How to Bake Acorn Squash: Baked Acorn Squash Recipe

Acorn squash is a variety of winter squash with a mildly sweet, nutty flavor, glossy, dark-green edible skin, and soft, toothsome texture. When cut in half, acorn squash has deep, grooved cups perfect for stuffing with whole grains or a few pats of butter and a teaspoon or two of brown sugar or maple syrup.

Acorn squash is a versatile, mild-flavored vegetable that works well in sweet and savory formats for endless fall recipe options.

Home cooks of all levels love acorn squash for its versatility. Use these tips to make the tastiest squash possible:

1. 1. Microwave the squash before slicing. If you’re having difficulty slicing through the sturdy skin of this winter squash, microwave the acorn squash for 1 minute before cutting. Microwaving softens the skin slightly, making it easier to slice through.
2. 2. Stick to high heat. Keep your oven at a high temperature to caramelize the squash’s naturally sweet flesh.
3. 3. Bake the squash ahead of time. You can bake acorn squash up to two days before serving or incorporating it into a recipe. Simply bake the squash and allow it to cool fully before wrapping each piece in foil and storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, place the foil-wrapped squash in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through.

Acorn squash works well in sweet and savory dishes, making the pairing options endless. Some of the most popular ways to serve roasted acorn squash include:

1. 1. Fall grain bowl: Add baked acorn squash directly to a fall grain bowl, skin and all. Pair acorn squash with cooked rice, quinoa, barley, or roasted vegetables, and top it with pumpkin seeds or toasted nuts.
2. 2. Healthy dessert: For an easy squash dessert, sprinkle halved acorn squash with brown sugar, granulated sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey before baking. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and chopped pecans or walnuts.
3. 3. Hearty vegetable medley: Baked acorn squash pairs well with other roasted and raw seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, kale, potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, and turnips.
4. 4. Protein side dish: This mild veggie makes a great side dish for just about any type of meat, including turkey, beef, chicken, and pork.
5. 5. Sausage-stuffed acorn squash: Fill a halved acorn squash with a mixture of cooked sausage, grains, vegetables, and herbs for a tasty and filling main dish.
6. 6. Seasonal pasta dishes: Discard the skin and cut up the baked squash before folding it into seasonal pasta dishes. Try serving your squash pasta with a simple brown butter sage sauce.