18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (2024)

Acorn squash is easy to spot in harvest displays and at farm stands because of its iconic shape, distinct ridges, and dark green skin. They are readily available in a handy size (about two servings per squash), which lends well to one of our favorite preparations: halved, seeded, and roasted until golden brown, withbutter and brown sugarmelting into a pool inside. The result is a delicious, buttery half for each person to enjoy.

What to Do With Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is more neutral and less intensely sweet than butternut or hubbard squash. This means it is complemented by the richness of butter, cream, cheese, or a generous coating of olive oil before roasting or baking. Like many winter squashes, acorn squash pairs well with a wide spectrum of flavors—sweet, spicy, and savory.

And like other winter squash, it's versatile and can be roasted or puréed, even pickled or marinated, and served as part of a relish tray or antipasto platter. It has one special feature not found in other winter squash—its perfect shape and size are ideal for stuffing. Used as a cup for grains and other stuffings, acorn squash is an ideal vegetarian option for a holiday table.

Acorn Squash Skin

The thin skin of the acorn squash makes it easier to cut and peel than many larger, hard-skinned squashes. Another plus: The skin of the acorn squash is actually edible, so you can cook it in the skin and eat the entire thing.

Buying Acorn Squash

Look for acorn squash in early the fall through December. When you buy acorn squash, it should have dark green skin, sometimes with yellow-orange patches or striations. Choose ones that have a smooth, taut surface, free of blemishes. Always buy squash with the stem attached. Not only does it make a pretty handle—it keeps the squash from spoiling. When you lift it up, if your squash feels light, chances are it will be dry when you cut it open. Store at room temperature for up to one month in a cool, dark place.

Our Very Best Winter Squash Recipes, Starring Acorn, Butternut, Delicata, and More

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Spicy Squash Salad With Ginger-Lime Dressing

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (1)

Break out of your green salad rut with this lively number.

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02of 18

Roasted Squash With Sesame Seeds and Cumin

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (2)

Put a savory spin on sweet acorn squash with cumin, coriander, and sesame seeds.

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Sausages With Acorn Squash and Onions

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (3)

Plump pork sausages mingle well with slices of sweet acorn squash in this 30-minute sheet-pan dinner.

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Baked Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (4)

Simple and delicious, this easy fall side might be our favorite way to enjoy acorn squash.

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Acorn Squash With Mixed Grain Stuffing

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (5)

Use this brilliant stuffed squash idea as a template: Squash halves are seasoned with an aromatic spice mix and roasted, cut side down, until just tender. Then, they are filled with a flavorful, whole-grain stuffing before baking again. Try this version with its Middle Eastern accents and the crunch of juicy pomegranate seeds, and you might decide to keep it on repeat.

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Pickle-Dressed Acorn Squash and Beets

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (6)

Steaming squash is a revelation: It can be sliced easily with the skin left intact, and it is cooked in under 10 minutes. You can marinate it any way you like. Dressed as it is here in an acidic marinade, it makes a lovely addition to a holiday relish tray, along with other vegetables and cheese.

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Acorn Squash Purée

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (7)

Baking or steaming then blended with butter, salt, and a sprinkle of nutmeg, produces a versatile acorn squash purée. Use it in soups, sauces, and anywhere you would use pumpkin.

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Stuffed Acorn Squash With Quinoa and Pistachios

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (8)

This main-course-worthy dish is a real looker—and it's substantial, too: Quinoa is a great source of protein. If you're serving vegans, swap the feta for some nutritional yeast, which has a mild, nutty, cheesy flavor.

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Sourdough Stuffing With Apples, Acorn Squash, and Hazelnuts

This enticing bread stuffing shows us how easy it is to prepare acorn squash for use in stuffing. Without peeling it first, slice it in half, scoop out the seeds, and chop the squash into cubes. Save the seeds for roasting later.

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Chicory Salad With Maple-Roasted Acorn Squash

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (10)

Sweet, maple-glazed acorn squash balances out the slightly bitter crunch of frisée and escarole in this elegant salad. The finishing touch is a simple vinaigrette of hazelnut oil, lemon juice, and sherry vinegar.

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Acorn Squash Bisque

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (11)

The smooth texture of acorn squash gives this puréed soup its character. Adding just a little bit of half-and-half and butter makes it extra creamy.

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Acorn Squash Lasagna

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (12)

Ricotta cheese and puréed acorn squash make a creamy, lightly sweet filling for this unique fall lasagna. Using no-boil noodles makes the preparation quicker by half an hour.

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Roasted Acorn Squash With Cinnamon Butter

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (13)

Roasted acorn squash wedges are lightly glazed with warm cinnamon butter for this easy, any-night side. You can make the squash up to one day ahead and simply reheat it in the oven before serving.

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Acorn Squash Soup With Kale

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (14)

Creamy golden acorn squash soup is brightened by kale and garnished with bacon in this hearty soup. Make extra Acorn Squash Purée and freeze it for a quick batch of soup anytime.

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Glazed Acorn Squash

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (15)

This acorn squash side dish couldn't be easier. Simply cut the squash into slices, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and brown sugar, then roast until tender. It's a crowd-pleasing dish.

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Roasted Squash With Onions and Yogurt

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (16)

Wedges of acorn squash are roasted with red onions and topped with Greek yogurt and mint leaves. This side goes well with roasted pork, lamb, or chicken.

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Roasted Acorn Squash With Pomegranate Glaze

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (17)

Acorn squashes are transformed by slicing them into rings and roasting. Then, brushing the rings with a glossy pomegranate glaze perfumed with peppercorns, cinnamon, allspice, and bay leaf toward the end of cooking.

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Acorn Squash Stuffed With Mushrooms and Rice

18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (18)

A hearty combination of cremini or white mushrooms and rice makes a substantial stuffing for acorn squash halves.

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18 Amazing Acorn Squash Recipes That Taste Like Fall (2024)

FAQs

What is the best tasting acorn squash? ›

Table Ace Acorn Squash is well-known as the best tasting acorn squash on the market.

When should you throw out acorn squash? ›

Storage life varies by squash type. Acorn squash stores the shortest amount of time: 4 weeks. Spaghetti stores four to five weeks; Buttercup, 13 weeks; Butternut, up to six months; Blue Hubbard, six to seven months.

What is the most popular fall squash? ›

Here's a quick rundown of what else you need to know about these tasty autumn treats.
  • Acorn. A small, gently ribbed, ovoid-shaped squash with a dark green-and-orange skin and yellow-orange flesh, acorn squash are mild, subtly sweet and nutty. ...
  • Gold Acorn. ...
  • Buttercup. ...
  • Butternut. ...
  • Delicata. ...
  • Hubbard. ...
  • Spaghetti. ...
  • Turban.

How do you give squash more flavor? ›

Basil has a strong, aromatic flavor that enhances and balances the delicate flavors of squash and zucchini. Use fresh basil, olive oil and tomatoes with a bit of salt when sautéing or stewing chopped zucchini and squash. For a zucchini and squash salad, use some fresh basil and tomatoes.

What is the most flavorful squash? ›

  1. 1 • Delicata / Sweet Dumpling. These are the most delectable of the pepo squashes, often much sweeter than their close cousins, the green acorns. ...
  2. 2 • Kabocha. ...
  3. 3 • Butternut. ...
  4. 4 • Acorn. ...
  5. 5 • Spaghetti. ...
  6. 6 • Buttercup. ...
  7. 7 • Hubbard.

Why does my acorn squash taste bitter? ›

Extreme cold, heat, drought or too much irrigation, or even a lack of plant nutrients, excessive pest infestation or disease can all create these elevated levels of cucurbitacin in the squash resulting in a bitter flavor.

When should you not eat squash? ›

How to avoid toxic squash syndrome. Due to the intense and unpleasant bitterness of plants with a high cucurbitacin concentration, you can usually tell when squash is bad. If you take a bite of squash and notice a nasty taste, spit it out and throw it away.

Is acorn squash good or bad for you? ›

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.

How long does acorn squash last once picked? ›

Depending on the type of pumpkin or squash, it should last 2 to 6 months when stored at the ideal temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit; a cool basem*nt can work well. Under ideal storage conditions, acorn squash can last up to 2 months, butternuts 2-to-3 months, and hubbarbs 5 to 6 months.

Is acorn squash a fall food? ›

Acorn squash is a classic fall food! Shaped like an acorn, these squash are dark green on the outside and orange on the inside. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake it until it is tender and caramelized on the inside.

What kind of squash did Native Americans eat? ›

Many varieties of squash, another member of the “Three Sisters,” were grown by Native Americans, including acorn, zucchini, pumpkins and gourds.

Which squash flavor is best? ›

Butternut Squash

Perhaps the favorite of the squash family - Butternut squash. With a long shape and creamy orange flesh, this is a quintessential autumn favorite. Its sweet, nutty flavor makes it ideal for soups, purees, and roasting.

Why does my squash taste bland? ›

No doubt, squash's flavor issues stem from the fact that it's mostly water. Being as much as 95 percent H2O, it's no surprise that it tastes a lot like water, which is to say, bland.

How do you keep squash from getting mushy? ›

Liberally sprinkle salt over the towel and place your cut vegetables on top, making sure to arrange them in an even, single layer. Sprinkle salt over top of the vegetables. Allow them to sit for at least 20 minutes, but up to 30-40 minutes if your vegetable pieces are thick.

What is the best season for squash? ›

We recommend planting zucchini and summer squash from late May to early July, depending on the season's temperatures and rainfall. It's a warm season crop, so it needs warm air, warm soil, and no chance of frost.

What is the sweetest acorn? ›

But, surprisingly, a few amazing Holm oak trees bear acorns that taste great with no trace of bitterness. These are what we call true sweet acorns, and yes, they are the real deal in terms of flavour and texture.

Which acorns taste the best? ›

Generally, the best acorns to harvest are those of the white oaks, such as the swamp oak, Oregon white oak, and burr oak, as they contain less bitter tannin. Luckily, nearly all acorns can be made usable with natural processing which renders them nutty and sweet.

What is the sweetest squash to eat? ›

The mustard color flesh of the kabocha squash is very sweet and rich tast-ing. Its texture is floury dry, like a balance between a sweet potato and a pumpkin. It has the highest sugar content of any squash, and is excellent baked as a side dish or stuffed. The hubbard squash has a very sweet, dry orange flesh.

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