Make one of the best roasted acorn squash with this easy recipe. It’s straightforward to make and the proper fall aspect for weeknight dinners or the vacations.
I’ve by no means met a squash I didn’t like and recently I’ve been on a roll with all of the winter squash recipes. There are simply so many various varieties and methods to arrange 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 type of sugar. I find it irresistible like this for acorn squash yogurt bowls, however my favourite technique 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 smooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely Crispy & Tender – Roasting acorn squash brings out its pure sweetness whereas making the perimeters golden and crispy. The feel is unbelievable—smooth and flavorful on the within, with simply the correct amount of crunch on the skin!
- Wholesome and Nourishing – Acorn squash is full of fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals.
- Simple and Versatile – With only a few substances, this roasted acorn squash is tremendous easy to make. Plus, you possibly can change up the flavors by including totally different herbs or spices.
- Good Facet 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 Components
- acorn squash – search for a medium-sized acorn squash with no smooth spots. It’s an incredible 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 –primary seasonings to boost 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 crimson pepper (non-compulsory) –iIf you want a bit of warmth, sprinkle some crushed crimson pepper over the roasted squash for somewhat kick!
Taste Variations
One in all my favourite issues about squash is you could take the flavour any path you need! It’s naturally sweeter so pairs effectively with candy choices but in addition pairs effectively with savory and spicy seasonings. Listed here are some totally 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 crimson 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 powerful 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 smooth and golden. Sprinkle with crushed crimson 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 perimeters!
The right way to Serve
- As a Facet – This roasted acorn squash makes an ideal aspect for almost any meal, particularly throughout fall and winter. It pairs superbly with roasted hen, 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 blended greens, quinoa, and your favourite fall toppings like dried cranberries, walnuts, or goat cheese. A drizzle of balsamic French dressing pulls every part 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 hen 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 somewhat flaked sea salt and crushed crimson pepper for further 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.
Continuously Requested Questions
Sure, you possibly can technically eat the pores and skin of acorn squash. It tends to get fairly smooth and is kind of straightforward to eat as soon as roasted.
That mentioned, I personally discover the pores and skin of acorn squash to be thicker and fewer pleasurable to eat than the pores and skin of delicata squash or kabocha squash so I are likely to take it off. The excellent news is that even for those who don’t wish to eat the pores and skin, there’s no must peel the squash earlier than cooking as a result of it simply peels proper off after roasting. And to be sincere, peeling an acorn squash earlier than cooking isn’t any straightforward toes due to the ridges. That mentioned, it’s completely attainable to peel an acorn squash earlier than cooking in case you have the endurance. If you wish to peel it, you possibly can all the time search for an acorn squash that doesn’t have deep ridges to make it simpler.
As with most squashes, there are a number of how to prepare dinner acorn squash! You possibly can steam it, bake it, roast it and even grill it! Relying on the way you’re utilizing it, every choice could be good! I personally suppose it tastes greatest roasted in order that’s the recipe I’m sharing right here!
