5 Best Baked Acorn Squash Recipes You Need

If you're on a quest for new and exciting side dishes or a unique addition to your holiday meal lineup, baked acorn squash should be on your list. Acorn squash, with its sweet, nutty flavor, can transform into a multitude of delightful dishes, thanks to its versatility in cooking. Here are five of the best baked acorn squash recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy and infuse your dining table with a touch of autumnal charm.

Maple Glazed Acorn Squash with Brown Butter

This recipe elevates the natural sweetness of acorn squash by combining it with the deep, rich flavors of maple syrup and brown butter.

• Ingredients:
• 1 large acorn squash
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup maple syrup
• Salt, pepper, and ground cinnamon to taste
• Fresh thyme (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice each half into crescent shapes about ³⁄₄-inch thick.
3. Brush the slices with melted butter, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
4. Arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. While the squash bakes, heat the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it browns. Add maple syrup and stir to combine.
7. Remove squash from the oven, drizzle with the maple-brown butter mixture, and optionally garnish with thyme.

💡 Note: To prevent browning, make sure the squash is not overcrowded on the baking sheet.

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa and Cranberries

For a vegetarian feast, this dish brings together the hearty texture of quinoa, the pop of sweet cranberries, and the nuttiness of acorn squash.

• Ingredients:
• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup dried cranberries
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the cut sides of the squash with salt and pepper, then place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook quinoa in vegetable broth following package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and mix in cranberries and nuts if using.
4. After roasting, turn the squash halves right-side up and fill each with the quinoa mixture.
5. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve.

💡 Note: If you prefer a softer quinoa, you can par-cook the cranberries or use pre-soaked ones.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Garlic and Parmesan

A savory twist on roasted acorn squash, this recipe highlights the flavors of garlic and Parmesan for a comforting and cheesy side dish.

• Ingredients:
• 2 acorn squashes, sliced into ¹⁄₂-inch rings
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a baking sheet, brush squash slices with melted butter, sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20 minutes, flip, and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes until tender.
4. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and thyme, then return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Savory Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Packed with protein, this hearty acorn squash dish can easily become the star of your dinner table.

• Ingredients:
• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
• ¹⁄₂ pound sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh sage for garnish
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet, brush with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
3. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned, add onion and apple, and sauté until soft. Add breadcrumbs to absorb any excess moisture.
4. Scoop the sausage mixture into the cavities of the roasted squash, top with cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with sage before serving.

Acorn Squash Soup with Smoky Chipotle

Using baked acorn squash as a base for a creamy soup, this recipe adds a subtle smoky heat with chipotle peppers.

• Ingredients:
• 2 acorn squashes, baked as per above instructions, and scooped out
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, add onions, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add garlic and chipotle peppers, cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the squash pulp, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Return to pot, add cream or milk, and heat through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

These recipes showcase the remarkable adaptability of acorn squash, from savory to sweet, from simple to sophisticated. Each dish not only provides warmth and comfort but also introduces a delightful way to enjoy this seasonal vegetable. Whether you choose the sweet notes of maple glaze or the hearty filling of sausage, these baked acorn squash recipes are sure to become cherished additions to your culinary repertoire. Let's embrace the flavors of autumn and bring a new level of excitement to our dining tables with these wonderful recipes.

How do I store baked acorn squash?

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Store baked acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but thaw it in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Can I substitute butternut squash in these recipes?

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Yes, butternut squash can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind its cooking time might differ slightly due to its higher water content and denser texture. Adjustments to roasting times might be necessary.

What goes well with acorn squash dishes?

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Acorn squash pairs well with leafy greens, roasted root vegetables, meats like pork or turkey, and even seafood like salmon. It complements both sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile side dish for a range of main courses.