This Roasted Acorn Squash is sweet, savory and the perfect side dish! This easy squash recipe is perfect for the holidays or a nice dinner!
Roasted Acorn Squash
This Roasted Acorn Squash is the perfect accompaniment to any table. This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe really focuses on the delicious, natural simple flavors of the squash. There’s a sweetness from the brown sugar, while the chili powder provides the perfect amount of spice!
This squash is bursting with flavor- by roasting the squash, you’re going to perfectly caramelize the natural sugars and bring out the more delicate notes in the vegetable. If you haven’t tried acorn squash before, you need to add it to your grocery list right now! Acorn squash is an incredibly delicious vegetable that can be made sweet or savory (or a little bit of both!).
How to Cut an Acorn Squash
Acorn squash definitely has a unique shape, and if you haven’t cut one before you may be a little stumped as to how to do so safely. Acorn squash can also be a little slippery due to the grooves in it, so it’s really important to take care when cutting this vegetable. Follow these steps to easily slice the squash:
- First things first, you’re going to need a sharp chef’s knife and a nonslip cutting board.
- Simply pierce the squash in the center of a groove- so in the middle of an indented section of the squash. Cut through to the opposite end of the squash, so that your knife is going completely through it. Now cut through to the top and remove your knife. Cut down to the bottom so that your squash is completely in half.
- Remove the seeds and save for roasting- you can cook them the same way you cook Pumpkin Seeds!
Can you eat Acorn Squash skin?
Yes, absolutely! The skin of an acorn squash is completely edible. Once it’s been roasted, the skin becomes fork tender. However, if you prefer to not consume the skin, the meat and skin easily separate once cooked.
How to Roast Acorn Squash
Add olive oil to the cut side of your squash and sprinkle the seasonings on the squash and roast at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. Flip the squash and roast an additional 10-15 minutes or until fork tender. As soon as you remove the squash from the oven add the butter and salt to taste.
Tips for the Best Roasted Squash
- For extra nutrition benefits, eat the skin of the squash!
- If you don’t have a nonstick cutting board, you can achieve the same result by placing a slightly damp washcloth underneath your cutting board. Really, you just don’t want to squash going anywhere while you’re trying to cut it.
- If you wanted to add some more seasonings to this squash, cinnamon and nutmeg compliment the natural flavors very well!
Is this low carb?
If you’re on a low carb diet, you can easily adjust this recipe to reduce the carb count. Omit the brown sugar for Brown Sugar Monkfruit and this acorn squash will be considered low carb, but it will not be low enough in carbs to qualify as keto.
What goes well with Acorn Squash?
So many things are great to serve with this delicious squash! Try Perfect Roast Chicken with Easy Keto Sausage Stuffing for a complete meal! This would also pair well with Chicken Gnocchi and Mushrooms, Creamy Tomato Soup with Sausage and Spinach or this Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet. For dessert, try Pumpkin Snickerdoodles or Slow Cooker Spiced Apples!
Other Healthy Side Dish Recipes
Roasted Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash
- Olive oil for brushing
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or brown sugar monkfruit if low carb
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- Optional: salt to taste and add a drizzle of honey before serving.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Carefully slice the acorn squash lengthwise. Scrape the seeds and strings away from the squash.
- In a small bowl combine the sweetener, chili powder and salt.
- Lightly spray the cut side of the squash with the olive oil and sprinkle with the seasonings. Place the squash cut side down on a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the squash and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until fork tender.
- Before serving divide the butter among the four squash halves and allow it to melt. Add salt to taste and drizzle with honey if desired.
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