Roasted acorn squash is a delicious and simple Fall side dish. It’s made of acorn squash, and a sprinkling of spices.
![Easy Roasted Acorn Squash on a baking sheet](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Easy-Roasted-Acorn-Squash-Recipe-Primavera-Kitchen-1.jpg)
Roasted Acorn Squash
This roasted acorn squash will for sure please everybody in your house and it will change the minds of those who don’t even like squash vegetables. Why am I so sure about that?
Well, would you believe me if I tell you that I was never a squash fan? True, I used to say that I didn’t like acorn squash even though I’ve never EVER tried acorn squash in my life.
So, yesterday I went to my local grocery store and I decided to give it a try. OMG I’m so glad that I gave it a chance because I LOVED it. I swear to you.
This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is just amazing. It’s a bitsweet, tender, tasty, rich and delicious! And you won’t believe how easy it is to make roasted acorn squash.
![close up - Easy Roasted Acorn Squash on a baking sheet](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Easy-Roasted-Acorn-Squash-Recipe-Primavera-Kitchen-2.jpg)
How to cut an acorn squash:
Cutting an acorn squash to cook can be a little hard and tricky because of the tough shell. So, follow the tips below to cut it easily and safely.
- Place the acorn squash on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, slice the squash in half. It will take some strength and force to cut it, but if you cut it slowly and straight down, you will get it.
- Once you slice the acorn squash in half, using a metal spoon, scoop out all of the seeds and membrane from each of the acorn squash halves.
![Acorn squash cut in half. A hand of someone scooping the seeds.](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/RoastedAcornSquash-5.png)
- You can bake the acorn squash halves and stuff it with a delicious filling. Or you can lay the squash down, flat-side down, and slice into 1-2 inch slices for roasting.
- You don’t need to peel acorn squash before cutting or preparing it. Then, simply roast how I explained above or on the recipe box.
![acorn squash sliced on a wooden cutting board.](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Roasted-Acorn-Squash.png)
How to cook acorn squash
Ingredients
- Acorn squash — to pick the perfect squash, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has blemish-free skin. It should be dark green but may have an orange spot or two. Make sure the squash feels firm and doesn’t have soft spots.
- Olive oil — you can also use any oil of your choice.
- Seasoning — I season my acorn squash with paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Fresh parsley — chopped for garnishing and it adds a pretty pop of colour.
![ingredients on the countertop to make roasted acorn squash](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/roasted-acorn-squash-1.png)
Instructions
Instructions to Make Roasted Acorn Sqaush
It’s super easy to roast an acorn squash. And all what you need to do is:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a sheet pan with parchment or aluminum foil id you prefer.
- Place the acorn squash on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, slice the acorn squash in half. Then, remove the seeds using a spoon.
- Lay the half acorn squash cut-side-down and slice into 1/4 inch slices parallel to the stem.
- Arranging the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, pouring olive oil over the top of the acorn squash and sprinkling with the spices.
- Roast for 40-50 minutes, until the squash slices are fork-tender. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
![Overhead photo of roasted acorn squash on a sheet pan.](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Easy-Roasted-Acorn-Squash-Recipe-Primavera-Kitchen-5.jpg)
How To Store Leftovers
- To Store: Let your leftover acorn squash cool and place it in an airtight container. Store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: Keep in mind that while you can freeze roasted acorn squash, the texture won’t be as good the second time around. If you do decide to freeze your leftovers, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat your leftovers in the microwave or the oven at 350 degrees F until they are warmed through.
Recipe tips
- For a sweeter touch, try drizzling maple syrup or brown sugar over your sliced acorn squash either before or after baking.
- If you’re having trouble cutting the acorn squash, put it in the microwave for a few seconds. This will soften the squash and make it easier to cut through.
- Roasted acorn squash tastes even better with fresh herbs, so if you have some feel free to use them! Some of my favorite additions to this recipe are thyme, sage, and rosemary.
- Did you know that you can eat the skin on acorn squash? You’ll save time on peeling, but you’ll want to make sure you clean the exterior of the squash thoroughly.
What does acorn squash pair well with?
A holiday showstopper: This roasted acorn squash is a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes! Try pairing it with my garlic butter turkey breasts for a holiday meal that will really wow your guests.
Seasonal vegetables: I love pairing vegetables together anytime I can. Cauliflower, brussels sprouts, delicata squash, broccoli and spaghetti squash are great compliments to one another, so this dish pairs perfectly with my mashed cauliflower.
Savory veggie fried rice: Another favorite dish that I like to pair with roasted acorn squash is my fried cauliflower rice. Serve the roasted acorn squash as a side for a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal.
Recipe Variations
Add protein: Roasted acorn squash is the perfect vegetable to transform into a tasty and nutritious meal. Instead of slicing your acorn squash, simply cut it in half, roast the two halves, and stuff with your favorite ingredients. And the best part is that you can eat the bowl, too!
Switch up the seasoning: Acorn squash is a very versatile ingredient, so you can have fun with this recipe and try all kinds of different seasonings such as chili powder. Lean into the sweeter side by adding spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice or try different combinations of fresh herbs.
Make it cheesy: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of your roasted acorn squash before you serve. The rich, nutty flavor of the parmesan complements this recipe so well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acorn squash is a winter squash that is a great source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and more!
Oh yes, absolutely. After you roast it for at least 40 minutes, the skin becomes edible and delicious. It is healthy too. The acorn squash skin provides lots of phytonutrient benefits and fiber as well. It’s the perfect dinner side dish! Need some dinners to go with this? Try my 40 Easy Fall Dinner Recipes!
More roasted acorn squash to make: Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash, Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, and Sausage and Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash.
![](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Easy-Roasted-Acorn-Squash-Recipe-Primavera-Kitchen-1-750x750.jpg)
Roasted Acorn Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnishing optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds using a spoon.
- Lay the half acorn squash cut-side-down on a cutting board and slice into 1/4 inch slices parallel to the stem.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Pour olive oil over the top of the acorn squash and sprinkle with all the spices listed on the ingredients section.
- Roast for 40-50 minutes, until the squash slices are fork-tender.
Tips
- Make sure you clean the exterior of the squash thoroughly, as the skin can be eaten.
- For a sweeter bite, drizzle some maple syrup before or after baking the squash.
- If you have trouble cutting your acorn squash, you can microwave it for a couple of minutes, so it softens enough to cut.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
![Easy Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe](https://www.primaverakitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Easy-Roasted-Acorn-Squash-Recipe.png)
mimi rippee says
This is beautiful. I love the horizontal slices through the squash. Are they hard to eat this way?
Olivia says
Not at all. They are very soft and delicious 😉
Maria Vilma Ribad says
Muito delÃciaÂ
Olivia says
Você iria adorar 😉
Robert Petrovitch says
Is it me or does others have difficulty reading recipes on this site because of the many interference pop up ads.
It seem to get worse each time I enter this site.
Annoying as hell.
I used to read the recipes for hours at a time but now I eventually get to read one and go to another site.
Sorry guys.
Olivia says
Thanks for your feedback, Robert. I talked to my ad network and they remove the pop up ads. For me it’s very important that my readers get a good experience on my site. Hope it helps 😉
Bert Dezazzo says
The site is still completely loaded with ads including pop-ups. You page loads terribly and made me go to a different site for an acorn squash recipe. I humbly suggest that you take these complaints seriously.
Olivia says
I’m sorry you feel this way. I hope you understand that I’m only able to provide free content/recipes on this site because of the ads. But I’ll talk to my ad network to see what we can do to give you a better experience on my site. Thanks.
Helen says
I take a picture on my I pad, then refer to the photo. Solves the problem of pop up ads.🥸
Alice says
Thank you so much for this easy, delicious recipe. I’ve had acorn squash in the past and loved it. I bought a frozen dinner of black beans, quinoa, and butternut squash. I can do this, I said! The butternut was too big, too expensive, so I got an acorn squash. With your recipe, I’m positive it will be so much better than the frozen dinner. Try it; you’ll like it.
Olivia says
You’re very welcome 😉
Chris J Brown says
Damn I will try that today 🙂
Olivia says
You’ll love it!
Mia says
This year  I’ve become  more interested in root vegetables, the spices for this can be used for many products especially  scallops, prawns and artic char. Next time add chili flakes. Visited the farmers market today picked up an usual type of squash Ives never seen before and mini bulb turnips! Aside from the difficulty off slicing; thumbs up!!!!!!!!!
Olivia says
Great. happy you like it 😉
Ken Collier says
Your acorn squash recipe says “Lay the half acorn squash cut-side-down and slice into 1/4 inch slices parallel to the stem.” But pictures show slices across where the stem would be, not parallel. Probably makes no difference for the cooking – hey! heat is heat, regardless of which way you slice the squash.
Olivia says
It makes no difference for the cooking. I’ve made this recipe citing the squash in both ways and it always works.
Lauren says
This looks delicious! Do you think it would be a nice twist to add black truffle oil before serving?
Olivia says
Absolutely. It would be very delicious!
Thembi says
These pop up ads are a nuisance indeed!!!
Olivia says
I’m sorry you feel this way. I hope you understand that I’m only able to provide free content/recipes on this site because of the ads. But I’ll talk to my ad network to see what we can do to give you a better experience on my site. Thanks.
Cydney says
This was our first time trying acron squash, and it’s a new favorite. So simple so delicious.
Olivia says
Amazing!!!