If you shopped the produce aisles of the grocery store, you’ve probably seen acorn squash on the store shelves. It’s the somewhat oval-shaped winter squash with a ribbed, dark green skin and orange flesh. But have you ever bought it or considered growing it in your garden? If not, what’s stopping you? If it’s because you don’t know how to bake acorn squash, rest assured you can easily prepare it by following our six simple steps. We’ll take the mystery out of how to roast acorn squash halves in the oven and in the microwave, and show you how long to bake acorn squash to perfection. Plus, read on to see how easy it is to how to select, prep, and store acorn squash.
What Is Acorn Squash?
Available year-round and at peak production from September through March, acorn squash is a sought-after vegetable that’s known for its nutty flavor. Plus, it’s filled with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. Just like other winter squash such as butternut, delicata, buttercup, and spaghetti squash, it has a hard skin. But don’t let that hard skin scare you away—after you bake it, the skin will become soft and easily separate from the flesh, so there’s no need to worry about peeling it. The squash’s dense texture and firm flesh will hold up well in your favorite squash recipes. Its small size makes it easy to cook it in a slow cooker, puree it for soups, add it to salads, and even create an edible bowl by filling it with cooked rice or stuffing. And don’t forget about its seeds—try roasting squash seeds to make a nutritious snack.
How to Select Acorn Squash
Choose firm squash that are heavy for their size—the heavier the squash, the denser the flesh inside. Look for those with smooth, unblemished skin with a stem still attached. If it has a soft spot, put it back on the shelf because you don’t want a rotting squash. Also steer clear of squash that has a lot of orange coloring since they tend to be tough and fibrous. Make sure you buy enough acorn squash for your recipe—keep in mind that a 2-pound squash will make 6 cups of cubed squash.
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How to Store Acorn Squash
When you find a perfect squash in the grocery store or in your garden, you can store it whole in a cool, dry place between 50°F and 60°F up to 2 months. Be sure to refrigerate cut squash, wrapped in plastic, up to 4 days.
How to Bake Acorn Squash
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Wash it. Washing your produce before you cut, eat, or cook with them helps to ensure that possible contaminants are rinsed away. Simply hold the squash under cool running tap water and gently rub it as you rinse it.
- Cut it in half. Begin by slicing off the squash’s stem, then cut down through the stem area to halve the squash.Acorn squash are easier to cut if you microwave them on high for 1 to 2 minutes before you try cutting them.
- Remove seeds and cut into slices. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove membranes and seeds. Cut squash into ¾-inch-thick slices.
- Place squash in a single layer on a large baking sheet or shallow baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper (or other desired seasoning); toss gently to coat.
- Roast 20 to 25 minutes until squash is lightly browned and tender. Stir or turn once during baking time.
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How Long to Bake Acorn Squash at 350°F
When you want to roast your acorn squash at a lower temperature, so a slower cook time can be coordinated with your other meal prep, follow the steps below:
1. Place squash halves, cut sides down, in a baking dish.
2. Bake in a 350°F oven 45 to 50 minutes or until tender.
How to Bake Acorn Squash in Microwave
If you love the flavor of slow-roasted acorn squash but don’t have much time, try microwaving it. Follow the steps below to get tender, silky-smooth squash in less time than baking it in the oven.
- Place cut sides down, in a baking dish with 2 Tbsp. water.
- Microwave, covered, 7 to 10 minutes or until tender, rearranging once.
- Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
FAQs
How to Bake Acorn Squash. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet. (Cut side down works too, but I prefer the slightly firmer texture that you get when you roast it cut side up.)
Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›
Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.
How do you make acorn squash easier to cut? ›
For stability, slice ¼" off the stem end and base of the squash. Stand it up on one of those cut ends and chop it in half, from top to bottom. This provides a solid base that won't slip and slide around your cutting board. We don't need any hands coming in contact with that knife of yours.
How do you give squash more flavor? ›
Brown Nicely When cooking summer squash, don't be afraid of a little browning. A nicely browned surface adds great flavor. 5. Partner Strategically Finally, balance squash's milder taste with stronger flavors like chilies, curry, ginger, garlic, lemon, goat cheese and so on.
Is it better to roast squash face up or down? ›
Is it better to roast butternut squash face up or down? I personally prefer to roast my butternut squash with the cut-side-up. In my opinion, roasting it cut-side-up allows for the butternut squash to caramelize, rather than just steam and cook.
How long does it take for squash to get soft in the oven? ›
Transfer the butternut squash, cut-side-up into a baking dish and brush with olive oil or melted butter, coating the entire surface of the squash. Season with salt and pepper and brown sugar (if desired). Roast in the oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until soft, and fork-tender.
How do you know when squash is done in the oven? ›
Begin checking around 20 minutes, rotating the pan (if you feel like it). Once it's passed the fork test (or is cooked to your liking), you can take the squash out of the oven and let it cool until it's easy to handle. Then, scoop the flesh out of the skin and do what you will with it!
What squash is best for baking? ›
Hubbard Squash
Its dry flesh is fine-grained, orange, and sweet, and it's best baked or boiled. The thick skin on a hubbard squash can be extremely hard and difficult to peel; on the plus side, that means it can keep for a very long time (up to eight months), and makes it well suited to stuffing and baking.
Can I eat skin of acorn squash? ›
Next time you roast a squash like acorn, butternut or honeynut, try leaving the skins on and give them a nibble. Be sure to scrub the skin well, Joyce recommends, to remove any dirt or debris. The pleasantly chewy texture may just surprise you, plus you can never go wrong with more fiber.
Why cook squash cut side down? ›
Especially when roasted this way, because it bakes cut side down, so the flesh of the squash is caramelizing against your baking sheet for about an hour, getting toasty and nutty and sweet and perfect. And the fun thing about this squash is that it comes in its own pretty little serving dish.
The safest way to peel an acorn squash is to use a vegetable peeler. You can peel it while whole, or cut it down into slices or wedges and then peel. Alternatively, if you are comfortable with your knife skills, use a chef's knife to carefully slice the outermost part of the skin from the squash.
How do you cook squash so it doesn't get soggy? ›
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a few drizzles of olive oil. Add the squash and sauté for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so that all sides get cooked. I like to cook mine until it's soft, yet still has a firm bite, but before it becomes too watery and mushy.
What squash has the best flavor? ›
- 1 • Delicata / Sweet Dumpling. These are the most delectable of the pepo squashes, often much sweeter than their close cousins, the green acorns. ...
- 2 • Kabocha. ...
- 3 • Butternut. ...
- 4 • Acorn. ...
- 5 • Spaghetti. ...
- 6 • Buttercup. ...
- 7 • Hubbard.
Yes, You Can Eat the Skin of Acorn Squash and Other Winter Squashes—Here's How. Some varieties, like acorn squash and honeynut, have tender, tasty skin.
How to tell when acorn squash is done cooking? ›
Acorn squash is done cooking when a small knife or fork slides easily through the flesh.
