Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe | Happy Healthy Eating

This hearty oven—Roasted Acorn Squash Sweet and savory, with hints of brown sugar caramel. This is a classic holiday side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or beef tenderloin, and it has less than 5 ingredients!

Growing up, my mom would always make this for us once the weather got colder and the leaves started falling. Sometimes we keep it simple, other times we add crunchy pecans, earthy cinnamon, and chewy cranberries.

Why you'll love roasted acorn squash

Roasted acorn squash is one of the easiest side dishes you can add to your holiday menu this year.

• Seasonality. Nothing is more perfect for fall and winter than fresh roasted acorn squash.
• Simple. You only need 5 ingredients!
• Effortlessly. Once they're in the oven, let time do its thing until they're tender.
• Versatile. Add a splash of whiskey, leftover sweet potatoes, or turn it into a dessert with vanilla ice cream.

What is an acorn squash?

Acorn squash is a slightly sweet winter squash. It has deep ridges that extend from top to bottom. The skin/peel ranges from dark green to yellow-orange, while the flesh is yellow. It is shaped like a giant acorn, hence its name. Its thick crust is perfect for baking and turning it into a hearty serving bowl.

Ingredient description

A sprinkle of salt brings out the acorn squash's natural sweetness even more. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities.

• Acorn Squash – Their skin should be smooth with no bruises or dents.
• olive oil- You can also use avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
• Salt – Kosher salt is best.
• butter – Choose salted or unsalted butter. Avoid margarine.
• brown sugar– I prefer dark brown sugar, but light brown sugar and coconut sugar will work too.

How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash

It's like making your favorite roasted vegetables, but with a sweet twist. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card.

• Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375F. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Set it aside.

• Season. Rub the insides of the acorn squash with olive oil and season with salt. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, seasoned meat side down.
• Bake them. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until fork tender. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
• Add sugar and serve. Turn the acorn squash over. Add 1 teaspoon cream and 1 teaspoon brown sugar to the center of each cake. Use a fork to gently scrape the pulp down the sides and combine with the butter and sugar. enjoy!

Tips and variation ideas

This Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash goes from sweet side dish to dessert with a little fluffy help whipped cream and ice cream.

• Make it chocolatey. This will definitely turn the recipe into a full-blown dessert. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped mini chocolate chips Pumpkin Browniesand add the chocolate syrup drizzle.
• Be prepared in advance. Roast the acorn squash 3 days in advance. Reheat them and add butter and sugar before dinner for an extra kick.
• Choose them. Be sure to choose squash that are similar in size so they cook evenly when you roast them.
• Nail it. Add 1/2 tablespoon whiskey or rum, cream, and brown sugar for a smoky alcohol flavor.
• Use fillers. leftovers Sweet Potato Casserole, Instant Pot Sweet Potatoesand Sweet Potatoes with Oatmeal Pecan Streusel Make delicious stuffing for acorn squash and help reduce food waste.
• Add ice cream. Turn an acorn squash into an ice cream bowl by adding a dollop of your favorite vanilla, praline, chocolate or salted caramel ice cream. You can even top it with whipped cream.
• More ingredients. 1/4 cup of caramel popcorn, candied pecans, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans will add even more flavor and texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice also works.

What to serve with acorn squash?

This roasted acorn squash is a great dessert to add to your holiday menu. i like with my thanksgiving turkey, Maple Smoked Turkeyor Garlic Herb Turkey Breast. Dip turkey in water gravy Also adds extra flavor. Other vegetarian side dishes include mine Asparagus with Lemon Peel and Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms. For salad ideas, go to mine Easy Arugula Salad or Cranberry Kale Salad.

While acorn bowls are great, it may be easier to store them if you chop them up.

• refrigerator: Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• refrigerator: Wrap them in plastic wrap. Transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat: Microwave for 30 seconds until hot. You can also bake in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.

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