5 Deliciously Easy Ways To Cook With Acorn Squash
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Acorn squash is one of the most distinctive winter vegetables out there. Next to butternut squash, you can’t get any more festive than a roasted golden yellow acorn squash. You’ll find them at your grocery store, farmers market and pretty much anywhere this time of year. And the best part about this winter squash, aside from the fact that it’ll make your kitchen smell like holidays, is how many easy ways you can cook with it. Whichever way you slice it, you can’t go wrong with an acorn squash.
1. Roasted
Probably the most common method for preparing acorn squash is roasting it. Here’s a recipe that has you roast your squash with butter, brown sugar, sage and biscotti crumbs. All you have to do is split the squash open, scoop out the seeds, slice it up, lay it out on a baking sheet and throw it in a 350-degree oven until it’s golden brown. If you want something a little more simple, here’s a recipe that just calls for coarse salt and butter.
Since we’re always looking to reduce food waste when we can, you should make the most of your squash and roast the seeds for an easy snack. All you need is good quality olive oil and some coarse salt. Here’s a recipe for roasted squash seeds. Toss your seeds with salt and olive oil, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them at about 300 degrees for an hour or so. It’s super simple and you’ll be cooking sustainably.
2. Stuffed
If you want to make your squash the star of the meal instead of the side dish, stuff it. This will make the perfect vegetarian option at Thanksgiving. Try this recipe for stuffed acorn squash with cranberries, thyme and pecans. If you’re into the veggies but you also want your protein, here’s a recipe that suggests stuffing your squash with sausage, onion, thyme and parmesan cheese. But you really don’t need a recipe — you can make your own stuffing combination with whatever proteins, veggies, grains, nuts, cheeses and herbs your heart desires.
3. Dessert
You don’t have to stick to savory recipes — acorn squash works just as well with desserts. You can make a custard or try a pumpkin pie alternative with an acorn squash and honey pie in a cornmeal crust. And if you’re feeling a little fancy, these acorn squash cupcakes with mascarpone cheese frosting are all kinds of indulgent and sweet.
4. Pasta
Squash, in general, makes a great filling for your pasta. If you’re into stuffed shells, you’ll want to give this recipe a shot. These shells are stuffed with spinach, ricotta and a sweet acorn squash filling. Not only can you stuff your pasta with squash, but it’s just as good roasted and tossed in with your pasta like this dish with penne, acorn squash and pancetta. Your acorn squash can also be turned into a creamy sauce for your pasta or protein.
5. Soup
If you’re looking for something that’ll warm you right up, make some creamy acorn squash soup. This soup will undoubtedly be a hit around the holidays. Here’s another acorn squash soup recipe with carrots. Pair it with a nice, fresh loaf of sourdough and get to dipping.
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