How long does it take to bake acorn squash at 350 degrees?

Directions. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place squash in a shallow baking pan, cut-side down. Bake in preheated oven until tender, about 30 minutes .

Can I cook an acorn squash without cutting it open?

The one-size-fits-all method for cooking acorn and other hardy squashes is to roast them whole. You can avoid the precarious task of cutting them when they're raw , and the flesh steams to tenderize without drying out while the skin softens enough to eat.

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking?

Nope! Not only do you not need to peel acorn squash before roasting, you can also eat the peel as part of the dish.

What is the safest way to cut an acorn squash?

For stability, slice ¼" off the stem end and base of the squash. Stand it up on one of those cut ends and chop it in half, from top to bottom . This provides a solid base that won't slip and slide around your cutting board. We don't need any hands coming in contact with that knife of yours.

How do you cook squash so it doesn't get soggy?

Roasting zucchini at a high temperature instead of baking or sautéing helps develop browning and a slight char on the outside, which keeps it from getting soggy. It also concentrates the flavors, giving this subtle veg a little more oomph.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash?

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior .

How to soften acorn squash before cutting without?

You can quickly soften an acorn squash before cutting it by using a microwave . Using a knife or fork, make a few small incisions in the squash to allow steam to escape. Place the squash in a microwavable bowl and heat on high for three minutes.

How to eat acorn squash?

After the acorn squash is cut in half and scooped to remove the seeds, it can be cut into wedges or roasted or baked cut-side down . Roasting cut-side down allows for the subtle caramelization of the flesh and it's just divine.

Do you eat the skin of acorn squash?

Acorn Squash: Whether cut into slices or stuffed and baked whole, acorn squash skin is totally tasty . When roasted, the skin becomes soft enough to eat by the forkful, For those who prefer it skin-free, the meat separates from the peel easily after cooking.

Should you cook squash cut side up or down?

Putting it cut-side down creates a sort-of steam chamber for the flesh, helping it cook faster and retain moisture (no dried out squash here!). If you've added oil to the flesh before cooking, it will brown nicely where it's in contact with the sheet pan.

How do you harvest and cure acorn squash?

After cutting the fruits from the vine, sun-cure in the field for 5–7 days, or, cure indoors for 5–7 days at 80–85°F (27–29°C), in an area with good air ventilation.

How to Cook Acorn Squash (2024)

What Is Acorn Squash?

Acorn squash is a small winter squash with orange flesh and a dark green, orange-spotted exterior. Acorn squash is easily recognizable by its ridges and small, round shape. When cooked, the flesh is sweet. Also, you can eat the skin–with roasted or baked acorn squash, the skin turns tender and is easily pierced just a fork.

Acorn squash, simply prepared, makes a wonderful side dish. You can also season the squash with any herbs, spices or oils you wish and serve it in salads, grain bowls and soups. Acorn squash can also be used to make vegetarian main dishes, like pasta and lasagna, more hearty.

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How to Prepare Acorn Squash

Featured Recipe: Moroccan Chickpea-Stuffed Acorn Squash

If you have experience preparing butternut squash, you'll be able to prepare an acorn squash quite easily. Many of the steps are the same. However, with acorn squash, you can leave the skin on the flesh.

How you prepare acorn squash before you cook it depends on what you'd like to do with the squash once it's cooked. Acorn squash can be cooked as halves, in wedges, slices or chopped into cubes. If you're planning to remove the skin, it's easier to do it once the squash is cut. While it's whole, removing the skin is difficult because of the ridges.

1. Wash the squash. Wash the squash before you slice into it. If you don't wash it first, any bacteria on the skin will get transferred to the flesh once you cut the acorn squash.

Two Ways to Cook Acorn Squash

Roasting acorn squash in an oven is the preferred cooking technique. It creates silky squash with tender skin. At higher heats, the squash can develop a bit of caramelization because of its natural sugars. However, in a pinch, you can also microwave acorn squash to get it tender more quickly and enhance the flavor with melted butter and brown sugar or maple syrup.

How to Cook and Eat Squash

How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Oven

Featured Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position an oven rack in the bottom third.

2. Season the squash. Drizzle with olive oil and season the squash halves, wedges or cubes according to your preferred taste.

3. Line the pan. Whether you're cooking cubes, wedges or acorn squash halves, line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

4. Arrange. Place squash halves cut-side down on the parchment paper-lined sheet pan. With cubes or wedges, arrange them in a single layer on the pan.

5. Cook. For acorn squash halves, roast until you can pierce the flesh with a fork, 45 minutes or up to an hour. For wedges, roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. For 1-inch cubes, roast until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Microwave

Cooking acorn squash in a microwave is a faster method. It's the ideal cooking method when you need the tender squash for fillings or soups.

1. Place squash halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish.

2. Add seasoning. If you are planning to scoop the squash straight from the skin as a side dish, you can add seasoning here. You can also wait until the squash is cooked.

3. Add water. Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the microwave-safe dish.

4. Cook. Microwave on High until you can pierce the flesh with a fork, 8 to 10 minutes.

Acorn Squash Nutrition Facts

Acorn squash is a wonderful source of several vitamins and minerals. It's a great addition to winter menus when fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce.

One-half cup of cooked acorn squash has 57 calories, 15 grams carbs and almost zero fat. It's high in vitamins C and A, fiber and potassium. It's also a rich source of thiamin, magnesium and manganese.

How to Shop for Acorn Squash

When you're picking an acorn squash in the grocery store, look for one that feels heavy for its size. The squash's exterior skin should be dark and dull with no soft spots. Shiny acorn squash skin is a sign that the squash hasn't matured.

Acorn squash skin should have a good balance of green with orange spots. If there's too much orange, the squash may be overripe. If it's fully green, the squash isn't mature.

How to Store Acorn Squash

Acorn squash that's not cooked can be stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry for several weeks. Once cooked, however, you should use it within three to four days. Refrigerate the cooked squash in an airtight container until you're ready to eat it or cook with it.

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