Introduction to Easy Acorn Squash

If you’re new to cooking acorn squash, or simply seeking a faster, more convenient method, this comprehensive guide is tailored for you. We’ll walk you through everything from selecting the perfect squash at the grocery store to preparing it and, of course, the secret to quickly cooking acorn squash in the microwave.

Many people are intimidated by winter squash, often believing it requires extensive prep and long oven roasting. This recipe challenges that notion, offering a super simple and quick way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. I initially learned to roast acorn squash in the oven, but my love for quick and easy recipes led me to adapt it into this fantastic microwave version, which I now prefer for its speed and convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Embrace this simple method and venture out of your culinary comfort zone. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can transform a humble acorn squash into a delightful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick side for dinner or a unique, light dessert, this microwave acorn squash recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Watch How to Make It!

Visual learners, rejoice! Below you’ll find a helpful video demonstration guiding you through each step of making this easy microwave acorn squash. Watch how quickly and effortlessly this delicious dish comes together, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.

Achieve Perfect Acorn Squash in Just Minutes!

The microwave truly is the secret weapon for getting this delicious and easy side dish on the table in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal solution. Here’s a typical breakdown of your time:

• Preparation (Cutting and Cleaning): Approximately 5 minutes. This involves washing the squash, carefully slicing it in half, and scooping out the seeds and stringy bits.
• Microwave Cooking Time: About 10 minutes. This efficient cooking method utilizes steam to tenderize the squash rapidly.

Please note that the exact cooking time can vary based on a few factors:

• Microwave Wattage: Stronger microwaves will cook faster. This recipe was tested using one average-sized acorn squash (split into two halves) in a powerful 1600-watt microwave. If your microwave has lower wattage, you may need to add a minute or two.
• Squash Size: Larger squash will naturally require a bit more cooking time than smaller ones.
• Number of Squash: Cooking multiple squash halves simultaneously might also extend the overall cooking duration, as the microwave oven has more food to heat.

While the microwave offers unparalleled speed, you can certainly roast acorn squash in a conventional oven if you prefer. This traditional method typically takes about an hour at 375°F. Oven instructions are detailed further down in this article and also included in the notes section of the recipe card, offering you flexibility based on your preference and schedule.

Sweeten and Spice: Generously sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon (and a dash of nutmeg if desired) over the butter in each squash half. Adjust the amounts to your taste preferences. A tiny pinch of salt in each cavity also helps to enhance the sweet flavors.

Sliced Microwave Acorn Squash for Faster Cooking

If you’re looking to reduce cooking time even further, or prefer individual, bite-sized pieces, try slicing the squash before microwaving. To make sliced acorn squash:

1. Clean the whole acorn squash as directed in the preparation section.
2. Carefully slice each squash half crosswise into 1-inch thick rings or half-moon slices.
3. Arrange the slices in a single layer (or slightly overlapping if necessary) in a microwave-safe steamer basket or dish with a little water at the bottom.
4. Steam the slices in the microwave until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This will take significantly less time than halves, likely 3-5 minutes depending on thickness and microwave power.
5. Once tender, remove the slices, brush them lightly with melted butter, and sprinkle with your chosen toppings (brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt).
6. Heat briefly again in the microwave (about 30 seconds to 1 minute) until the butter and sugar melt and become bubbly. Serve warm.

How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Oven (Roasted Perfection)

While the microwave offers speed, oven-roasted acorn squash provides a different depth of flavor with beautiful caramelization. If you have more time and prefer a roasted texture, here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the acorn squash by washing it, cutting it in half lengthwise, and scraping out the seeds and pulp, just as you would for the microwave method.
3. Place the squash halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet with shallow sides. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the insides are tender when pricked with a fork. Roasting face-down helps steam the squash and keeps it moist while allowing the natural sugars to develop.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully turn the squash halves over, skin-side down.
6. Fill the hollow of each squash half with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
7. Return to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the sugar mixture is bubbling and lightly caramelized.

Cooking acorn squash in the oven undoubtedly takes longer, but this dry roasting method brings out the squash’s natural sugars, resulting in a delightfully sweet and slightly nutty flavor. The butter and sugar will begin to caramelize, forming a wonderfully crisp and flavorful topping that’s hard to resist.

Savory Acorn Squash Variations

While often enjoyed sweet, acorn squash also shines in savory dishes. Instead of butter and sugar:

• Herb & Garlic: After microwaving, melt butter with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Drizzle over the squash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a little chili powder or smoked paprika with olive oil, brush it over the squash, and sprinkle with feta cheese.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a more substantial meal, microwave the squash until almost tender. Then, stuff the cavities with a savory mixture like cooked quinoa, ground sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, and sage. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and the squash is fully tender.

• 1
  acorn squash, medium-sized
• 2
  teaspoons
  brown sugar or honey
• dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg, to taste
• 2
  teaspoons
  unsalted butter, divided
• dash of salt
• 2
  tablespoons
  water,
  for steaming

• Wash 1 medium acorn squash, cut it in half lengthwise from stem to blossom end, and then carefully scrape out all the seeds and stringy pulp.
• Place the squash halves cut-side down into a microwave-safe glass baking dish containing about 2 tablespoons of water.
• Cook in the microwave on high power until the squash is fork-tender. This usually takes around 6-10 minutes for one squash (two halves) in a 1600-watt microwave. Adjust cooking time based on your microwave’s strength and the size/number of squash halves.
• Carefully remove the dish from the microwave, drain any excess water, and turn the squash halves right side up in the same dish.
• Divide 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey and 2 teaspoons butter evenly between each squash half, placing them in the hollow. Add a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg and a dash of salt to each cavity.
• Return the dish to the microwave and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the butter mixture is melted, bubbly, and fragrant. Serve hot and enjoy!

Oven Roasted Acorn Squash Instructions:

If you prefer roasting, prepare the squash as directed, then place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30-40 minutes until tender. Flip the squash, fill the hollows with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.

Microwave Sliced Acorn Squash Instructions:

For faster cooking or individual portions, clean the squash, then slice each half crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds. Steam the slices in a microwave steamer until tender (3-5 minutes). Brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then heat briefly again (30 seconds – 1 minute) until melted and bubbly.