Make the very best roasted acorn squash with this straightforward recipe. It’s straightforward to make and the right fall aspect for weeknight dinners or the vacations.
I’ve by no means met a squash I didn’t like and these days I’ve been on a roll with all of the winter squash recipes. There are simply so many various varieties and methods to organize squash… it’s been enjoyable to experiment. My newest winter squash journey was with acorn squash.
Acorn squash is usually served as a candy dish, often steamed within the oven with butter, cinnamon and a few form of sugar. I adore it like this for acorn squash yogurt bowls, however my favourite option to take pleasure in acorn squash is by slicing it and roasting it up with savory seasonings. With roasting, the feel of the squash feels a bit extra dense (much less stringy), the squash is extra flavorful and the pores and skin will get good and delicate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely Crispy & Tender – Roasting acorn squash brings out its pure sweetness whereas making the sides golden and crispy. The feel is unimaginable—delicate and flavorful on the within, with simply the correct quantity of crunch on the surface!
- Wholesome and Nourishing – Acorn squash is filled with fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals.
- Straightforward and Versatile – With just some components, this roasted acorn squash is tremendous easy to make. Plus, you may change up the flavors by including completely different herbs or spices.
- Good Aspect Dish – Whether or not you’re serving it at a vacation gathering or simply as a weeknight aspect, this roasted acorn squash is certain to impress. It’s nice by itself or tossed into salads, grain bowls, and even served alongside your favourite protein.
Roasted Acorn Squash Elements
- acorn squash – search for a medium-sized acorn squash with no delicate spots. It’s an ideal fall vegetable, naturally candy and tender when roasted.
- olive or avocado oil – helps the squash get golden and crispy within the oven. Both oil works nice!
- sea salt & pepper –fundamental seasonings to reinforce the pure flavors of the squash.
- garlic granules (or garlic powder) – provides a savory, garlicky taste that pairs completely with the sweetness of the squash.
- contemporary thyme – brings a contemporary, herby contact to the dish. You can too use different herbs like rosemary or sage for a distinct taste.
- crushed pink pepper (elective) –iIf you want a bit of warmth, sprinkle some crushed pink pepper over the roasted squash for a little bit kick!
Taste Variations
Certainly one of my favourite issues about squash is you could take the flavour any path you need! It’s naturally sweeter so pairs properly with candy choices but additionally pairs properly with savory and spicy seasonings. Listed below are some completely different variations to check out!
- Spicy roasted – Season squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of crushed pink pepper flakes. After baking, add a squeeze of lime juice for an additional kick!
- Maple roasted – Season squash with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Different candy choices – Coat squash with coconut oil after which sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar or brown sugar. Yum!
The right way to Make Roasted Acorn Squash
Step 1: Wash and dry your acorn squash. Reduce the squash in half from prime to backside, simply beside the stem. Use a spoon to take away the seeds and stringy innards from each halves.
Step 2: Reduce off the robust stems (from the highest and backside of the squash), peel the squash if desired after which reduce into 1″ thick slices.
Step 3: Place the acorn squash in a big bowl. Add the oil, salt, pepper, garlic and thyme. Toss to coat the squash.
Step 4: Prepare squash on a rimmed sheet pan, ensuring the squash isn’t overlapping. Roast at 400ºF for 40 minutes. Flip every slice over across the 20 minute mark, then bake for a further 20 minutes or till the squash is delicate and golden. Sprinkle with crushed pink pepper, flaked sea salt and extra contemporary thyme earlier than serving if desired.
Brittany’s Tip
One factor I’ve discovered that makes an enormous distinction when roasting acorn squash is ensuring the slices are evenly coated with oil and spaced out on the baking sheet. It’s tempting to crowd the pan, however belief me—giving each bit some room lets them get completely crispy on the sides!
The right way to Serve
- As a Aspect – This roasted acorn squash makes an ideal aspect for almost any meal, particularly throughout fall and winter. It pairs fantastically with roasted rooster, turkey, and even grilled fish. For a comfy dinner, serve it alongside wholesome turkey chili.
- Tossed in a Salad – Add the roasted squash to a hearty salad with combined greens, quinoa, and your favourite fall toppings like dried cranberries, walnuts, or goat cheese. A drizzle of balsamic French dressing pulls all the things collectively.
- In a Grain Bowl – For a healthful, filling meal, toss the squash right into a grain bowl with farro, quinoa, or brown rice. High with protein like rooster or tofu, and end with a tangy dressing like my tahini dressing.
- As a Snack – These roasted squash slices are nice as a wholesome snack on their very own. I like to sprinkle a little bit flaked sea salt and crushed pink pepper for additional taste and luxuriate in them heat or chilly.
- In a Vacation Unfold – Roasted acorn squash is ideal for vacation meals! Serve it as a part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, together with dishes like wholesome mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Steadily Requested Questions
Sure, you may technically eat the pores and skin of acorn squash. It tends to get fairly delicate and is sort of straightforward to eat as soon as roasted.
That stated, I personally discover the pores and skin of acorn squash to be thicker and fewer pleasant to eat than the pores and skin of delicata squash or kabocha squash so I are inclined to take it off. The excellent news is that even in the event you don’t wish to eat the pores and skin, there’s no have to peel the squash earlier than cooking as a result of it simply peels proper off after roasting. And to be trustworthy, peeling an acorn squash earlier than cooking isn’t any straightforward ft due to the ridges. That stated, it’s completely doable to peel an acorn squash earlier than cooking when you’ve got the endurance. If you already know you wish to peel it, you may at all times search for an acorn squash that doesn’t have deep ridges to make it simpler.
As with most squashes, there are a selection of how to prepare dinner acorn squash! You may steam it, bake it, roast it and even grill it! Relying on the way you’re utilizing it, every choice may be good! I personally suppose it tastes finest roasted in order that’s the recipe I’m sharing right here!
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