Roasted acorn squash deserves a place on your table this season. It’s easy to make, heartwarming, and has a delightful nutty flavor. While often overshadowed by its brighter squash cousins, acorn squash offers a satisfying, subtly sweet taste. Plus, it pairs perfectly with autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
If you’re looking to try something new this fall, why not give acorn squash a chance?
Halved and roasted acorn squash makes a beautifully simple side dish that’s suitable for any occasion. It adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving feast, yet it’s easy enough for a regular weeknight dinner.
Today, I’ll show you how to prepare perfectly roasted acorn squash with caramelized edges and tender insides. The method is quite similar to roasting spaghetti squash, so let’s dive right in.
How to Prepare Acorn Squash
Step one is to slice your acorn squash in half (safely!). Given its tough exterior and round shape, acorn squash can be a bit slippery. To tackle it with ease, you’ll need a sharp chef’s knife and a non-slip cutting board. If you want extra stability, place a lightly damp tea towel under your cutting board.
Start by piercing the squash in the center along a depression line. Then, cut through the tip. Finish by slicing through the top portion just next to the stem.
Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits inside, and discard those pieces. Alternatively, you can roast the seeds just like pumpkin seeds. Now, you’re ready to proceed with the rest of the recipe!
Watch How to Roast Acorn Squash
Suggested Toppings for Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash doesn’t need a lot of toppings to be delicious. A pat or two of butter adds a delightful richness. Personally, I love drizzling a light amount of maple syrup over the squash and sprinkling it with a pinch of cinnamon and salt. For a more unexpected twist, try topping your acorn squash with toasted pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) seasoned with a pinch of chili powder and salt. Don’t forget to add some crumbled fried sage leaves for added flavor!
You can choose just a couple of complementary flavors for a simple side dish or experiment with several toppings for a more impactful dish. If you want to turn acorn squash into a main course, consider incorporating cheese and whole grains. Check out my recipe for Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash to see how you can elevate it even further.
Here are some topping suggestions:
- Apples
- Butter
- Cheese: Goat cheese or Parmesan
- Cranberries
- Garlic or ginger
- Honey or maple syrup
- Herbs: Cilantro, fried sage, parsley
- Nuts and seeds: Pecans, pepitas, walnuts
- Spices: Black pepper, cinnamon, chili powder
- Whole grains: Quinoa, wild rice
More Hearty Squash Recipes to Enjoy
If you’re a fan of squash, here are a few more recipes featuring acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash that you’ll love:
- Adrianna’s Spicy Squash Soup
- How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (The Best Way!)
- Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
- Spaghetti Squash “Pizza” Bowls
- Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Please let me know how your acorn squash turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.
