Want to know how to roast acorn squash? Acorn squash is a comfort dish that always hits the spot, while remaining a healthy option! I love that you can make it savory or sweet, too!

If you prefer the combination of earthy, flavorful squash with added sweetness, follow the recipe as is.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe — *Roasted acorn squash is the perfect combination of earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness!*

But, if you prefer a savory option, use olive oil instead of butter, omit the brown sugar and maple syrup, and add pepper!

HOW TO COOK ACORN SQUASH

Squash recipes are the easiest to prepare!

I love making this roasted acorn squash recipe, as well as creamy butternut squash sauce, and spaghetti squash!

Not only is squash nutritious and affordable, squash recipes are a good way to satisfy a carb craving without the sluggishness you can sometimes feel after eating the real deal. Win!

Plus, this is an easy roasted acorn squash. It’s a simple way to prepare the squash halves, but so delicious and great for any time of year.

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THIS ROASTED ACORN SQUASH RECIPE:

Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 50-60 min

Ingredients Needed For Roasted Acorn Squash

2 whole acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar ** see notes
2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
Salt to taste

How To Make Roasted Acorn Squash

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Cut squash in half on a cutting board and clean out seeds with a large spoon. Make sure you use a sharp knife or the acorn squashes will be a little tough to cut through.

Step 3

Place on baking sheet or a roasting pan flesh side up in a single layer.

Step 4

Sprinkle with salt.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe - Step add a pad of butter to each half and then roast flesh side facing up — *If you are looking for a vegan option, either use plant-based butter for this step, or use a cooking oil, instead.*

Step 5

Add about ½ tablespoon butter to each half in the center of the squash. You can use melted butter too. Just make sure the butter is thick slices.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe - Step sprinkle brown sugar on each half — *I don’t know a kid who wouldn’t be intrigued by a vegetable they are allowed to add sugar to, ha!*

Step 6

Add ½ tablespoon brown sugar to each half on top of the butter. I’m sure you could use another sugar like coconut sugar if you wanted.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe - Step drizzle maple syrup on each half of squash — *If you are having a hard time finding a dairy-free maple syrup as a vegan, you can use agave nectar, instead.*

Step 7

Drizzle with maple syrup.

Step 8

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden and tender.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe - Step serve warm — *Needless to say, roasted acorn squash is best served warm! Reheat in the oven, wrapped in foil to protect from overly browning.*

Step 9

Serve immediately.

Notes

Savory – if you prefer your squash more savory than sweet, use olive oil instead of butter, and omit the brown sugar and maple syrup. Add pepper to taste.

Or if you love the buttery flavor you can always add garlic powder instead.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash — *While this roasted acorn squash recipe is already a vegetarian dish, it can also be made into a vegan dish if you substitute a couple ingredients!*

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

You might think that this roasted acorn dish is naturally a vegan recipe, since it is made from a vegetable, but that’s not exactly the case.

Yes, the squash is veggie, but the butter needs to be replaced with a vegan butter, and the maple syrup label needs to be examined closely.

Natural maple syrup is in itself vegan, but if dairy is mixed in as an ingredient, it will not be considered vegan.

The Best Roasted Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a comfort dish that always hits the spot, while remaining a healthy option!

Ingredients

2 whole acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar ** see notes
2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
Salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut squash in half on a cutting board and clean out seeds with a large spoon. Make sure you use a sharp knife or the acorn squashes will be a little tough to cut through.
Place on baking sheet or a roasting pan flesh side up in a single layer.
Sprinkle with salt.
Add about ½ tablespoon butter to each half in the center of the squash. You can use melted butter too. Just make sure the butter is thick slices.
Add ½ tablespoon brown sugar to each half on top of the butter. I’m sure you could use another sugar like coconut sugar if you wanted.
Drizzle with maple syrup.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden and tender.
Serve immediately.

HEALTHY RECIPES THAT KIDS WILL LOVE!

Healthy Smoothies — *Kids love to help make smoothies! They can pick out the ingredients, and depending on age, can even help an adult with pushing blender buttons while supervised!*

It can be hard to get the entire family on board with healthy eating. The struggle is DEFINITELY real! Here are some of our favorite healthy recipes that are kid-friendly (and adult-friendly, ha!):

Wrap recipes are one thing that my kid and I have always been able to agree on. They are delicious and kids enjoy making them, too!
My kids were always more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if I presented them in a fun way–like this yummy rainbow snack made from veggies!
Eggs are a great source of protein and kids usually like them, especially when they are healthy and fun egg recipes!
I am forever looking for healthy lunch and after school snack ideas for my kids, like these 5 brain food recipes for kids.
Healthy smoothies are a fun way to involve your kids in making a nutritious drink!

Do you prefer acorn squash or spaghetti squash?

This Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe:

Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 50-60 min