Description
This step-by-step guide shows you how to cook acorn squash perfectly by baking with steam then broiling for caramelized edges. A healthy, fiber-rich side dish that’s easy, flavorful, and versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium acorn squash (1–2 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
- Salt to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Water for baking sheet
- (Optional) Coconut oil or olive oil
- (Optional) Maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar
- (Optional) Smoked paprika or cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and position rack in the center.
- Carefully cut acorn squash in half from stem to tip using a sharp chef’s knife. Remove seeds and pulp with a spoon.
- Place halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Add enough water to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch).
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven, flip halves cut-side up, and switch oven to broil.
- Place 1 tablespoon butter in each cavity, add 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
- Broil for 5 minutes until golden-brown and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For dairy-free, use coconut oil or olive oil. For vegan, swap butter with coconut oil and sugar with maple syrup. Broiling creates the signature caramelized edges, so don’t skip this step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 squash
- Calories: 209
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: acorn squash baked, how to cook acorn squash, baked winter squash, roasted acorn squash recipe