If you’re looking for easy, comforting, and delicious ways to cook acorn squash, you’re in the right place! Acorn squash is a versatile winter vegetable that works perfectly in a variety of dishes, whether you’re preparing a hearty acorn squash recipe for dinner or a simple acorn squash recipe for a vegetable side dish.
With these acorn squash recipes, you’ll discover how to cook acorn squash in creative ways—whether you’re making a quick, cheap dinner, a cozy squash soup, or a savory vegetable side. From roasted squash to stuffed acorn squash, these squash recipes are perfect for warming up during colder months.
These simple acorn squash recipes will soon become your go-to for easy weeknight meals or holiday feasts!
1. Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
This is a simple and cozy recipe that’s perfect for fall! The acorn squash gets soft and sweet with brown sugar and cinnamon, making it a comforting side dish for any meal. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, and it pairs well with just about anything.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Roast for about 40 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
2. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries
This dish is super hearty and filling, and the combination of quinoa, cranberries, and squash is just perfect for any gathering or dinner. The sweetness of the cranberries and the crunchiness of quinoa balances out the soft and roasted squash.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush with olive oil.
- Roast the squash for about 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix the quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Once the squash is tender, stuff it with the quinoa mixture and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy the lovely crunch!
3. Acorn Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
This creamy soup is a crowd-pleaser and has such a velvety texture! The coconut milk adds richness, and the roasted squash flavor shines through. It’s perfect for cold nights, and you can make it ahead of time too.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for about 40 minutes.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a pot until softened.
- Scoop out the roasted squash and add it to the pot with the onions.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, and bring to a boil.
- Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot!
4. Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze
This baked acorn squash recipe is easy and delicious. The maple syrup gives it a rich, sweet flavor, and when combined with the roasted squash, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. Perfect for a side dish or a light meal.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper over the squash halves.
- Place them on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and bake for 40 minutes.
- Drizzle any remaining syrup from the pan over the squash before serving.
- Enjoy the sweetness!
5. Acorn Squash and Kale Salad
This salad is light but packed with flavor! The acorn squash adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bitter kale and tangy dressing. It’s a great way to add some variety to your salad routine.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 acorn squash
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes or until tender.
- In a large bowl, mix the kale, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Once the squash is done, add it to the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve and enjoy the fresh flavors!
6. Acorn Squash Fritters
These fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! They’re so delicious and make a great snack or appetizer. The acorn squash adds a nice sweetness, while the spices give them that perfect kick.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the squash halves for about 40 minutes. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and mash it.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed squash, flour, eggs, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the squash mixture and fry them until golden on both sides.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or yogurt!
7. Mashed Acorn Squash with Garlic and Parmesan
This mashed acorn squash is the creamiest, garlicky goodness! With a hint of Parmesan, it’s the perfect side dish for dinner or a holiday meal. You’ll be surprised by how rich and flavorful it is!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the acorn squash for 40 minutes.
- Once tender, scoop out the flesh and mash it with butter, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy the smooth and creamy texture!
8. Acorn Squash Risotto with Sage
This risotto has a wonderful creamy texture, with the earthy flavor of sage and the sweet acorn squash coming together perfectly. It’s a bit of a labor of love but worth every minute, especially when you serve it as a comforting side dish or main course.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast for about 40 minutes.
- Once cooled, scoop out the squash and set aside.
- In a pan, sauté the onion in olive oil until softened.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and creamy.
- Stir in the mashed squash, sage, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy the rich flavors!
9. Acorn Squash and Chickpea Curry
This curry is a flavorful and filling dish. The acorn squash and chickpeas come together in a rich, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for serving with rice or naan. It’s comforting, nutritious, and easy to make!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half and roast for 40 minutes.
- In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add the chickpeas, curry powder, turmeric, and coconut milk.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Scoop out the roasted squash and add it to the curry.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with rice!
10. Acorn Squash and Spinach Gratin
This gratin is the ultimate comfort food! The rich, cheesy topping goes perfectly with the soft acorn squash and spinach. It’s a great side dish that will surely impress your guests.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast for about 40 minutes.
- In a pan, sauté the spinach until wilted.
- Scoop out the roasted squash and mash it.
- Mix the squash with spinach, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm!
11. Roasted Acorn Squash with Honey and Thyme
This roasted acorn squash is a mix of sweet and savory, with honey and thyme bringing out the best of both. It’s simple to make, but the flavors are so complex. This side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian option.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush with olive oil.
- Drizzle honey over the cut sides, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for about 40 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- Serve with a drizzle of the roasted honey glaze and enjoy!
12. Acorn Squash Stir Fry with Bell Peppers
This stir fry is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together the sweetness of acorn squash and the crunch of bell peppers. It’s easy, quick, and makes a great weeknight dinner or lunch.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash into cubes and roast for about 20 minutes.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Add the roasted squash, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Serve warm as a side or main dish.
13. Acorn Squash and Lentil Stew
This stew is comforting, hearty, and full of plant-based protein. The acorn squash adds a natural sweetness, while the lentils provide a filling, earthy base. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the acorn squash for about 40 minutes.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the lentils, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Scoop out the roasted squash and add it to the stew.
- Stir well, and serve warm!
14. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Rice and Vegetables
This stuffed acorn squash is like a warm hug in a dish. Full of rice, veggies, and herbs, it’s a complete meal on its own. Plus, the squash is so cute and makes a perfect presentation!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1/4 cup chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the acorn squash for about 40 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the rice, vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Once the squash is roasted, stuff each half with the rice mixture.
- Bake for another 15 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve and enjoy!
15. Acorn Squash and Apple Bake
This sweet and savory bake combines the richness of acorn squash with the tartness of apples. It’s like a fall dessert but made with wholesome ingredients, perfect as a side dish or light dessert.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Layer the apple slices inside the squash, and sprinkle with cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for about 40 minutes, until the squash and apples are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory combination!
Acorn squash is a fantastic ingredient to include in your cooking, offering both versatility and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick, cheap dinner or a comforting vegetable side dish, these acorn squash recipes will satisfy your cravings.
From simple acorn squash recipes to more creative squash recipes, you’ll learn how to cook acorn squash in ways that complement any meal. These winter squash recipes bring warmth and nutrition to your table, making them perfect for any occasion.
So, next time you’re craving a delicious vegetable side or a hearty dish, try one of these tasty acorn squash recipes—you won’t be disappointed!
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