How to Cook Acorn Squash
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
209 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Cook Acorn Squash
Description
The method starts by cutting the acorn squash in half and removing seeds and stringy pulp. The halves are placed cut side down on a baking sheet with a little water to provide steam and baked at a moderate temperature until soft. The squash is then turned over, topped with butter and optionally brown sugar along with salt and pepper, and broiled briefly to melt the butter, caramelize the sugar, and brown the edges.
This technique yields a tender interior with a lightly crispy, caramelized surface. The butter adds richness while the brown sugar enhances the squash’s natural sweetness. Simple seasoning with salt and pepper rounds out the flavor without overpowering it.
Serve warm as a side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It provides a sweet, soft vegetable that complements savory components.
Brown sugar can be omitted if a less sweet version is preferred, using only butter for richness. The timing for baking and broiling may be adjusted slightly based on squash size and oven variance. Using a sharp knife ensures clean cuts during preparation.
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar divided
- salt
- black pepper
- water for baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Using a nice sharp knife, cut the squash in half. Using a spoon, clean out the seeds and stringy bits, so that it's clean inside.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet then add enough water so that it slightly covers the sides of the squash.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until they are soft.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place on top of the stove.
- Turn on the broiler in your oven. Turn the squash over on the pan.
- Take one tablespoon of butter and place in the center of each squash. If you are going for sweet, add 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar to the center of each squash as well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Return to the oven and broil for about 5 minutes, melting the butter/sugar, browning the edges slightly.
- Remove and serve.
Notes
- You can omit the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet version; butter alone adds richness.
- Adjust baking and broiling times slightly depending on the size of the acorn squash.
- Use a sharp knife for easy and safe cutting of the squash.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 209kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 108mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 748mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1141IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 79mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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