How To Roast Acorn Squash

Here’s an easy step by step on How To Roast Acorn Squash. You can eat it as a side dish, or stuff it and make a complete meal out of it!

If you’re looking for recipes for stuffed Acorn Squash check out this Roasted Acorn Squash stuffed with Sage Mushrooms and Cranberries, or this Roasted Acorn Squash with Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Stuffing.

But before making either one of those you have to Roast the Acorn Squash, so here’s the step by step on this process.

How to pick Acorn Squash

If you’re going to use this right away, then you want to make sure you get a ripe Acorn Squash. When you pick it up, it should feel a little heavy for its size. Look for a good mix of green and orange colors like in the picture below.

The skin should be smooth and dull with no soft spots. Avoid any with shiny skin, which means it was picked before its maturity.

How to cut Acorn Squash

Having a really sharp big knife works best for cutting into the Acorn Squash. Start by cutting each end of the Squash off. This step will make it easier to cut in half because Squash can be quite slippery!

Stand the Squash up so its resting on one of the flat ends that is cut. Carefully cut the Squash in half lengthwise.

How to Prepare Acorn Squash

Now that it’s cut in half you’ll want to scoop out the seeds and stringy pieces with a spoon. You can discard these, or roast them like you would with pumpkin seeds.

scooping out the seeds of an acorn squash

Place the Squash on a baking sheet lined with Parchment Paper. This makes it less messy and they won’t stick to your pan.

brushing inside of acorn squash with olive oil

Brush each half with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Then sprinkle with Sea Salt and Pepper.

Turn the Squash halves over and bake at 450 degrees for 30-35 minutes until the Squash pierces easily with a fork.

If you’re stuffing the Squash then you would want to remove the Roasted Squash around the 25 minute mark.

Stuff it and then bake it for an additional 10 minutes if using the stuffed Squash recipes from above.

Recipe FAQ and Tips

Can you eat the skin of Acorn Squash?

Yes, just wash the outside of the skin really well before baking.

Do you need to peel Acorn Squash before baking?

No, I find it pretty hard to peel with all the crevices. It’s much easier to peel it off after baking it. Plus it’s edible, so feel free to eat it!

How do you store leftover Roasted Acorn Squash?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze cooked Squash?

Yes, but the texture is never as good once you freeze it. You can cut the cooked squash into chunks or mash it. Then place it in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 12 months.

Is Acorn Squash good for you?

Yes, it is rich in antioxidants, contains many different vitamins and minerals. See nutrition chart below the recipe card.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful, cheers to Squash Season!

If you try this recipe let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, rate it, share it on social media, or take a picture and tag it #tastefulventure on Instagram! I LOVE seeing what you guys cook up.

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