How long does it take to bake acorn squash at 350 degrees?

Directions. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place squash in a shallow baking pan, cut-side down. Bake in preheated oven until tender, about 30 minutes .

Can I cook an acorn squash without cutting it open?

The one-size-fits-all method for cooking acorn and other hardy squashes is to roast them whole. You can avoid the precarious task of cutting them when they're raw , and the flesh steams to tenderize without drying out while the skin softens enough to eat.

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking?

Nope! Not only do you not need to peel acorn squash before roasting, you can also eat the peel as part of the dish.

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 .

Do you bake squash face up or down?

Place squash, cut-sides down, in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour 2 cups water into the dish around the squash halves. Bake in the preheated oven until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 1 1/2 hours, adding more water as needed. Remove from the oven and transfer each half to a plate, cut-side up .

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.

Do you wash squash before cooking?

Food Safety and Storage Scrub winter squash with a vegetable brush under cool running water before cooking or cutting. Do not use soap. Do not wash squash before storing . Keep squash away from raw meat and meat juices to prevent cross-contamination.

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!).

How do you cook Ina Garten acorn squash?

Place 1/2 tablespoon butter and ½ tablespoon maple syrup in the cavity of each squash. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle the squash with 3 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until tender when pierced with a small knife .

How to tell if acorn squash is bad?

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch , is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

How do you cut and cook squash?

How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash Step-by-Step Step 1: Remove the Skin. ... Step 2: Slice Crosswise. ... Step 3: Cut the Top Part Lengthwise. ... Step 4: Cut the Bottom Part Lengthwise. ... Step 5: Scoop Out the Seeds & Strings. ... Step 6: Cut the Top Into Strips. ... Step 8: Repeat with the Bottom Pieces. ... Step 9: Now You're Ready for Cooking. Nov 14, 2023

Do you eat the skin of acorn squash?

Next time you roast a squash like acorn, butternut or honeynut, try leaving the skins on and give them a nibble . Be sure to scrub the skin well, Joyce recommends, to remove any dirt or debris. The pleasantly chewy texture may just surprise you, plus you can never go wrong with more fiber.

How do you harvest and cure acorn squash?

After cutting the fruits from the vine, sun-cure in the field for 5–7 days, or, cure indoors for 5–7 days at 80–85°F (27–29°C), in an area with good air ventilation.

How to Cook Acorn Squash (2024)

An acorn squash is easy to recognize by its shape, which is ridged and squat like an acorn. But unlike the brown nuts that fall from oak trees, acorn squashes are typically dark green on the outside and pale yellow on the inside.

Because they're hardy and can be prepared in a variety of different ways (even the peel is edible!), these squashes are hallmarks of fall and winter cooking but are also a popular vegetable year-round.

16 Common Types of Squash and the Best Ways to Use Them

What Does Acorn Squash Taste Like?

Acorn squash is milder in taste and slightly more fibrous in texture than butternut squash: Its sweet, nutty flavor is additionally muted by the watery character of its flesh.

Still, most recipes that call for acorn squash can be made with another members of the squash family, such as Hubbard or butternut. Pumpkin is another possible substitute.

Nutritional Benefits of Acorn Squash

One cup of cubed raw acorn squash contains only about 56 calories, but provides more than half of the vitamin A you need all day, as well as about a quarter of the recommended daily allowance of fiber and vitamin C.

In addition to being nutrient dense, it's also a source of a wide range of nutrients, many of which can help strengthen your bones, aid digestion, ward off cataracts, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Another healthy snack is roasted acorn squash seeds.

How to Pick Acorn Squash

Acorn squashes are common backyard crops, but home gardeners need to know how to tell if one is ripe. The biggest clue is color: A squash ready for picking will be dark green with a dried stem.

How to Store Acorn Squash

Stored at room temperature, an acorn squash will last one or two months; to determine if one has gone bad, slice it in two. Slimy, gray seeds are an indicator that the squash has turned.

Once cut, you can tightly cover any uncooked portion with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days, or cook the squash and freeze it for as long as a year.

How to Cook Acorn Squash

How to Roast Acorn Squash in the Oven

Acorn squash is easy to prepare for cooking: The simplest prep involves splitting the squash in two with a sharp knife, and then scooping out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon. If a recipe calls for cubes, turn the squash half flesh-side down and slice into rings, then cut away the peel with a knife and dice the flesh.

Once cut and cleaned, a half acorn squash can be baked in the oven at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 50 to 60 minutes or until very tender. Cubes can be placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzled with oil, and roasted until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes.

Chef John's Baked Acorn Squash

Check out this technique, which involves scoring the squash to let the orange-maple glaze soak in.

How to Microwave Acorn Squash

Alternately, you can cook it in the microwave by placing it cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish . Add an inch of water to the dish and microwave on high for approximately 10 minutes, or until tender.

How to Grill Acorn Squash

Finally, to grill acorn squash, wrap squash halves tightly with tin foil and cook over low flames until tender.

Browse dozens of delicious acorn squash recipes!

You might also like...

Learn more about the different types of winter squash.
Get tips to prep and cook butternut squash.
Browse our entire collection of winter squash recipes.