Our 13 Favorite Ways to Cook Acorn Squash

updated Oct 12, 2023

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I love the delicate sweetness of butternut squash, and really appreciate the versatility of spaghetti squash, but there’s just something extra about acorn squash. The flavor is a bit nuttier and the texture is more dense and almost meaty. It also happens to be just as versatile as its more popular counterparts. Here are 13 of our favorite ways to use it.

Acorn Squash Recipes

1 / 13

Acorn Squash Egg-in-a-Hole

A quick and easy, Paleo-friendly, gluten-free breakfast recipe for baked eggs in acorn squash.

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2 / 13

Fall Panzanella with Crispy Leeks

This hearty, crisp-weather riff on traditional panzanella leans into the very best of fall produce.

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3 / 13

Microwave Acorn Squash Recipe

Here's how you can make a tasty and fuss-free acorn squash in the microwave when either you or your oven need a day off from dinner duty.

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4 / 13

Savory Konafi with Apple-Olive Salad Recipe

You can use any type of winter squash for this unique Middle Eastern dish, including red kuri, acorn, or butternut.

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5 / 13

Acorn Squash Soup

Apples and leeks highlight the savory-sweet squash flavor of this soup.

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6 / 13

Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Acorn Squash and Sage

This easy sheet pan dinner is full of fall flavors, thanks to thick wedges of acorn squash, crispy sage leaves, and a honey-mustard balsamic glaze.

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7 / 13

Roasted Acorn Squash

Sometimes simple is best — like with this classic preparation. Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, add a little olive oil and salt and pepper, and roast it until it’s tender and caramelized.

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8 / 13

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Bread, Cheese, and Bacon

Acorn squash halves become a full meal when stuffed with chunks of bread, grated cheese, bacon, and herbs. Pair it with a simple green salad and you’ve got the perfect fall dinner.

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9 / 13

Corn Husk-Baked Cushaw Squash with Morita Chile Sauce

This rich, smoky squash recipe with dried morita chiles will work just as well with acorn squash.

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10 / 13

Penne with Acorn Squash and Pancetta

The pancetta adds richness and flavor to this pasta, but for a vegetarian version you can easily leave it out and use vegetable broth instead.

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11 / 13

Stuffed Winter Squash

A unique mix of quinoa, greens, apple, sausage, and cheese combine to make a deliciously seasonal stuffing for roasted acorn squash.