How to Bake Acorn Squash

Use a sharp knife to cut through the acorn squash's tough rind.

With its dark green exterior and golden interior, the acorn squash packs a nutritious punch. It is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. As a winter squash, the acorn squash is ready in time for the holiday season. You can braise, puree, roast, steam and bake this versatile squash. When baked, it pairs well with turkey or chicken. Add a green, leafy vegetable for a well-balanced meal.

Things You'll Need

• Baking sheet
• Butter
• Large, sharp knife
• Spoon
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Lightly butter your baking sheet.

3. Wash your acorn squash and pat it dry. Cut your squash in half from top to bottom with a sharp knife, and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits.

4. Place the squash on the baking sheet, with the cut side down. Bake for 30 minutes.

5. Remove the squash from the oven and turn the squash over. Fill the centers of the squash with 2 tbsp. of butter and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.

6. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute real maple syrup for the brown sugar for an equally sweet variation.

• Season your baked acorn squash with allspice, nutmeg or cinnamon. All of these spices compliment the taste of the acorn squash and work equally well with the brown sugar.

• Instead of eating the baked acorn squash immediately, use it to make an acorn squash soup.

References

• NutritionData: Squash, Winter, Acorn, Cooked, Baked, Without Salt
• "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian"; Mark Bittman; 2007
• "Vegetarian Times"; Season to Taste; Susan Jane Cheney; March 1993
• "Good Housekeeping Great Home Cooking: 300 Traditional Recipes"; Susan Westmoreland et al.; 2006