Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash

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This Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash is acorn squash cut into quarters, brushed with melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and roasted at 400°F for about an hour. It's naturally gluten free.

The edges caramelize while the flesh softens and sweetens, and a sprinkle of sea salt keeps it from tasting like dessert.

I make this all fall and winter because it goes with any protein I'm serving.

Acorn squash has a mild, nutty flavor, so the butter and maple do the heavy lifting.

Acorn squash is a winter squash. You'll find it from early fall through winter, with dark green ridged skin and pale orange flesh. It works with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, and it looks pretty on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

When picking out an acorn squash, look for dull, dark green skin with a few orange spots. They shouldn't have any soft spots. They will be heavy and firm.

How to Cut Acorn Squash

This can seem very intimidating and not worth the work, but trust me, it is worth it!

1. I think the easiest way is to start by cutting off the stem. Then you will have a nice flat top, and you can place the squash top-down onto a cutting board without it slipping.
2. Hold the acorn squash carefully and cut it in half with a sharp knife from tip to stem.
3. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy parts, then discard them. You can roast them later just like you would pumpkin seeds.
4. I like to cut mine into fourths, leave the skin on, and eat it.

Ingredients for Baked Acorn Squash

• Acorn squash - Cut into quarters with the seeds scooped out.
• Melted butter - I use a good unsalted butter like Kerrygold. Olive oil or avocado oil work in its place.
• Cinnamon - A little goes a long way.
• Pure maple syrup - Use the real stuff, not pancake syrup. Brown sugar or coconut sugar also work.
• Sea salt - A sprinkle before roasting balances the sweetness.
• Pomegranate seeds and fresh sage - Optional toppings for color. Dried sage works too.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Baked Acorn Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F with the rack in the center. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set the squash quarters on it, flesh side up.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, cinnamon and maple syrup.
3. Brush the squash with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt and roast for about an hour, until a fork slides in easily.
5. Top with pomegranate seeds and chopped sage if you like, and serve right away.

How Long to Bake Acorn Squash at 400

About an hour at 400 degrees for quarters. It is done when a fork slides into the flesh with no resistance and the edges have started to caramelize.

Do You Bake Acorn Squash Cut Side Up or Down?

For this recipe, bake it cut side up so the butter and maple syrup pool in the flesh and caramelize. Cutting it side down steams the squash and gives you softer flesh, which is better if you plan to scoop it out for soup or mash.

Toppings for Acorn Squash

Once it's out of the oven, you can make it sweet or savory.

• honey
• brown butter
• tahini dressing
• feta cheese
• blue cheese
• parmesan cheese
• balsamic glaze
• fresh herbs
• dried cranberries
• pomegranate arils
• toasted seeds
• chopped nuts

Other Ways to Cook Acorn Squash

Roasting is my favorite because of the caramelized edges, but some days you need it faster.

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Cut it into slices or cubes, toss with the butter mixture, and air fry at 375 for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. You will not get quite the same caramelization, but it is very good and much quicker.

Microwave Acorn Squash

Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut side down in a dish with a little water. Microwave for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. This is what I do when I want squash for soup or pasta and don't care how it looks.

Instant Pot Acorn Squash

You can also make this in the Instant Pot when the oven is full. Put the halves on the trivet with a cup of water and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then quick release. This is the method I use when I want to scoop the flesh out and use it in something else.

Ways to Use Leftover Acorn Squash

• add it to pasta
• put it on pizza
• add it to a quesadilla
• mix it into macaroni and cheese
• add it to a salad
• put it in your soup

More Fall Squash Recipes

• Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Acorn Squash Soup with Turmeric
• Sheet Pan Sausage and Acorn Squash
• Sheet Pan Baked Cod with Butternut Squash
• How To Cook Spaghetti Squash: 3 Delicious Ways
• 30 Irresistible Thanksgiving Side Dishes