Fall sides can be simple and tasty! This Healthy Roasted Acorn Squash takes only 5 minutes to prep and it's naturally sweet with only a hint of brown sugar that's optional. This easy side is sure to be the star of the meal!
I've been trying to embrace more of fall this year... hiking in the brisk weather & exploring fall flowers at the Biltmore Estate gardens.
Fall is growing on me.
I'm even branching out and trying new fall vegetables. I eat so much fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables in the summer and I feel like I miss that this time of year.
Healthy Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash is not completely new to me.... but I have to admit the times I made it before involved lots of butter and lots of brown sugar. There is a time and place for butter and sugar (hello Thanksgiving!) but for my day to day meals I prefer something a little healthier.
So I decided to health-ify this classic fall dish... Healthy Baked Acorn Squash.
Why You'll Love This Simple Roasted Acorn Squash...
This is a healthy take on acorn squash that's super simple to make. No butter is involved, instead, I use coconut oil. Only a tiny bit of brown sugar is added, or you can omit it if you prefer, so you can feel good about eating this dish regularly.
Don't let the long cooking time keep you from making this dish. This roasted acorn squash recipe only takes 5 minutes of prep and the rest of the time is hands off time while it's cooking in the oven.
Ingredients in the squash...
- Acorn squash: Peak season for acorn squash is early fall through winter but you can find them year-round now.
- Coconut oil: I substitute coconut oil for butter in this recipe.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon and nutmeg add a nice touch of flavor to the squash.
- Nutmeg: This spice perfectly compliments the cinnamon and adds some complexity to the roasted acorn squash.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar brings out the flavor and adds a little sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup or omit completely if you prefer.
How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash
- Preheat your oven to 375 F.
- Brush the melted coconut oil onto the acorn squash halves.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Place the squash in a 9x9 casserole dish. Put ½ cup of water in the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil.
- Cook for 40 minutes and remove the foil.
- Cook uncovered for 15 more minutes.
How long does it take to roast acorn squash?
If you cut the acorn squash in half like I've shown it takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour to roast. I roast mine at 375 degrees.
Tips for Making Healthy Roasted Acorn Squash
- The hardest part of the entire recipe is cutting this baby in half. You can microwave the whole acorn squash for a minute or two before trying to cut it. Then use a very sharp knife to cut it in half. A couple of minutes in the microwave will soften in just enough to help cut it but not completely cook it.
- Acorn squash is naturally sweet so you don't always need the sugar!
How do you know when acorn squash is done?
The squash is done cooking when it's tender. If you can easily pierce it with a fork, and the flesh separates into spaghetti-like strands, then it's done cooking.
Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?
You may be surprised to hear this, but you actually can eat the skin of acorn squash! And it's really tasty! Once roasted, the skin becomes really soft and tender, making it easy to eat.
Is acorn squash healthy?
YES! Acorn squash has a vibrant color and is filled with nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, antioxidants and it's brimming with fiber. It's also a low-calorie food and when made this way without a bunch of butter and sugar it is super healthy for you. The squash has a naturally sweet flavor and doesn't need all of that stuff.
And with food like this, Healthy Acorn Squash recipe, you might convince me to jump over to team fall. But just don't make me think about winter yet, ok?
Enjoy!
More Squash Recipes You'll Love
- Crock Pot Butternut Squash Soup
- Farro, Mushroom, Cranberry & Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Wheat Berry & Kale Stuffed Patty Pan Squash
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Sauteed Kale and Butternut Squash
- Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Easy Healthy Baked Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, cut in half
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional- can sub maple syrup or leave off
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Brush the coconut oil over all sides of the acorn squash.
- Sprinkle with the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Place in a 9x9 casserole dish. Put ½ cup of water in the bottom on the pan. Cover with foil.
- Cook for 40 minutes and remove the foil.
- Cook uncovered for the remaining 15 minutes.
Notes
- You can omit the sugar altogether as well! This small amount brings out the flavor!
- The hardest part of the entire recipe is cutting this baby in half. You can nuke it for a minute or two to help out and use a very sharp knife. Obviously keep your fingers completely away.
Nutrition
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Leslie says
What a delicious, easy, fool-proof recipe for fall! I love the simplicity of this recipe!
Erin says
Love a good baked squash recipe! This is so perfect for fall. Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
I cut it in half and place in glass baking dish and microwave till almost done, then add toppings and put in oven. Really cuts down on cooking time.
JulieWunder says
Great idea! Thanks Kim!
Abi says
Great idea - how long did you microwave them before putting in the oven?
JulieWunder says
Hi Abi! 1-2 minutes!
Miz Helen says
We will love your Baked Acorn Squash, it looks delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
JulieWunder says
Thanks Miz Helen!
Sarah says
Oh I love acorn squash with coconut oil, coconut sugar, and cinnamon, or Cinnamon Roll CocoNutter! So simple, yet delicious! I have actually been known to just eat a whole squash for dinner... technically it's just a veggie and good for me right?!
JulieWunder says
Cinnamon Roll CocoNutter??? Say wa???? I need that in my life!
Tina Muir says
I LOVVVVEEEE acorn squash cooked in this way!!! SOOOOOOOO good! Great reminder! Happy meatless monday friend!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Tina! It's super tasty!
Jen says
Stuffed acord squash is one of my favorite fall dishes! It can be more of a main course depending on what you put inside of it.
JulieWunder says
Absolutely! I'm stuffing it next time!
Annmarie says
I'll admit that I've never made a baked acorn but this totally makes me want to try it! Looks delish- thanks so much for linking up! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Annmarie! I have a feeling you would like it!
Jess @hellotofit says
I love roasting veggies with a little sugar and spice! Looks awesome, Julie 🙂
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I love all squash varieties, but right now kobucha is my favorite. However, acorn is right up there! This looks delicious and so beautiful! I could even see cutting the acorn squash into quarters (or smaller?) and serving this as a Thanksgiving side dish!
JulieWunder says
One of my good friends keeps letting me about kobucha and how fabulous it is. I need to get on it.
Runaway Bridal Planner says
I really need to like squash more. I have a feeling if I ate it cooked like this I would get over the childish part of me that is like ewe squash, and find out that I actually like the stuff:)
JulieWunder says
Haha! Yes, try it again-- I bet your grown up taste buds will like it 🙂
Farrah says
Ah, I love this! 😀 I didn't get into baked squashes until fairly recently, but I am so glad I discovered em', because they are awesome! This looks super tasty! :]
JulieWunder says
Very easy too!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Yum!! I want to eat this right now! I love recipes that only require a few ingredients - this one is right up my alley!!
JulieWunder says
I agree! Simple cooking is great sometimes!
Paula Morgan says
Julie, I totally agree with you! I also think we should return to the more simple recipes. Not only is it easier to cook, but it is usually healthier, too!
This simple squash recipe is a perfect example. Simple, yet oh, so delicious!!
Cayanne Marcus says
Love simple recipes with ingredients I've got on hand! Thanks for the intro to easy, yummy, acorn squash
JulieWunder says
Thanks Cayanne! Great to see you today!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This looks like pure fall perfection.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Nicole!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I love squash! I haven't bought an acorn one lately though!!
JulieWunder says
I overlook them too! So easy and filling though.
Deborah@Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I've been all over squash lately too! So easy and versatile. Thanks for linking up!
JulieWunder says
Thanks for hosting!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
I've tried a few different squashes this year but I haven't tried acorn! They're so cute and tiny though so I'll have to pick one up next time 🙂
JulieWunder says
Very easy and filling too!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I just had a baked stuffed acorn this past weekend for the first time and it was delicious! It's definitely something that needs to go into my rotation a bit more.
JulieWunder says
I agree! It's not on my radar enough either.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I adore baked squash--pretty much any and all of them! All I need is a bit of cooking spray and some salt and then I make it as sweet or savory as I choose with spices.
JulieWunder says
It's so easy and delicious! Filling too!
Joanna @Makingmine says
This looks so good! And I love that it's not dripping in butter (even though butter is delicious, haha)
JulieWunder says
Haha! Yes it is!
Blane Sherer says
I'm with you .I'm loving Fall too and I'm not wanting to
think about Winter either.
JulieWunder says
Agreed!