Should acorn squash be baked cut side up or down?

How to Bake Acorn Squash. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet. (Cut side down works too, but I prefer the slightly firmer texture that you get when you roast it cut side up.)

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 make an acorn squash easier to cut?

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 do you give squash more flavor?

Brown Nicely When cooking summer squash, don't be afraid of a little browning. A nicely browned surface adds great flavor. 5. Partner Strategically Finally, balance squash's milder taste with stronger flavors like chilies, curry, ginger, garlic, lemon, goat cheese and so on.

Is it better to roast squash face up or down?

Is it better to roast butternut squash face up or down? I personally prefer to roast my butternut squash with the cut-side-up . In my opinion, roasting it cut-side-up allows for the butternut squash to caramelize, rather than just steam and cook.

How long does it take for squash to get soft in the oven?

Prepare squash — for savory, rub inside with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. For sweet, rub inside with melted butter and sprinkle with brown or coconut sugar. Place on prepared baking sheet. Place in preheated oven and roast for 50-60 minutes or until very tender to the poke of a fork.

How to tell when acorn squash is done cooking?

You'll know when the squash is done when you can easily insert a fork in the flesh . You want it tender, yet not mushy. If the squash is already cut in half, you can easily test if it is done by sticking a fork in the flesh of the squash. If it's fork-tender, it's done cooking and ready to eat.

Why cook squash cut side 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!).

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking?

Good news: you don't need to peel acorn squash . Its hard, grooved skin softens significantly as it cooks, and it's edible, too. If you do want to remove the skin, wait until after you cook it, at which point it will peel right off.

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

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a few drizzles of olive oil. Add the squash and sauté for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so that all sides get cooked . I like to cook mine until it's soft, yet still has a firm bite, but before it becomes too watery and mushy.

Why does my squash taste bland?

If you pick too early, the flesh will not be fully developed and the squash will lack flavor and not be that wonderfully vegetal sweet that is the wonder of butternut, honeynut, delicata, acorn, pumpkin and kabocha, among dozens of other winter squash.

Do you eat the skin of baked acorn squash?

Yes, You Can Eat the Skin of Acorn Squash and Other Winter Squashes —Here's How. Some varieties, like acorn squash and honeynut, have tender, tasty skin.

How to Bake Acorn Squash Perfectly Every Time (2024)

If you shopped the produce aisles of the grocery store, you’ve probably seen acorn squash on the store shelves. It’s the somewhat oval-shaped winter squash with a ribbed, dark green skin and orange flesh. But have you ever bought it or considered growing it in your garden? If not, what’s stopping you? If it’s because you don’t know how to bake acorn squash, rest assured you can easily prepare it by following our six simple steps. We’ll take the mystery out of how to roast acorn squash halves in the oven and in the microwave, and show you how long to bake acorn squash to perfection. Plus, read on to see how easy it is to how to select, prep, and store acorn squash.

What Is Acorn Squash?

Available year-round and at peak production from September through March, acorn squash is a sought-after vegetable that’s known for its nutty flavor. Plus, it’s filled with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. Just like other winter squash such as butternut, delicata, buttercup, and spaghetti squash, it has a hard skin. But don’t let that hard skin scare you away—after you bake it, the skin will become soft and easily separate from the flesh, so there’s no need to worry about peeling it. The squash’s dense texture and firm flesh will hold up well in your favorite squash recipes. Its small size makes it easy to cook it in a slow cooker, puree it for soups, add it to salads, and even create an edible bowl by filling it with cooked rice or stuffing. And don’t forget about its seeds—try roasting squash seeds to make a nutritious snack.

How to Select Acorn Squash

Choose firm squash that are heavy for their size—the heavier the squash, the denser the flesh inside. Look for those with smooth, unblemished skin with a stem still attached. If it has a soft spot, put it back on the shelf because you don’t want a rotting squash. Also steer clear of squash that has a lot of orange coloring since they tend to be tough and fibrous. Make sure you buy enough acorn squash for your recipe—keep in mind that a 2-pound squash will make 6 cups of cubed squash.

How to Store Acorn Squash

When you find a perfect squash in the grocery store or in your garden, you can store it whole in a cool, dry place between 50°F and 60°F up to 2 months. Be sure to refrigerate cut squash, wrapped in plastic, up to 4 days.