Acorn Squash Recipes Baked

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 07, 2025

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Acorn Squash Recipes: Baked to Perfection

Acorn squash, with its charming shape and nutty flavor, is a fall and winter favorite. Its versatility makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, and baking brings out its natural sweetness beautifully. This blog post explores delicious and easy acorn squash recipes perfect for beginner and experienced cooks alike. We'll cover everything from simple preparations to more gourmet options, ensuring there's an acorn squash recipe here for everyone.

Preparing Your Acorn Squash: A Crucial First Step

Before diving into the recipes, let's cover the basics of preparing your acorn squash. Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly baked squash every time.

Cleaning and Cutting:

1. Wash thoroughly: Rinse your acorn squash under cold water, scrubbing away any dirt.
2. Cut in half: Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise.
3. Remove seeds and pulp: Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center using a spoon. This step is vital for even cooking and prevents bitterness.

Simple & Delicious Baked Acorn Squash Recipes

These recipes are perfect for weeknight meals or a quick and healthy side dish.

Classic Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Maple Syrup:

This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the acorn squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Flip squash halves cut-side up.
5. Drizzle with melted butter and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.

Savory Baked Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples:

This recipe offers a delicious savory twist on the classic baked acorn squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium apple, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté sausage, apple, and onion in olive oil until cooked through.
3. Fill each squash half with the sausage mixture.
4. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Place squash halves in the baking dish.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until squash is tender.

Gourmet Baked Acorn Squash Recipes for Impressing Guests

These recipes elevate the simple acorn squash to a sophisticated dish, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries:

This recipe is a festive and flavorful option, ideal for fall gatherings.

Ingredients: (This requires pre-cooking wild rice separately)

• 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: (Similar process to the savory option above, but with different filling)

Spicy Acorn Squash with Black Beans and Corn:

A vibrant and flavourful option that's both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: (Follow similar steps to the savoury recipe, adapting the filling accordingly)

Tips for Perfectly Baked Acorn Squash

• Don't overcook: Overcooked squash will be mushy. Check for doneness with a fork.
• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the squash much easier and safer.
• Get creative with fillings: The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different herbs, spices, cheeses, and vegetables.

Acorn squash offers a delicious and versatile canvas for culinary creativity. With these recipes as your guide, you're ready to explore the wonderful world of baked acorn squash! Enjoy!