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Home » Recipes » Side Dish

Microwave Acorn Squash

Published: Nov 26, 2021 by Kate

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Cooked acorn squash with text: Easy Microwave Acorn Squash.
Pictures of squash with text: Microwaved Acorn Squash.
Close up of a brown sugar squash with text: Microwave Acorn Squash.

Make this tender and delicious Microwave Acorn Squash in just 10 minutes! Learn how to cook your seasonal acorn squash in the microwave so you have a quick, tasty, and simple side dish. Make it sweet with brown sugar, or keep it savory, for a hearty squash side dish that’s great in a pinch!

Close up of a cooked squash.

I absolutely love the flavor and texture of acorn squash. Sweet, slightly nutty and full of fall flavor.

The problem is that they can be intimidating because they look hard to cut open and eat. This makes people shy away from them in favor of easier options like spaghetti squash or regular yellow summer squash.

Luckily, there is a very simple way to cook a whole acorn squash that takes under 10 minutes to make by using your microwave!

Simply cut the acorn squash in half carefully with a sharp knife and microwave face down until it begins to get tender.

Flip it over, then if you'd like, add sweet warming flavors like brown sugar, cinnamon and syrup before cooking it the rest of the way.

Enjoy this healthy squash as a lightly sweet side dish that pairs well with any protein or is great in soups and stews!

Learning how to microwave acorn squash will make your life easier when it comes time for dinner prep!

You could also make Microwave Baked Potatoes and you'll have dinner ready in no time! Perfect with some honey & garlic Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs.

Jump to:
  • Why Make This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Microwave
  • Cook's Tips
  • Seasoning Ideas
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage & Freezing
  • FAQs
  • More side dish recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why Make This Recipe

It’s an easy way to cook an otherwise time-consuming squash.

You can flavor it with sweet flavors or savory to match what you’re serving.

The entire squash cooks in just 10 minutes or less.

Using the microwave to cook acorn squash requires little prep time or knife skills.

If you cook acorn squash in the microwave, you save time preheating the oven.

It's also great during Thanksgiving or Christmas so you don't take up space in the oven!

An acorn squash on a wooden table.
Acorn Squash

Ingredients

You can make simple microwave acorn squash with just 1 ingredient - the squash! I've added optional brown sugar toppings for a sweet and tasty side dish.

  • Acorn Squash - These winter squash are mildly sweet with orange-yellow flesh on the inside. The outside is dark green and the entire squash is shaped like an acorn.
  • OPTIONAL:

    • Butter - Used to help tenderize the inside and give the squash a buttery flavor.
    • Brown Sugar - Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness to complement the flavor of the squash.
    • Maple Syrup - Gives the acorn squash a maple flavor with a natural sweetener.
    • Cinnamon - Adds a touch of warm comforting flavor.
    • Salt - Helps to balance and cut through the sweet flavor notes in this side dish

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.

    How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Microwave

    Wondering how to make this recipe? It's easy!

    Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Cutting an acorn squash.

    Prepare the acorn squash: Thoroughly wash the outside of the acorn squash to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Rinse the squash once again.

    Halves of acorn squash in the mircrowave.

    Microwave the brown sugar acorn squash: Place each half on a microwave-safe plate cut side down. Add two tablespoons of water to the dish and microwave for 5 minutes as the acorn squash becomes tender,

    Part-cooked acorn squash halves with brown sugar and butter in the holes.

    Season and finish: Using tongs turn the acorn squash halves cut side up. Fill the hole inside with butter, sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for an additional 3 minutes or until the entire squash is tender and cooked through.

    Cook's Tips

    Make sure to fully wash the acorn squash both before cutting and after the seeds are removed. This will help cut down on any bitter impurities or pesticides that may have been used to grow the squash.

    It is crucial to have some water on the plate before microwaving. This will help the squash steam from the inside so it cooks quickly and evenly.

    Use tongs to turn over the acorn squash before seasoning as the acorn squash will be very hot.

    When microwaving with the seasonings, you want to make sure the seasonings are hot, but not bubbling.

    Different sizes of acorn squash will require more or less cooking time. After the second microwave, heat in one-minute increments until cooked through if needed.

    Seasoning Ideas

    Mildly sweet acorn squash pairs well with warming sweet flavors like cinnamon and maple syrup, but you can also flavor it in different ways. Try these seasoning ideas!

    • Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
    • Sprinkle with freshly cut herbs.
    • Add pumpkin pie spice. 
    • Top with dry seasoning blends like Italian, Greek, or Cajun. 
    • Use a simple garlic, salt, and pepper blend.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve with Shake and Bake Pork Chops along with Buttered Cabbage and Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.

    Blend up the squash and use it in a warming Harvest Squash Soup. 

    Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top and enjoy as a dessert. 

    Enjoy alongside a hearty protein such as Honey Chicken Thighs, Glazed Pork Tenderloin, or Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken. 

    Serve it over a bed of brown rice, Texas Seasoned Rice or your favorite grain for a sweet and savory flavor combination. 

    Add a scoop of chili inside for a built-in vegetable bowl.

    Storage & Freezing

    Storing: Cooked and cooled acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

    Freezing: Any unused portion of cooked acorn squash can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove the flesh from the skin and add it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

    Acorn squash halves filled with brown sugar and butter.

    FAQs

    Is the skin edible on acorn squash?

    Yes! The skin is very thin and is completely edible once the squash is cooked through. It is also a great source of fiber.

    What does acorn squash taste like?

    This winter squash has a lightly sweet and buttery flavor. It can be described as a more mild version of pumpkin or butternut squash.

    Is acorn squash or sweet potato healthier?

    While both contain a variety of nutrients and antioxidants, acorn squash tends to be half the calories than sweet potatoes. Both are healthy, one is just more calorie-dense.

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    📖 Recipe

    A serving dish of microwaved acorn squash.

    Microwave Acorn Squash

    Microwave Acorn Squash in minutes for a quick, tasty, and simple side dish. Add butter and brown sugar for a sweet flavor, or keep it savory.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: microwave acorn squash
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 70kcal
    Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
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    Equipment

    • Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Microwave

    Ingredients

    • ​​1 acorn squash

    Optional:

    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Pinch of salt

    Instructions

    • Wash the acorn squash well, then cut it in half, remove the seeds and rinse the acorn shells again.
    • Place each acorn half onto a microwave-safe plate or bowl, cut side down, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Heat on high for 5 minutes or until just fork tender.
    • Turn the squashes over and, if using, fill each hole with half the butter, sugar, syrup, cinnamon and salt.
    • Heat on high for 3 minutes or until hot, cooked and bubbling. If necessary, cook longer until the squash is tender.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

    Notes

    • Make sure to fully wash the acorn squash both before cutting and after the seeds are removed. This will help cut down on any bitter impurities or pesticides that may have been used to grow the squash.
    • It is crucial to have some water on the plate before microwaving. This will help the squash steam from the inside so it cooks quickly and evenly.
    • Use tongs to turn over the acorn squash before seasoning as the acorn squash will be very hot.
    • When microwaving with the seasonings, you want to make sure the seasonings are hot, but not bubbling.
    • Different sizes of acorn squash will require more or less cooking time. After the second microwave, heat in one-minute increments until cooked through if needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      March 03, 2022 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a hit! Thank you for this awesome recipe.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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