Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy here.

by Cassie 10 Comments

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (2)

It is squash season and we want to share the easiest, yummiest way to prepare Acorn (or other) Squash and create Caramelized Acorn Squash!

Squash hasn’t always been the easiest thing for me to prepare, because for so long, I just simply didn’t know how to prepare it! They can be hard to cut open, use and cook. I just didn’t know! Well, the past couple of years, I started making this and it is easy, painless, quick (as far as the actual hand’s on) and tastes utterly amazing!

So this is a winner in my family’s book and it could be for your’s too!

Ingredients for Caramelized Acorn Squash:

  • 2 TBSP butter
  • 4 TBSP Brown Sugar (approx. amount, I really don’t measure, just use what you want!)

How to make Caramelized Acorn Squash:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • While the oven is preheating, cut your acorn squash in half, length-wise. A good sturdy knife starting at the top and pressing in and down. Very often, I have to lift my knife as it won’t go through and start at the ending point. If your knife will not go through, keep lifting it out and starting in the newest cut spot. I find cutting to be the most challenging, you need a good knife for this!
  • Once it is cut in half length-wise, the scoop out the seeds.

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (3)

  • Then, take 1 TBSP of the butter per half and “rub” the flesh of the squash with butter, including the top edges. Once it is all rubbed down, then put the remaining butter in the bowl of the squash.
  • Repeat this process with the second half.

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (4)

  • Then, with your knife, you are going to make many cuts into the flesh of the squash from top to bottom and left to right to make a checkerboard look into your squash. Do this with both halves.
  • Then sprinkle brown sugar on the cut squash, on the edges, and all around.

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (5)

  • Place on a baking sheet covered in foil (as the caramelized goodness will seep off the squash and cake onto your pan and be very difficult to clean – with foil, you can just toss!
  • Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 30-45 minutes. The reason for the wide range is squash comes in all shapes and sizes and so it is difficult to give an exact time. But, you will know it is done when you stick a fork in it and it is soft. My family likes more on theal dente side and not on thetoo soft side.
  • Serve immediately and serve warm……

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (6)

Oh so YUM! This is autumn and winter comfort food! I love anything caramel, and I love the taste of squash, so the roasted, baked on caramelized flavor is just too good to forget. You will want to keep making this – and do! It’s a wonderful side with your meals this time of year while the squash is affordable!

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (7)

Note: you can do this same process with pretty much any squash, not just acorn!

So now, don’t let your squash simply be table decoration this year, but actually enjoy and eat!

Here is a printable recipe for you to print andkeep in your home binderfor easy access and reference!

Caramelized Acorn Squash (Process Used for Any Squash)

5.0 from 1 reviews

Print

Recipe type: Side Dish

Author: Cassie from The Thrifty Couple

Prep time:

Cook time:

Total time:

Serves: 6

Squash should not longer be intimidating - you can prepare an amazing squash side, with very little work and amazing flavor!

Ingredients

  • 2 TBSP butter
  • 4 TBSP Brown Sugar (approx. amount, I really don't measure, just use what you want!)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. While the oven is preheating, cut your acorn squash in half, length-wise. A good sturdy knife starting at the top and pressing in and down. Very often, I have to lift my knife as it won't go through and start at the ending point. If your knife will not go through, keep lifting it out and starting in the newest cut spot. I find cutting to be the most challenging, you need a good knife for this!
  3. Once it is cut in half length-wise, the scoop out the seeds.
  4. Then, take 1 TBSP of the butter per half and "rub" the flesh of the squash with butter, including the top edges. Once it is all rubbed down, then put the remaining butter in the bowl of the squash.
  5. Repeat this process with the second half.
  6. Then, with your knife, you are going to make many cuts into the flesh of the squash from top to bottom and left to right to make a checkerboard look into your squash. Do this with both halves.
  7. Then sprinkle brown sugar on the cut squash, on the edges, and all around.
  8. Place on a baking sheet covered in foil (as the caramelized goodness will seep off the squash and cake onto your pan and be very difficult to clean - with foil, you can just toss!
  9. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 30-45 minutes. The reason for the wide range is squash comes in all shapes and sizes and so it is difficult to give an exact time. But, you will know it is done when you stick a fork in it and it is soft. My family likes more on the al dente side and not on the too soft side.
  10. Serve immediately and serve warm

Notes

You can do this same process with pretty much any squash, not just acorn!

So now, don't let your squash simply be table decoration this year, but actually enjoy and eat!

See moreRecipes

See ourRecipe Pinterest Board

Previous Post: « 30-Day Organization Challenge Day #21 – Organize Drawers in Kid’s, Guest or Extra Rooms

Next Post: 30-Day Organization Challenge Day #22 – Organize Closets in Kids’ and Extra Rooms »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jane Petermann

    Microwaving your squash for a few minutes before you cut it will soften the skin enough to make cutting easier. Another trick with any squash is to use a grapefruit spoon to take out the seeds. The serrated tip of the spoon really helps get all those innards out.

    Reply

  2. Emily

    Looks tasty! I currently have an acorn squash from this week’s CSA and don’t have plans for it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply

  3. Lucinda Nutting

    I have been looking for a good and simple squash recipe. Thanks so much, I can’t wait to make this for myself and my fiance 🙂

    Reply

    • Cassie

      It is so yummy!

      Reply

  4. raja perabotan

    A pressure cookerr allows you to cook large quantities of food (inexpensive, mouth-watering,
    down-home food like bwan soup or stew or chicken) in a very short time.
    Use cucumber chips and ranch dip instead oof potato chips.
    They should far away from the electrical instruments.

    Reply

  5. Lhsa

    I grew up on squash…. like above but two different versions (depending on which side of the family you were with) :
    1) filled with mixture of apples, raisins, and brown sugar
    2) filled with sausage meatballs ….and often used maple syrup

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […] 10.Carmelized Acorn Squash from The Thrifty Couple […]

    Reply

  2. […] Caramelized Acorn Squash – An easy recipe. […]

    Reply

  3. […] Caramelized Acorn Squash […]

    Reply

  4. […] Caramelized Acorn Squash […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Caramelized Acorn Squash Recipe: Oven Roasted Goodness (2024)

FAQs

Is acorn squash low glycemic? ›

Despite its higher glycemic index, acorn squash can still hold its place in a diabetes-conscious diet. The key is its fiber content, which tempers the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, helping to prevent abrupt increases in blood sugar levels.

How do you cook Ina Garten acorn squash? ›

Place 1/2 tablespoon butter and ½ tablespoon maple syrup in the cavity of each squash. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle the squash with 3 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until tender when pierced with a small knife.

Should acorn squash be baked cut side up or down? ›

How to Bake Acorn Squash. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet. (Cut side down works too, but I prefer the slightly firmer texture that you get when you roast it cut side up.)

Is acorn squash a starch or vegetable? ›

Acorn squash is a starchy vegetable, meaning it's higher in carbs than non starchy ones, like broccoli and spinach. If you're watching your carbs, limit acorn squash to one cup or about 25% of your plate.

Will acorn squash spike blood sugar? ›

Acorn squash has a moderate GI, which means it raises blood sugar at a slower rate compared to high-GI foods.

Which is healthier, acorn or butternut squash? ›

Acorn squash: It has less vitamin A than butternut but provides even more fiber (9 grams per cup) and potassium (896 mg).

Do you eat the skin of roasted acorn squash? ›

Next time you roast a squash like acorn, butternut or honeynut, try leaving the skins on and give them a nibble. Be sure to scrub the skin well, Joyce recommends, to remove any dirt or debris. The pleasantly chewy texture may just surprise you, plus you can never go wrong with more fiber.

Why is acorn squash so good? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking? ›

Good news: you don't need to peel acorn squash. Its hard, grooved skin softens significantly as it cooks, and it's edible, too. If you do want to remove the skin, wait until after you cook it, at which point it will peel right off.

How to tell when acorn squash is done cooking? ›

You'll know when the squash is done when you can easily insert a fork in the flesh. You want it tender, yet not mushy. If the squash is already cut in half, you can easily test if it is done by sticking a fork in the flesh of the squash. If it's fork-tender, it's done cooking and ready to eat.

Is acorn squash a laxative? ›

Acorn squash is packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber. Though they have different functions in your body, both play important roles in digestive health. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stools while soluble fiber softens them, preventing constipation and supporting regular bowel movements ( 13 ).

Is acorn squash anti-inflammatory? ›

Acorn squash has more carotenoids than any other food. Carotenoids are a powerful antioxidant that help fight inflammation and prevent cell damage.

Which squash is the healthiest? ›

1. Butternut Squash. One of the most popular varieties of squash, it can be use in so many ways. It's one of the most rich in Vitamin A, boasting about 100% of the recommended daily value per cup, in the antioxidant form of beta-carotene.

Which squash has the lowest glycemic index? ›

Butternut squash contains a type of fiber that's not digestible. If you have diabetes, it can help keep your blood sugar from rising after eating. Butternut squash also has a low glycemic index, which means that its carbs are digested more slowly.

Is acorn squash healthier than sweet potato? ›

Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, and squash provides an additional boost with vitamin E and calcium. Neither vegetable has a negative impact on weight or health maintenance in its natural state.

Is acorn squash an anti inflammatory food? ›

Acorn squash has more carotenoids than any other food. Carotenoids are a powerful antioxidant that help fight inflammation and prevent cell damage.

Is acorn squash a bad carb? ›

Acorn squash is relatively moderate on the carbohydrate scale when compared to other vegetables. To illustrate, a one-cup serving of cooked, cubed acorn squash contains about 20.5 grams of total carbohydrates, according to nutrition data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5480

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.