Microwave Acorn Squash
User Reviews
5
Microwave Acorn Squash
Description
The acorn squash is sliced in half vertically, the seeds removed, and placed cut side down in a baking dish with water to steam in the microwave. Cooking times vary depending on squash size and microwave power but generally take 8 to 10 minutes until nearly tender. After microwaving, the squash is flipped and brushed with a mix of softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt for a warm, sweet glaze. A final two minutes in the microwave soften and infuse the squash with the sweet-spiced butter coating.
The dish results in a soft, fork-tender squash with a balancing sweetness and warmth from cinnamon and brown sugar. This preparation offers a fast alternative to baking in the oven.
The microwave method is adaptable: smaller acorn squash may need only 5 minutes and larger up to 12 minutes to soften. When cooking multiple halves, increase time slightly. Leftover cooked squash stores well refrigerated up to 3 days or can be frozen for several months and used later in soups or casseroles.
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash about 1 pound
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut the squash in half vertically. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
- Place the squash in a baking dish, cut side down with 2 tablespoons water.
- Microwave the squash for 8-10 minutes or until tender and almost cooked through when poked with a fork.
- While the squash is cooking, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Flip the squash over and brush with the butter mixture. Microwave for 2 minutes more.
Notes
- Adjust microwave cooking time based on squash size and wattage; test for tenderness after 5 minutes for smaller squash.
- When cooking multiple squash halves, increase cooking time to ensure all soften evenly.
- Store leftover cooked squash covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months for use in soups or casseroles.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 74 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 74 | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 99mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 377mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 483IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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