My garden is bursting with some really good size acorn squash this year and one of my favorite ways to prepare it is simply roasted. This easy Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is a flavorful, colorful, and nutritious side that goes with everything! You’ll love how easy it is to make this! Acorn squash is not just super flavorful but it is also packed with nutrition.
Health Benefits of Acorn Squash:
Acorn squash is high in antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. They contain carotenoids, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, thiamine, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and other key nutrients. Acorn squash is in usually available year-round, with peak season from early October to December. A ripe Acorn Squash will feel heavy for its size and has smooth, dull skin, and no soft spots. Look for one that has a good mix between green and orange coloring.
The Ingredients
This easy, basic recipe is essentially just acorn squash, butter, and seasonings! You’ll love how simple it is to pull together roasted acorn squash on the fly.
- Squash: Cut one squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
- Butter: Melt the butter, or substitute your favorite oil.
- Oregano and Thyme: Dried oregano and thyme are perfect with the natural sweetness of squash.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is an easy way to add intensity of flavor to this dish.
- Paprika: Made from dried ground peppers, paprika is earthy and mild (not spicy!) and lends a beautiful color to the squash as it roasts.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is an appetizing optional garnish.
How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash the Easy Way
- Preheat the Oven and Cut the Squash. Before you start, make sure to preheat the oven to 400°F. Next, cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise, stem end to pointed end. (For the easiest way to cut through squash rind see the “Tips” section below.) Then slice each squash half into ½ inch-thick slices.
- Season the Squash. Arrange the squash slices on a baking sheet. Make the seasoned butter mixture by melting the butter and stirring in the herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the squash slices with the butter mixture.
- Roast. Roast the seasoned squash for 20 minutes or so, until the squash is tender.
- Enjoy! Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and garnish the squash with parsley before serving warm.
So, that’s it! Perfect roasted acorn squash, pretty enough for a holiday menu, but easy enough to make any time. I am so excited for my acorn squash babies to fully grow so that I can make some great dishes like this one.
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With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.
Cant wait to try this!It looks super easy and healthy, thanks for sharing! We usually scoop out the seeds and put creamed corn in the center and sprinkle cheese on the top and bake it, acorn squash is the perfect side dish!!!
Well yours sounds really amazing!