Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe | Happy healthy eating

This hearty stove-Roasted Acorn Squash Sweet and savory with a hint of caramel from the brown sugar. This is a classic holiday side that's perfect with turkey, ham or beef tenderloin and has less than 5 ingredients!

My mom would make this for us all the time growing up when the weather turned cold and the leaves started to fall. Sometimes we keep it simple, and at others we add crunchy pecans, ground cinnamon and chewy cranberries.

Why You'll Love Roasting Acorn Squash

Baked acorn squash is one of the easiest side dishes you can add to your holiday menu this year.

• seasonal Nothing screams fall and winter like freshly roasted acorn squash.
• simple You only need 5 ingredients!
• effortlessly Once they're in the oven, let time do its thing until they're fork-tender.
• versatile Add a splash of whiskey, leftover sweet potatoes, or turn it into a dessert with vanilla ice cream.

What is Acorn Squash?

Acorn squash is a mild-sweet type of winter squash. It has deep rocks that run from top to bottom. The skin/peel is dark green to yellow-orange, while the flesh is yellow. It is shaped like a giant acorn, hence the name. Its thick peel is perfect for frying and turning it into edible bowls.

Material notes

A sprinkle of salt accentuates the natural sweetness of acorn squash. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

• Acorn Squash- They should have smooth skin and no wounds or holes in them.
• olive oil- You can also use avocado, coconut or vegetable oil.
• salt- Kosher salt is best.
• butter- Go for salted or unsalted butter. Avoid margarine.
• Brown Sugar- I prefer dark brown sugar, but light brown sugar and coconut sugar work too.

How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash

It's just like making your favorite roasted vegetables but with a sweeter flavor profile. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

• It's the season. Rub the inside of the acorn squash with olive oil and season with salt. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with the cooked flesh side facing down.
• Roast them. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until fork-tender. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
• Serve sweet. Turn the acorn squash over. Add 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to the center of each. Mix with the butter and sugar, using a fork to gently scrape the meat from the sides. Enjoy!

Tips and modification ideas

Go from sweet side dish to dessert with this buttery roasted acorn squash fluffiness. Whipped cream and ice cream.

• Make chocolate. This definitely turns the recipe into a full blown dessert. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips Pumpkin Browniesand add a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
• Prepare ahead. Roast the acorn squashes up to 3 days in advance. Reheat them and add butter and sugar just before dinner for an extra quick side.
• Pick them. Always choose squashes that are the same size so that when you roast them, they cook evenly.
• Spike it. Add 1/2 tablespoon of whiskey or rum to the butter and brown sugar for a smoky kick of alcohol.
• Use a filling. remaining Sweet Potato Casserole, Instant Pot Sweet PotatoesAnd Sweet Potatoes with Oatmeal Pecan Streusel Acorns make a great filling for squash and help reduce food waste.
• Add ice cream. Turn acorn squash into an ice cream bowl by adding a scoop of your favorite vanilla, praline, chocolate or salted caramel ice cream. You can even top them with whipped cream.
• More toppings. 1/4 cup caramel popcorn, candied pecans, dried cranberries or chopped pecans will add more flavor and texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice also works.

What goes with acorn squash?

This Roasted Acorn Squash is a sweet side to your holiday menu. I love serving it with me Thank you Türkiye, Maple Smoked Türkiyeor Garlic Herb Turkey Breast. Dipping the turkey Gravy Adds extra flavor. Other veggie sides include mine Asparagus with lemon zest And Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms. For salad ideas, go for mine Simple Arugula Salad or Kale Salad with Cranberries.

While acorn bowls are great, cutting them can make storage easier.

• Fridge: Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: They are wrapped in plastic wrap. Transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• To reheat it: Microwave in 30-second increments until heated through. You can use the oven at 300F for 30-40 minutes.

More thanks in advance

Print