How to Cook Acorn Squash Recipe

Introduction

Acorn squash makes a wonderfully sweet and tender side dish that’s simple to prepare. Roasted until soft and then broiled with butter and brown sugar, it offers a comforting flavor perfect for any meal. This easy recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the squash with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (divided)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Water (for baking sheet)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each acorn squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon, leaving the inside clean.
3. Step 3: Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Pour enough water onto the sheet so it slightly covers the sides of the squash to create steam while baking.
4. Step 4: Bake the squash for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is soft when pierced with a fork.
5. Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on the stove top.
6. Step 6: Turn on the oven broiler and flip the squash halves over so the cut sides are facing up.
7. Step 7: Add one tablespoon of butter to the center of each squash half. For a sweeter flavor, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of brown sugar on each. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Return the squash to the oven and broil for about 5 minutes until the butter melts and the edges brown slightly.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before broiling to enhance the warm, sweet flavors.
• Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different natural sweetness.
• For a savory twist, use herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of sugar and season with a bit of garlic powder.
• Make sure to use a sharp knife when cutting the squash to avoid slipping and injury.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain its tender texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook acorn squash without cutting it in half?

Cooking acorn squash whole takes significantly longer and can be uneven. Cutting it in half allows it to cook more quickly and evenly while making it easier to remove seeds and season.

Is it necessary to add water to the baking sheet?

Adding water creates steam during baking, which helps soften the squash and prevents it from drying out. It’s a simple trick to keep the squash moist and tender.

How to Cook Acorn Squash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

A simple and delicious recipe for baking acorn squash halves, enhanced with butter and brown sugar, yielding a tender and slightly caramelized side dish that’s perfect for fall or anytime comfort food.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Acorn Squash

• 2 acorn squash

Butter and Sweeteners

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (divided)

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Other

• Water (enough to slightly cover the sides of squash on baking sheet)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the acorn squash.
2. Prepare Squash: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each acorn squash in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and stringy fibers from inside each half until clean.
3. Arrange for Baking: Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Add enough water to the baking sheet to slightly cover the sides of the squash to keep them moist while baking.
4. Bake Squash: Bake the squash at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Remove and Prepare for Broiling: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on the stovetop. Turn your oven’s broiler on.
6. Turn Squash and Add Toppings: Flip the squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet. Place 1 tablespoon of butter in the center of each half. For a sweeter version, add 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar on top of the butter in each squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Broil Squash: Return the baking sheet to the oven, positioning it under the broiler. Broil for about 5 minutes or until the butter melts, the sugar caramelizes slightly, and the edges of the squash brown lightly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the squash warm as a sweet and savory side dish.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your preference for sweetness.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Be careful when flipping the hot squash halves to avoid burns.
• Adding water to the baking sheet encourages moist baking, preventing the squash from drying out.
• Broiling at the end gives a pleasant caramelized finish and enhances flavor.

Keywords: acorn squash, baked acorn squash, fall side dish, roasted squash, easy vegetable recipe, autumn recipe, sweet squash