The Best Oven Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
This recipe for The Best Oven Roasted Acorn Squash offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy seasonal squash. Roasting the acorn squash enhances its natural sweetness and caramelizes the brown sugar and spices, creating a warm, cozy, and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with fall meals or holiday dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 half squash per serving) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Acorn Squash
- 2 medium acorn squash, about 1.5–2 pounds each, washed and dried
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse each acorn squash thoroughly to remove any dust. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice each squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You can save the seeds for roasting if desired.
- Season Squash Halves: Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over each half. Sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg evenly on the cut surfaces. Rub the seasonings gently with your hands to distribute the flavors thoroughly.
- Roast the Squash: Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast the squash for 35-40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes to ensure nothing is burning. The squash is ready when the flesh is fork-tender and the edges have a slight golden, caramelized appearance.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the squash from the oven and immediately brush each half with melted butter to add a rich, glossy finish. Let the squash cool for a couple of minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute melted unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- If preferred, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a subtle spicy kick.
- Roasted acorn squash can be served as a side dish or scooped out and added to salads, grain bowls, or soups.
- Leftover squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: oven roasted acorn squash, roasted acorn squash recipe, fall side dish, easy roasted squash, healthy autumn recipe
