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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Oven Roasted Acorn Squash

    Published: Oct 24, 2022 · Modified: Sep 14, 2023 by Ang Paris · 6 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    My oven roasted acorn squash has the flavors of maple, cinnamon and nutmeg. It's deliciously cozy.
    Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections
    Maple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans - this yummy recipe will show you how to roast acorn squash for an easy, but impressive Oven Roasted Acorn Squash side dish! via @jugglingactmamaMaple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans - this yummy recipe will show you how to roast acorn squash for an easy, but impressive Oven Roasted Acorn Squash side dish! via @jugglingactmamaMaple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans - this yummy recipe will show you how to roast acorn squash for an easy, but impressive Oven Roasted Acorn Squash side dish! via @jugglingactmamaMaple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans - this yummy recipe will show you how to roast acorn squash for an easy, but impressive Oven Roasted Acorn Squash side dish! via @jugglingactmamaMaple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecans - this yummy recipe will show you how to roast acorn squash for an easy, but impressive Oven Roasted Acorn Squash side dish! via @jugglingactmama

    Learn how to make oven roasted acorn squash with maple syrup and pecans for the perfect side dish. If you loved my Butternut Squash Casserole, you have to give this a try!

    Close up of Oven Roasted Acorn Squash with pecans and maple syrup on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Maple roasted acorn squash is one of the easiest ways to make a simple side dish.
    Jump to:
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Equipment
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • ⏲️ Storage
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • Oven Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
    • Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
    • 💬 Comments

    Squash of all shapes and sizes are a delicious and affordable fall dinner option, but oven roasted acorn squash might be my favorite. It's so simple to make, so comforting and warm, and just downright delicious when done right.

    The maple syrup compliments the natural sweetness of the squash, while the pecans add a little texture. It truly has the best flavor. And, Fall is the best time to make this sweet squash recipe because that's when acorn squash is in season.

    Not only is this oven roasted squash great for weeknight dinners, it would also be so good for Thanksgiving. It looks impressive, smells divine, and no one but you will know how easy it was to make. Plus, it doesn't take a lot of time to prepare!

    Let me show you how to make this great side dish. Actually, you could even eat this easy recipe as a main dish.

    Close up of chopped pecans on a cutting board with a wooden bowl of pecans in the background.

    🧂 Ingredients

    • Acorn squash
    • Olive oil
    • Butter
    • Dark brown sugar
    • Pure maple syrup
    • Pecans
    • Ground nutmeg
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Salt

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    🔪Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
    2. Line a rimmed sheet pan with tinfoil or parchment paper.
    3. Using a sharp knife, cut the acorn squash in half and place the acorn squash cut sides up on a baking sheet.
    4. Lightly drizzle the squash halves with olive oil - or use a pastry brush to avoid adding too much olive oil. Only the least little bit is needed.
    5. Bake the squash until it is golden and tender, about 1 hour.
    6. In a mixing bowl combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and chopped pecans with cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
    7. Remove the squash from the oven.
    8. Spoon the mixture evenly between the six halves.
    9. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the pecan mixture is caramelized.

    Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Here is what you will need to make this easy recipe:

    • Cutting Board
    • Santoku Knife
    • Rimmed Baking Sheet
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Dry Measuring Cups

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier!  Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤ ❤ ❤

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this Oven Roasted Acorn Squash recipe.

    Is acorn squash healthy?

    Absolutely! In fact, acorn squash is better than several other varieties when it comes to nutritional value. Acorn squash is a wonderful way to add fiber to your diet, and has tons of vitamins, too.

    Are pecans healthy?

    Pecans are full of antioxidants and are said to be a heart-healthy food. They also add protein to this tasty side dish.

    Is it OK to eat the skin of acorn squash?

    Yes, you can eat the squash skin! It is especially tasty when roasted as it becomes tender.

    How do you find the perfect acorn squash?

    Look over the whole squash. Choose one that doesn't have any cracks or soft spots. It should be a dark color and the rind should be dry and smooth. The squash should also feel heavy for it's size.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    Serve your acorn squashes with Brown Sugar Butter (or add a little cinnamon to that to make cinnamon butter - just add 8oz of room temperature butter and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl).

    You'll love this as a side for our apple pork slow cooker meal.

    My favorite way to enjoy acorn squash is actually with pasta. I cut up the roasted squash and toss it with penne or rigatoni with a little extra drizzle of olive oil. However, this squash is equally delicious with my Best Juicy Turkey Recipe or Roasted Chicken.

    You could even use this squash recipe for one pan-meals. Place each side of the squash on a rimmed baking pan and use our Best Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe to make an easy weeknight dinner. The nutty flavor of the squash and the sweetness from the maple syrup is delicious with pork.

    📖 Variations

    While I always recommend that you make our recipe just as it is written the first time, here are a couple of different ways you can make this recipe. (Please note, we have not tested these variations).

    • Substitute walnuts for the pecans if that's what you have on hand.
    • To really wow guests, sprinkle the top of the acorn squash with crispy crumbled bacon as a garnish.
    • Use honey instead of maple syrup.
    • For smaller portions, cut it so that you have squash slices instead of halves.

    If you want to get really crazy and make a more savory side dish you can omit the maple syrup. Roast the halved squashes with just olive oil and a little parmesan cheese and/or pumpkin seeds. Of course, then it's pretty much a whole other dish at that point!

    Close up of Oven Roasted Acorn Squash with pecans and maple syrup on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Baked acorn squash with melted butter and crunchy pecans is a simple recipe but so flavorful!

    ⏲️ Storage

    Roasted acorn squash can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4 days.

    However, whole uncooked acorn squash can be kept in a cool, dark space (similar to potatoes) for 1-2 months. Just make sure wherever you're storing it is dry.

    😋 Similar Recipes

    Next time, try one of these tasty side dish recipes, which would also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table:

    • Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
    • Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe
    • Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe
    • Make Ahead Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
    • Cinnamon Butternut Squash
    • Square, close up image of mashed potatoes in a wood bowl.
    • Close up of Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows and pecans.
    • Close up of butternut squash on a baking pan.
    • Collage image of Best Side Dishes for Chicken Casseroles with text overlay.
    See more Side Dishes →
    Garlic Green Bean Recipe
    You will love how easy these skillet green beans are to make using our incredibly flavorful Cowboy Butter with garlic and lemon. It is the best garlic green bean recipe ever!

    Get the Recipe >>>

    Oven Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

    Not ready to make this for dinner tonight? Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Maple Roasted Acorn Squash

    My oven roasted acorn squash has the flavors of maple, cinnamon and nutmeg. It's deliciously cozy.
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    4 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: maple roasted acorn squash, oven roasted acorn squash
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 364kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Cutting Board
    • Heavy-Duty Knife
    • Baking Sheet
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Dry Measuring Cups

    Ingredients

    • 3 acorn squash sliced in ½, seeds removed
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 6 tablespoons butter
    • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • ¾ cup pecans chopped
    • 1-½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
    • 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • salt and black pepper to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
    • Line a rimmed sheet pan with tinfoil or parchment paper.
    • Using a sharp knife, cut the acorn squash in half and place the acorn squash cut sides up on a baking sheet.
    • Lightly drizzle the squash halves with olive oil - or use a pastry brush to avoid adding too much olive oil. Only the least little bit is needed.
    • Bake the squash until it is golden and tender, about 1 hour.
    • In a mixing bowl combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and chopped pecans with cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
    • Remove the squash from the oven.
    • Spoon the mixture evenly between the six halves.
    • Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the pecan mixture is caramelized.

    Notes

     
    🍴 Serving Suggestions
    Serve your acorn squashes with Brown Sugar Butter (or add a little cinnamon to that to make a cinnamon butter - just add 8oz of room temperature butter and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl).
    My favorite way to enjoy acorn squash is actually with pasta. I cut up the roasted squash and toss it with penne or rigatoni with a little extra drizzle of olive oil. However, this squash is equally delicious with Roasted Turkey or Roasted Chicken.
    You could even use this squash recipe for one pan-meals. Place each side of the squash on a rimmed baking pan and use our Best Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe to make an easy weeknight dinner. The nutty flavor of the squash and the sweetness from the maple syrup is delicious with pork.
    📖 Variations
    While I always recommend that you make our recipe just as it is written the first time, here are a couple of different ways you can make this recipe. (Please note, we have not tested these variations).
    • Substitute walnuts for the pecans if that's what you have on hand.
    • To really wow guests, sprinkle the top of the acorn squash with crispy crumbled bacon as a garnish.
    • Use honey instead of maple syrup.
    • For smaller portions, cut it so that you have squash slices instead of halves.
    If you want to get really crazy and make a more savory side dish you can omit the maple syrup. Roast the halved squashes with just olive oil and a little parmesan cheese and/or pumpkin seeds. Of course, then it's pretty much a whole other dish at that point!

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 834mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1148IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 2mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ed Henning says

      November 24, 2021 at 9:30 am

      A big hit in my house 🙌🏻

      Reply
    2. Carol says

      November 25, 2021 at 7:03 am

      It was absolutely delicious. Gave the recipe to my friend.

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        November 29, 2021 at 6:41 am

        I am so glad that you enjoyed this squash recipe, Carol!
        Thanks so much for visiting 🙂

        Reply
    3. Sue says

      November 22, 2022 at 11:01 pm

      Is the temp of 450 correct? It’s not 350°F?

      Sue

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        November 24, 2022 at 5:21 am

        The temperature should be 400. I've updated the post. Happy Thanksgiving!

        Reply
    4. Cher says

      December 12, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! My whole family really loved this squash. So yummy! I didn't have pecans so I used walnuts.

      Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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