Roasted Acorn Squash – Slender Kitchen

This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is an ode to my mother’s recipe that she would make after I was youthful! She would roast the squash after which mash it into the right creamy squash. 

This recipe is a bit of bit completely different, however nonetheless has that very same roasted taste! However as a substitute of mashing up the squash, I serve it as is. The squash type of acts as its personal little bowl, so you’ll be able to fill it up along with your favourite dishes and eat all of it in the identical scrumptious mouthful! That is my favourite a part of the leftovers.

It is also an exquisite facet dish on any vacation desk because the presentation is beautiful.

Roasted Acorn Squash is the right fall and winter facet dish for busy weeknight dinners and vacation meals. Regardless of the way you serve it, it’s going to be a success.

In search of extra methods to prepare dinner squash? Do this roasted delicata squash, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash, and Simple Grilled Acorn Squash!

Why You will Love This Straightforward Roasted Acorn Squash

Listed below are a few of our high explanation why you’ll love this cozy facet dish:

• Versatile: You may mess around with completely different components to get a personalized squash recipe!
• Flavorful: The butter, brown sugar, and spices create a decadentl layer of taste that blends superbly with the acorn squash!
• Nutritious: This recipe is simply as nutritious as it’s scrumptious! Acorn squash is filled with vitamins, making it the right addition to any meal.

Components and Substitutions

To make this roasted acorn squash, you have to the next key components:

• Acorn squash: This winter squash is of course candy and buttery, making it the right base for our scrumptious dish. When you’ve by no means had acorn squash earlier than, some folks say it tastes a bit like a cross between butternut squash and pumpkin.
• Brown sugar: A small quantity of brown sugar goes a great distance in including super taste to this dish. You possibly can additionally use maple syrup or honey.
• Butter: There isn’t a higher topping for Roasted Acorn Squash than melted butter. Belief me on this. It makes it completely wealthy, savory, and flavorful.
• Spices: I like to make use of a mix of garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Be happy to swap out the chili powder for smoked paprika or use any mixture of spices you like.

The best way to Make Roasted Acorn Squash

It’s really easy to make this recipe! Right here’s a breakdown of what to do:

1. Prep the Squash

Preheat your oven, then reduce the acorn squash in half and take away the seeds. For a faster prepare dinner, microwave the squash halves with a bit of water till they’re fork-tender.

Professional tip: When you like, you’ll be able to reduce the acorn squash into slices and roast it within the oven as a substitute of popping it into the microwave! Brush the butter, brown sugar, and spices on high and bake for 25 minutes.

2. Combine the Spices

Mix the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl, making a candy and savory spice mix.

3. Add Butter and Spice

Place the squash halves in a baking dish, add a pat of butter to every half, and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the tops.

4. Roast and Caramelize

Bake the squash till it’s tender and starting to caramelize. For further sweetness and a nutty crunch, add some chopped nuts in the previous couple of minutes. If you need a crisp, caramelized high, broil briefly to complete.

How have you learnt when acorn squash is completed?

It ought to be performed when the flesh is fork-tender! If not, simply maintain roasting till it’s.

The best way to Lower Acorn Squash Like a Professional

This recipe does require your squash to be reduce in half and seeded. To chop your squash, begin on one facet of the stem and reduce straight by way of. Then, reduce across the acorn, by way of the tip, and across the different facet. Then, simply pull the 2 sides aside.

Methods to Serve

There are such a lot of methods to take pleasure in this drool-worthy dish! You may eat it by itself or with one of many following strategies:

Recipe Ideas

Listed below are my high ideas and tips for bringing this scrumptious acorn squash to life:

• Swap up your spices: Don’t be afraid to get artistic in terms of your spices. Utilizing contemporary herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dried Italian seasoning is a scrumptious means of creating this roasted squash recipe your individual. For a little bit of spice, you’ll be able to even sprinkle some cayenne pepper on high! You can even do a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a comfortable twist!
• Use a chef’s knife: Acorn squashes will be robust to chop by way of, so be sure you are utilizing the correct supplies! A chef’s knife is my most well-liked methodology of reducing this squash, however any heavy-duty kitchen knife ought to do the trick.
• Add cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, manchego, feta, or goat cheese will take your Roasted Acorn Squash to the subsequent stage, assured.
• Save your seeds: Acorn squash seeds are nice to avoid wasting and roast later for a simple and wholesome snack or salad topping.
• Up the warmth: For an exquisite caramelization of your squash, be sure to broil it for the previous couple of minutes.
• Line your pan: For straightforward cleanup, all the time line your baking pan with parchment paper.
• Add nuts: I like so as to add pecans to my acorn squash, however walnuts can be good, too!
• Make it vegan: As an alternative of the butter, use olive oil or dairy-free butter.
• Make it savory: Sprinkle some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage on high for a savory twist!

The best way to Purchase Acorn Squash

By no means purchased acorn squash earlier than? Undecided what ripe squash seems like? No worries! Right here’s what to search for when selecting out your squash:

• Heavy: A ripe acorn squash ought to really feel heavy, and its pores and skin ought to be blemish-free and spotless.
• Agency: Your squash ought to be agency and never have any noticeable smooth spots.
• Colour: Ripe acorn squash is darkish inexperienced and may need a patch of yellow or orange (from touching the bottom previous to selecting). Nevertheless, watch out! An excessive amount of orange means it’s over-ripe, and the flesh could also be stringy.
• Pores and skin: Attempt to keep away from selecting a squash with shiny pores and skin, as this implies it was in all probability picked too early.

The best way to Retailer Roasted Acorn Squash

I personally discover that this dish is essentially the most scrumptious contemporary out of the oven, however you’ll be able to simply make it upfront if wanted. To retailer your Roasted Acorn Squash for later, be sure to let it settle down first. Then, switch the leftovers to an hermetic container or storage bag. As soon as correctly contained, you’ll be able to retailer the squash in one among two methods:

• Fridge: As much as 3-5 days.
• Freezer: As much as 3 months.

Professional Tip: In case you are planning on freezing your acorn squash, I don’t suggest freezing your complete factor as is. It can freeze higher when you scoop out the flesh previous to freezing it.

The best way to Reheat Leftover Acorn Squash

Reheating leftover acorn squash is straightforward peasy! Here is the way you do it:

Flip the oven to 350 levels and place the leftover squash on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Reheat for at the very least quarter-hour.

You may eat the heated acorn squash as is or mash it up similar to my mother used to do!

To mash up the acorn squash, scoop out the insides with a spoon and mash it with a potato masher. Garnish with further butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of spices as a result of why not?