If you’re craving a cozy fall side dish that’s both delicious and healthy, this roasted acorn squash recipe is perfect for you.
It’s slightly sweet, perfectly caramelized, and incredibly easy to make — no fancy ingredients required.
Whether you serve it alongside roasted chicken, Thanksgiving turkey, or enjoy it on its own, roasted acorn squash brings a warm, comforting flavor to your table.
🥣 What Is Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is a winter squash shaped like — you guessed it — an acorn.
It has a deep green (sometimes orange) rind and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor when cooked.
The flesh turns soft and creamy once roasted, making it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes.
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this roasted acorn squash recipe:
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1 medium acorn squash
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a cozy touch)
🔪 How to Cut Acorn Squash
Cutting acorn squash can be tricky because of its tough skin, but here’s an easy method:
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Slice off the stem and bottom tips so the squash can stand upright.
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Carefully cut it in half from top to bottom.
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Scoop out the seeds using a spoon.
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Slice each half into even wedges (about 1-inch thick).
If you prefer, you can roast the halves whole — just adjust the baking time slightly.
🔥 How to Roast Acorn Squash
Preheat the oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the squash: Arrange the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or butter, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any seasonings you like.
Optional sweetness: Sprinkle brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup on top if you want that caramelized flavor.
Roast: Bake for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy warm, either as a side dish or a cozy vegetarian main.
🍁 Variations and Flavor Ideas
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Savory twist: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme for an herby version.
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Sweet glaze: Drizzle honey or maple syrup and sprinkle cinnamon for a dessert-like flavor.
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Parmesan crunch: Add grated Parmesan during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a cheesy touch.
🧡 Serving Suggestions
Roasted acorn squash pairs beautifully with:
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Roasted chicken or turkey
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Grilled salmon or shrimp
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Quinoa or wild rice bowls
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Autumn salads with cranberries and pecans
You can even scoop out the flesh and mash it like sweet potatoes — it’s that versatile.
Roasted acorn squash Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut off the stem and bottom tips of the squash so it sits flat.
- Slice the squash in half from top to bottom and scoop out the seeds.
- Cut into 1-inch wedges or roast the halves whole.
- Place the squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil or butter and season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Sprinkle brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Roast for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden brown.
- Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it on its own.
Notes
🍁 Tips
- For a savory twist, add garlic powder, thyme, or smoked paprika.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving.
- Add grated Parmesan during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a cheesy flavor.
🌿 Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
This roasted acorn squash recipe is simple, wholesome, and bursting with fall flavor.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, or whenever you want a warm, comforting dish.
Once you try it, you’ll see why roasted squash is a fall favorite — it’s naturally sweet, satisfying, and impossible to resist!
