One of the best ways to lean into autumn vibes is by savoring the many delicious seasonal ingredients available at the farmer’s market. Apples, pumpkin, squash, pomegranates—you name it, I want it. Today we’re dishing up recipes that feature one of the tastiest (and cutest) fall vegetables: acorn squash. If you haven’t already, it’s high time you added this delectable ingredient to your grocery list so you can enjoy one of these amazing acorn squash recipes before the season’s end.
These beauties are incredibly nutrient-rich, with a ton of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and magnesium. Not only is acorn squash a healthy, yummy dinner, but it’s also pretty easy to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you roast it, stuff it, or turn it into soup, it’s an elegant ingredient that will elevate any meal. Trust: it will always look impressive.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
21 Baked Acorn Squash Recipes to Enjoy This Season
I’ve rounded up some seriously tantalizing recipes, from the indulgent to the ultra-healthy. There’s a little something for everyone. Make sure to bookmark your faves so you can pick up all the necessary ingredients on your next grocery run. You won’t regret it.
Rosemary Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Butter and Hazelnuts
Why We Love It: Brown butter and squash are the best pair to kick off this delicious compilation of our favorite acorn squash recipes. Tieghan Gerard, aka Half Baked Harvest, is practically the expert on Thanksgiving-worthy dishes, and this appetizer is no exception.
Hero Ingredient: Brown butter (and maybe a bit of cinnamon?) is the secret hack to winning the holidays.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Garam Masala and Cilantro Chutney
Why We Love It: This sweet roasted squash is dusted with warm spices and pairs well with just about any protein you could imagine. The cilantro chutney is a herby-savory blend that perfectly contrasts the squash’s natural sweetness.
Hero Ingredient: Greek yogurt adds a kick of protein and a creamy tart taste.
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Why we love it: This is a colorful and hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s also the easiest thing you can cook up when you want to impress guests at a dinner party. These little delights are sure to be the hero of your menu.
Hero ingredient: Kick things up a notch with crunchy, toasted pumpkin seeds.
Roasted Acorn Squash Soup from Girl Gone Gourmet
Why We Love It: Cozy and nutty, this acorn squash soup is everything I look forward to in the winter months. This vegetarian soup is flavored with onion, garlic, and Herbes de Provence with a little bit of cream for added soupy texture. Store in an airtight container and look forward to your yummy leftovers.
Hero Ingredient: A splash of apple cider vinegar boosts this dish with bright, beautiful flavor.
Pasta with Kale Pesto and Roasted Acorn Squash from Foodie Crush
Why We Love It: The saltiness of pesto always pairs well with a bit of sweetness, and this pasta recipe does the combination justice. The best part? A topping of garlicky breadcrumbs that make for an herby crunch.
Hero Ingredient: Good-quality pesto is always a great pantry staple.
Acorn Squash with Chickpeas and Chimichurri from Love and Lemons
Why We Love It: You can’t tell me these chickpea-stuffed acorn squash halves wouldn’t make the perfect addition to any dinner party table. The zesty chimichurri and lemon yogurt add the best pop of creamy tart flavor that makes this recipe a stunner from all angles.
Hero Ingredient: Pepitas are highly underrated. And in this dish? They absolutely shine.
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash from Downshiftology
Why We Love It: Italian herb seasoning never fails me, especially when it complements a subtle base like acorn squash. Parmesan cheese is a no-brainer in highlighting the richness that this recipe brings.
Hero Ingredient: Make your own fresh herb seasoning blend or snag it from the store. Either way, it makes this recipe.
Acorn Squash Breakfast Bowls with Yogurt from Eating Bird Food
Why We Love It: If you thought acorn squash recipes were reserved for apps and entrees only, I’m happy to introduce this delicious breakfast bowl recipe. Sweet yogurt and dried cranberries create a bright and balanced contrast that you’ll love waking up to.
Hero Ingredient: A maple syrup drizzle is all you need.
Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash from Budget Bytes
Why We Love It: Pro tip: prep the wild rice filling ahead of time for the best-stuffed squashes. Save time and still maintain all of the great flavor.
Hero Ingredient: Chopped walnuts are a great crunch.
Roasted Squash Salad with Crispy Shallot & Balsamic Reduction from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Acorn squash and salad is a perfect blend for a healthy and filling side or main dish. Plus, a minimal ingredient list is perfect for busy days that require more time outside of the kitchen.
Hero Ingredient: Balsamic vinegar dressing? I think yes.
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash from Cookie + Kate
Why We Love It: Sometimes gatherings can prove to be tricky when dietary accommodations come into play. Keeping dishes vegetarian keeps things both inclusive and an extra bit healthy.
Hero Ingredient: This herbed quinoa looks as good as it tastes.
Maple Roasted Squash Salad from The Modern Proper
Why We Love It: This maple-roasted squash salad is the perfect side or light main for assembling ahead of time and serving in a pinch with an incredible creamy goat cheese dressing.
Hero Ingredient: Nothing adds a burst of holiday flavor quite like pomegranate seeds.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage from Well Plated by Erin
Why We Love It: What’s better than a bit of protein? This golden acorn squash is baked until caramelized and tender and features a lighter chicken sausage to keep things from getting too filling. Mushrooms, apples, warm spices, and herbs are incredibly delicious and so easy to throw together.
Hero Ingredient: I’m a big fan of chicken sausage as an alternative to the traditional.
Baked Squash Mac and Cheese from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: How cute are these little acorn squash cups of baked squash mac and cheese? Bonus: the recipe is also deceptively simple. Stuffing the pasta inside the squash keeps it from drying out while maintaining a hot, melty (and totally delish) bite. Don’t forget to top it off with crispy prosciutto and breadcrumbs!
Hero ingredient: The mix of cheddar, gruyere, and provolone is as divine as it sounds.
Maple Glazed Acorn Squash from Spoon Fork Bacon
Why we love it: It’s easy, filling, and can be eaten as a snack or turned into a meal by dicing it up and adding it to some quinoa, couscous, or protein. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a big flavor that doesn’t overpower the senses. Make it on Sunday, then eat it all week for lunch on top of your salad!
Hero ingredient: Maple syrup, of course!
Creamy Fall Soup in Acorn Squash Bowls from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: You won’t want to wait until Thanksgiving to try these gorgeous acorn squash soup bowls. The recipe is festive, colorful, creamy, and ultra-comforting. Not to mention healthy! It’s basically autumn in a bowl.
Hero ingredient: Fresh sage and a bay leaf infuse the soup with classic fall flavors.
Baked Acorn Squash Slices from Well-Plated by Erin
Why we love it: It doesn’t get much easier than this autumnal dish. The entire recipe asks for only eight ingredients—brown sugar and maple syrup to play up the squash’s natural sweet flavor and a little bit of cayenne for some added heat. And, of course, pecans for some autumnal crunch.
Hero ingredient: Brown sugar makes this dish practically dessert-like.
Acorn Squash Egg in the Hole from The Roasted Root
Why we love it: If you’re an egg lover, then you have to try this twist on the classic egg-in-a-hole recipe. It’s less carby but still makes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Hero ingredient: Don’t skip out on the crumbled bacon, it adds the perfect subtle salty punch.
Parmesan-Crusted Acorn Squash from Real Food Dieticians
Why we love it: All you need is five ingredients for this tasty and healthy acorn squash recipe. It’s a savory delight that won’t let you down. This is the perfect side dish for a warming protein or even pasta. It’s so good that you may never opt for butter and brown sugar on your squash again.
Hero ingredient: The parmesan gives this recipe an earthy, salty, nutty flavor and lovely texture.
Pear Apple Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Roasted Root
Why we love it: This healthy dish is special enough to make for the holidays but worth enjoying any day this season. It’s rich and flavorful without feeling heavy.
Hero ingredient: Stewed pears are an unexpected delight.
Mexican Roasted Corn and Quinoa Stuffed Squash from Pinch of Yum
Why we love it: The bright Mexican flavors and the smooth, creamy taste and consistency of the acorn squash blend together beautifully. Even the most avowed squash skeptics will be coming back for seconds.
Hero ingredient: It’s topped with crema and queso fresco for a creamy finish.
This post was originally published on October 7th, 2021, and has since been updated.
