Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple & Spice

I love the rich, nutty flavor of roasted acorn squash, especially when the weather cools down. It’s one of those easy, wholesome side dishes that brings warmth to the table. This side pairs beautifully with just about anything.

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Roasted acorn squash is a popular side dish in fall and winter. It highlights the natural sweetness and nutty taste of this hearty winter squash. This dish is delicious and rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

This roasted squash pairs well with proteins like salmon, roasted chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, grilled steak, lamb, and turkey. It also complements vegetables such as Brussels sprouts (especially with brown sugar), balsamic roasted eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and other roasted winter vegetables.

Autumn salad also complements the squash’s flavor well. Starches like crispy smashed potatoes, quinoa, farro, or pasta dishes work well too. Other great pairings include maple-glazed carrots and sausage stuffing.

You can roast it in halves, slices, or cubes, depending on how you plan to serve it. Here’s how to make the roasted acorn squash:

Easy Roasted Acorn Squash

Easy roasted acorn squash—sweet, caramelized, and tender. Perfect as a side dish or stuffed for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 22gFat: 5gSodium: 90mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8g

Ingredients

  

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• 2 medium acorn squash
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and stringy bits.
• Slice each half into 1-inch thick wedges.
• Toss squash wedges in a bowl with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown at the edges.
• Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• To save time, you can microwave the squash for 2 minutes before slicing.
• Try a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of cayenne for flavor variations.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

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  Wholesome Stuffed Acorn Squash with Mushroom

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  Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash:…

Keyword autumn recipes, homemade side dish, vegan recipe

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Variations

Roasted acorn squash dishes have many flavorful variations. You can try these ideas below:

1. Sweet Versions
   • Swap maple syrup with melted butter and brown sugar. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
   • Top squash slices with chopped apples and toasted pecans in the last 10 minutes of roasting.
   • Drizzle with cranberry sauce instead of maple syrup for a tangy holiday feel.
2. Savory Versions
   • Garlic Parmesan Addition uses olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan before roasting.
   • Smoky Paprika Variation adds smoked paprika and cumin for a warm, earthy flavor.
   • Chili Lime Version tosses with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne.
3. Stuffed Versions
   • Quinoa Cranberry Stuff includes cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, spinach, and feta.
   • Sausage & Apple Filling includes with cooked Italian sausage, apple chunks, and herbs.
   • Wild Rice Mushroom Filling has wild rice, mushrooms, and walnuts.