Want to know how to roast acorn squash? Acorn squash is a comfort dish that always hits the spot, while remaining a healthy option! I love that you can make it savory or sweet, too!
If you prefer the combination of earthy, flavorful squash with added sweetness, follow the recipe as is.
But, if you prefer a savory option, use olive oil instead of butter, omit the brown sugar and maple syrup, and add pepper!
HOW TO COOK ACORN SQUASH
Squash recipes are the easiest to prepare!
I love making this roasted acorn squash recipe, as well as creamy butternut squash sauceand spaghetti squash!
Not only is squash nutritious and affordable, squash recipes are a good way to satisfy a carb craving without the sluggishness you can sometimes feel after eating the real deal. Win!
Plus, this is an easy roasted acorn squash. It’s a simple way to prepare the squash halves, but so delicious and great for any time of year.
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THIS ROASTED ACORN SQUASH RECIPE:

Ingredients Needed For Roasted Acorn Squash
- 2 whole acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ** see notes
- 2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- Salt to taste
How To Make Roasted Acorn Squash

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2
Cut squash in half on a cutting board and clean out seeds with a large spoon. Make sure you use a sharp knife or the acorn squashes will be a little tough to cut through.
Step 3
Place on baking sheet or a roasting pan flesh side up in a single layer.
Step 4
Sprinkle with salt.

Step 5
Add about ½ tablespoon butter to each half in the center of the squash. You can use melted butter too. Just make sure the butter is thick slices.

Step 6
Add ½ tablespoon brown sugar to each half on top of the butter. I’m sure you could use another sugar like coconut sugar if you wanted.

Step 7
Drizzle with maple syrup.
Step 8
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden and tender.

Step 9
Serve immediately.
Notes
Savory – if you prefer your squash more savory than sweet, use olive oil instead of butter, and omit the brown sugar and maple syrup. Add pepper to taste.
Or if you love the buttery flavor you can always add garlic powder instead.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN ROASTED ACORN SQUASH
You might think that this roasted acorn dish is naturally a vegan recipe, since it is made from a vegetable, but that’s not exactly the case.
Yes, the squash is veggie, but the butter needs to be replaced with a vegan butter, and the maple syrup label needs to be examined closely.
Natural maple syrup is in itself vegan, but if dairy is mixed in as an ingredient, it will not be considered vegan.
Ingredients
-
2 whole acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
-
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar ** see notes
-
2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
-
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut squash in half on a cutting board and clean out seeds with a large spoon. Make sure you use a sharp knife or the acorn squashes will be a little tough to cut through.
- Place on baking sheet or a roasting pan flesh side up in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Add about ½ tablespoon butter to each half in the center of the squash. You can use melted butter too. Just make sure the butter is thick slices.
- Add ½ tablespoon brown sugar to each half on top of the butter. I’m sure you could use another sugar like coconut sugar if you wanted.
- Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden and tender.
- Serve immediately.
HEALTHY RECIPES THAT KIDS WILL LOVE!

It can be hard to get the entire family on board with healthy eating. The struggle is DEFINITELY real! Here are some of our favorite healthy recipes that are kid-friendly (and adult-friendly, ha!):
Do you prefer acorn squash or spaghetti squash?
This Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe:

Ingredients Needed For Roasted Acorn Squash
- 2 whole acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ** see notes
- 2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- Salt to taste
How To Make Roasted Acorn Squash

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2
Cut squash in half on a cutting board and clean out seeds with a large spoon. Make sure you use a sharp knife or the acorn squashes will be a little tough to cut through.
Step 3
Place on baking sheet or a roasting pan flesh side up in a single layer.
Step 4
Sprinkle with salt.

Step 5
Add about ½ tablespoon butter to each half in the center of the squash. You can use melted butter too. Just make sure the butter is thick slices.

Step 6
Add ½ tablespoon brown sugar to each half on top of the butter. I’m sure you could use another sugar like coconut sugar if you wanted.

Step 7
Drizzle with maple syrup.
Step 8
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden and tender.

Step 9
Serve immediately.
Notes
Savory – if you prefer your squash more savory than sweet, use olive oil instead of butter, and omit the brown sugar and maple syrup. Add pepper to taste.
Or if you love the buttery flavor you can always add garlic powder instead.

How To Make Vegan Roasted Acorn Squash
You might think that this roasted acorn dish is naturally a vegan recipe, since it is made from a vegetable, but that’s not exactly the case.
Yes, the squash is veggie, but the butter needs to be replaced with a vegan butter, and the maple syrup label needs to be examined closely.
Natural maple syrup is in itself vegan, but if dairy is mixed in as an ingredient, it will not be considered vegan.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 50 seconds
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes 50 seconds
Ingredients
-
2 whole acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
-
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar ** see notes
-
2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
-
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut squash in half and clean out seeds with a large spoon.
- Place on baking sheet flesh side up.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Add about ½ tablespoon butter to each half in the center of the squash.
- Add ½ tablespoon brown sugar to each half on top of the butter.
- Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden and tender.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
If you prefer your squash more savory than sweet, use olive oil instead of butter, and omit the brown sugar and maple syrup. Add pepper to taste.

Healthy Recipes That Kids Will Love!
It can be hard to get the entire family on board with healthy eating. The struggle is DEFINITELY real! Here are some of our favorite healthy recipes that are kid-friendly (and adult-friendly, ha!):
Do you prefer acorn squash or spaghetti squash?