Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe with Walnuts and Cranberries (2024)

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Easy roasted acorn squash recipe topped with an utterly delicious mixture of butter, walnuts and cranberries. Jump to theRoasted Acorn Squash with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipeor read on to see our tips for making it.

We love this roasted acorn squash recipe. It’s easy. Simply cut the squash into wedges the brushwith olive oil and season with brown sugar, salt and pepper.

Bake for about 1 hour then serve the roasted squash with a mixture of melted butter, walnuts and cranberries spooned on top.

For more easy winter squash recipes, check out our Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash, our Parmesan Lemon Baked Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and ourHomemade Pumpkin Puree Recipe.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, review it, and don’t forget to tag a photo#inspiredtasteon Instagram. Happy cooking!

Recipe updated, originally posted November2010. Since posting this in 2010, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear. – Adam and Joanne

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Leave a review

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe with Walnuts and Cranberries

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PREP 15mins
COOK 1hr
TOTAL 1hr 15mins

Roast acorn squash in the oven and top with butter, crunchy walnuts and sweet cranberries. It’s stunning on the table and everyone’s loved it.

Makes 8 servings

You Will Need

2 medium acorn squash

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

3 tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup or honey

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

1Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2Cut squash in half and use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds from the middle. Carefully cut each half into 2 wedges.

3Place the wedges into a large baking dish then brush all sides with the olive oil. Scatter the brown sugar evenly on top then season with salt and pepper. Bake until soft and caramelized around the edges, about 1 hour.

4When the squash has roasted, add the butter, walnuts and cranberries to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the butter begins to bubble around the nuts then spoon over the squash.

Adam and Joanne's Tips

Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA Supertracker recipe calculator to calculate approximate values.

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #inspiredtaste — We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste

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42 comments… Leave a Review

KarenOctober 25, 2023, 7:02 pm
Wow, this was delicious! What a great flavor combination. Thank you for the recipe!
Reply
DeeNovember 27, 2022, 7:40 am
Delicious,healthy and so easy! Made w pecans for Thanksgiving, and roasted squashes in halves (took 30 min). We didn’t eat the skin – just scooped out the tasty and pretty insides. Added maple syrup to the butter mixture rather than when roasting. Will definitely make again!
Reply
EmyOctober 4, 2019, 12:49 pm
I loved this recipe! I got an acorn squash in my farm box and didn’t know where to start. I added a little syrup to the butter/nut topping to sweeten it up a bit more, and roasted the seeds, too!
Reply
EllenJuly 12, 2018, 1:39 pm
Silly question…..do I place the squash with the cut side facing up or down. Thank you as this sound delicious!
Reply
- JoanneJuly 27, 2018, 1:28 pm
  Both will work, but in our photos, we have cut-side facing up.
  Reply
RheaJuly 1, 2018, 1:58 pm
Greetings! I purchased acorn squash in November for Thanksgiving but, they didn’t reach the dinner table. Christmas was upon us, I made Acorn Squash Bread, and saved the seeds. In April I put the seeds in the yard for the birds. In return I got several squash plants. In June the plants began produce. This Roasted Acorn Squash w/walnuts and cranberries made it to dinner table four times in four weeks.
Reply
VeroFebruary 23, 2018, 4:44 am
Delicious and so easy. We all loved it. Five Big Stars.
Reply
Alicia OliverNovember 23, 2017, 6:35 am
I have all ingredients, except Walnuts! Would you make it with only cranberries, or roast with butter and the brown sugar only?
Reply
- JoanneNovember 23, 2017, 12:03 pm
  The squash will be great with the cranberries, butter and brown sugar.
  Reply
LynnNovember 22, 2017, 5:33 pm
Hello. This looks perfect for my vegetarian Thanksgiving. Dumb question… & I pray you can answer quickly, because it is Thanksgiving Eve!… is the “shell” of the squash edible?? I’ve always assumed it’s not! The photo appears to include the rind. Please reply! Thank you.
Reply
- AdamNovember 22, 2017, 10:36 pm
  Hi Lynn, the skin is definitely edible but depending on who is eating it they may prefer to leave the rind on the plate.
  Reply
RebekahNovember 21, 2017, 12:22 am
Is there anyway to make ahead?
Reply
- JoanneNovember 22, 2017, 4:16 pm
  Hi Rebekah, Yes, this can be made ahead of time then reheated before serving. You might want to roast the squash ahead of time then make the butter-walnut mixture just before serving.
  Reply
PatNovember 18, 2017, 11:22 am
Any suggestions on a substitute for the butter on the topping for allergy/intollerence for milk?
Reply
- JoanneNovember 20, 2017, 6:53 pm
  Coconut oil, walnut oil or an olive oil would be nice.
  Reply
- Terry PeikonJanuary 7, 2018, 4:19 pm
  Earth Balance vegan ‘butter’, for the butter flavor, might work also.
  Reply
JanetNovember 13, 2017, 9:08 pm
I baked the squash in my convection oven and the halves were tender in 35 mins. Added a little fresh parmesan on top which gave a nice salted contrast to the sweetness. Great recipe.
Reply
Mary O.November 12, 2017, 8:55 am
It’s hard to find vegetarian dishes for one. This recipe was perfect for me and I got two meals out of it! It was more delicious than I had expected it to be. Thank you so much!
Reply
KateOctober 9, 2015, 7:10 pm
Just made this for dinner! Eating is as I’m typing! SOOO good.
Reply
kirstinNovember 11, 2012, 8:41 pm
I’ll have to double or triple this recipe for thanksgiving. what would that do to the cooking time?
Reply
- AdamNovember 12, 2012, 8:38 pm
  Hi there! As long as you keep the squash in one layer, the cooking time should be about the same. If you are using two baking sheets/two oven racks, you might want to rotate halfway through cooking to make sure they cook evenly.
  Reply
  - kirstinNovember 14, 2012, 1:55 pm
    Thanks!
    Reply

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Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe with Walnuts and Cranberries (2024)

FAQs

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking? ›

Good news: you don't need to peel acorn squash. Its hard, grooved skin softens significantly as it cooks, and it's edible, too. If you do want to remove the skin, wait until after you cook it, at which point it will peel right off.

Find Out More ›

How do you know when acorn squash is cooked? ›

You'll know when the squash is done when you can easily insert a fork in the flesh. You want it tender, yet not mushy. If the squash is already cut in half, you can easily test if it is done by sticking a fork in the flesh of the squash. If it's fork-tender, it's done cooking and ready to eat.

Get More Info ›

How long does roasted acorn squash last in the fridge? ›

Storage Tips

Store leftover roasted acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. To Reheat. Rewarm roasted acorn squash on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.

Learn More Now ›

How long to cook acorn squash in the oven at 350? ›

1. Place squash halves, cut sides down, in a baking dish. 2. Bake in a 350°F oven 45 to 50 minutes or until tender.

Learn More ›

How do you make acorn squash easier to peel? ›

how to peel an acorn squash

Soften acorn squash by using one of the above methods: boil, steam, or microwave.
After softening the squash, add to cold water and chill for 5 minutes until able to handle.
The safest way to peel an acorn squash is to use a vegetable peeler.

More items...

Oct 14, 2022

View Details ›

Why is my acorn squash bland? ›

If you pick too early, the flesh will not be fully developed and the squash will lack flavor and not be that wonderfully vegetal sweet that is the wonder of butternut, honeynut, delicata, acorn, pumpkin and kabocha, among dozens of other winter squash.

Explore More ›

How do you know when roasted squash is done? ›

Butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes, should be perfectly roasted after about 25 to 35 minutes in an oven heated to 400 degrees F. When it's done, the squash should be lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.

Tell Me More ›

Is the skin of roasted acorn squash edible? ›

Acorn Squash: Whether cut into slices or stuffed and baked whole, acorn squash skin is totally tasty. When roasted, the skin becomes soft enough to eat by the forkful, For those who prefer it skin-free, the meat separates from the peel easily after cooking.

Is overripe acorn squash safe to eat? ›

A squash that has turned orange is over-ripe, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has gone bad. If it's no longer firm to touch, don't use it. If you're unsure, cut the squash open to take a look at the flesh and seeds. Warning signs to look for are dull flesh and seeds that are slimy and gray.

Learn More ›

How do you know if an acorn squash has gone bad? ›

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch, is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

Learn More ›

Is acorn squash good for you? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

Show Me More ›

What does a bad acorn squash look like? ›

Dull-looking skin that has turned from dark green to pale green or mostly orange can be a sign of spoilage. Other signs that acorn squash is past its prime include soft or mushy spots, slimy flesh and seeds, unpleasant odors, and the presence of mold.

Can you cook acorn squash with the skin on? ›

Also, you can eat the skin–with roasted or baked acorn squash, the skin turns tender and is easily pierced just a fork. Acorn squash, simply prepared, makes a wonderful side dish. You can also season the squash with any herbs, spices or oils you wish and serve it in salads, grain bowls and soups.

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Is the skin of acorn squash good for you? ›

By consuming fruit and vegetable skins as on the acorn squash for example, you increase your fiber intake. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble. Fiber from the outer skin and peels of fruits and veggies is predominantly insoluble fiber. The skins are carbohydrates that are not readily digested.

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Can you eat acorn squash skin raw? ›

Technically, all winter squash skin is edible. "It's just a question of texture. There's no danger in consuming the skin—some just taste better than others," says Romano.

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How do you remove the skin from acorn squash? ›

Use a knife or a serrated peeler to slice off the softened skin. It is best to start with the raised ridges and then move to the valleys of the squash. Once completely peeled, you can then cut off the stem, slice in half, and gut the acorn squash as needed for your recipe.

Explore More ›

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe with Walnuts and Cranberries (2024)

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe with Walnuts and Cranberries

You Will Need

Directions

Adam and Joanne's Tips

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Easy Margherita Flatbread Pizza

White Wine and Peach Sangria

Spicy Garlic Ginger Edamame

Our Favorite Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Our Best Cucumber Salad

Chili Lime Baked Shrimp Cups

Leave a Reply

FAQs

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking? ›

Is acorn squash good for you? ›