you with two acorn halves.

Step 2: Clean the seeds out of the squash

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Using a spoon, scrape the seeds out of the squash halves.

Step 3: Brush the inside flesh and the outer skin of the squash with extra virgin olive oil

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Step 4: Place squash halves on a foil-lined sheet pan

Step 5: How long do you roast acorn squash? Roast 25-30 minutes in a 425° F. oven.

Enjoy cozy roasted acorn squash!

Seasoning variations

Both sweet and savory seasonings are delicious ways to add additional layers of flavor to acorn squash.

• Add 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon butter in the squash half before baking. Note: the cut side of the squash halves will need to face up if you use brown sugar and butter while baking the squash.
• Brush the flesh of the roasted squash with honey or maple syrup after you take it out of the oven.
• After the squash is finished baking, sprinkle any of the following on the squash: nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sage.

Things you can do with roasted acorn squash

Serve it as a side dish!

Acorn squash is a delicious side dish in the fall and winter. Serve it with pork chops, Fast Roasted Chicken, or grilled steak. It also makes a beautiful and easy vegetable for Thanksgiving.

Serve it as an entree!

Squash halves make the perfect vessel to hold fillings for a delicious winter meal.

• Fill squash halves with cooked Italian sausage and faro for an Italian flair.
• For a Mexican-themed meal, fill the squash with cooked ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning and rice, top with grated cheddar or Monterrey jack cheese.
• Do you prefer a vegetarian option? Quinoa and roasted vegetables would be delicious.
• Add roasted squash (without the skin) to macaroni and cheese. The kids won't notice and you have added a vegetable serving to their favorite comfort food!
• Squash and pasta are great together. Scoop out the squash and combine it with pasta and brown butter and a dash of red pepper flakes.  Add a side salad and you have an easy weekday meal. Yum!

Can you eat the skin on the squash?

Yes, if you like, you can eat the skin.  Personally, I find it a little tough and do not eat it. Therefore, I either scoop the flesh out of the shell before serving or serve it with the skin on and everyone can scoop the orange flesh out themselves.

How to store leftover roasted squash

Refrigeration

Store leftover cooked squash in a covered container for up to 3 days.

Frozen

Store leftover cooked squash in the freezer in a covered container for 3-5 months.

Pro Tips:

1. Be sure your oven is set to 425°F. High heat will give you the beautiful and tasty caramelization on the squash.
2. For easier cleanup, line the sheet pan (affiliate link) with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or non-stick pan liner. Likewise, you can also spray it with cooking spray

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Try some of these fall side dishes!