Looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy the wholesome goodness of acorn squash? Look no further than this quick and easy Acorn Squash in Microwave recipe! Perfect for those busy days when time is of the essence, this recipe provides a convenient alternative to traditional oven baking.
We are excited to partner with Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. When shopping in-store or online for pickup, I find that their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.
Finding nutritious and convenient meal options for hectic days can often feel like a daunting task, which makes us super excited to share this microwave acorn squash recipe.
This microwave squash, similar to our Stuffed Pepper Casserole, offers the perfect solution for busy families seeking a veggie-packed dish without sacrificing time. With a few simple steps and less than 20 minutes, you can have this squash prepped, cooked and served.
Cooking acorn squash in the microwave also unlocks all the nutrients to make it an ideal addition for the meal rotation. Included you will find savory and sweet variations to customize this recipe to your liking.
However you decide to serve, this recipe promises a hearty dose of essential nutrients, perfect for fueling families of any size!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
- butter, brown sugar
Helpful Tip: When selecting an acorn squash, search for one that is blemish free without soft spots and roughly 2-3 pounds.
How To Cut an Acorn Squash
Cutting a squash of any variety can be intimidating at first, but with the right technique and practice, you will be a pro in no time!
Begin by running the squash under water to rinse off any dirt. Then, place on a cutting board and carefully slice off the ends.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon (save these to roast if desired!).
Helpful Tip: Always consider how the squash will be used in the recipe. Since we will be cooking acorn squash in the microwave, slicing in half is appropriate. You can also slice acorn squash into rings or cut into small or large chunks to roast in the oven like in our Roasted Acorn Squash Slices.
How To Cook Acorn Squash in Microwave
Place the squash into a microwave-safe baking dish. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan.
Place the squash into the microwave and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. A medium squash should take about 10 minutes.
Let the squash cool a little then pour the water out of the pan. Serve with butter or add a sprinkle of brown sugar.
How To Serve Acorn Squash
Acorn squash served with butter and brown sugar is a combination that is loved by many, but definitely not the only option.
If you prefer a savory seasoning, consider fresh herbs or dried spices to replace the sugar.
From rosemary and garlic powder to Italian seasoning, chili powder, cumin and salt also makes a delicious combination. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the top and you have an irresistible side dish with a hint of spice.
To keep the squash on the sweet side but take it up a notch, consider adding golden raisins, toasted pecans, cinnamon or roasted pumpkin seeds.
What To Serve with Squash
Serve savory or sweet as a side paired with a grilled, baked or air fried protein such as chicken, pork, fish or beef to create the ultimate dinner meal.
These acorn squash halves can also be stuffed with any of the following combinations after fully cooked:
- Chicken sausage, roasted cherry tomatoes and sauteed spinach
- Italian sausage crumbles with celery, onion and apple chunks
- Ground turkey with cranberries, celery, apples topped with parmesan cheese
- Toasted pecans, dried cherries, chickpeas and sauteed spinach
- Wild rice and sauteed mushrooms
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Store whole squash at room temperature: A whole, uncut squash is best stored at room temperature in a cool, dark space. It will last up to a few months in proper storage.
- Prep the squash: Wash the squash thoroughly and pat dry to remove any dirt or debris before slicing and placing in the pan.
- Use a microwave safe dish: Ensure the pan you pick is microwave safe and the correct size. It should be large enough to fit the squash halves while also fitting in your microwave. You can also opt to cook one half at a time if using a smaller microwave.
- Add water: Adding the water to the dish is an important step. The small amount of water helps to create steam and cook the squash more evenly.
- Cook with or without the peel: We find it easier to cook with the peel on, but you can also use a vegetable peel to remove.
- Use a sharp knife: When slicing any vegetable, especially squash, always use a sharp knife. Dull knives can actually be more dangerous as it can slip off the surface more easily.
- Let the squash rest: Let the cooked squash rest in the pan for a few minutes after cooking. It will make it easier to handle and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total cooking time will depend on the size of the acorn squash. Aim to cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flesh can easily be pierces with a fork.
Leftover acorn squash can be served chilled tossed with any of the ingredients or seasonings listed above. It can also be reheated and served. If using frozen squash, it is best used in creamy soups or pureed with butter and brown sugar due to a change in texture when thawed.
Yes! This may be surprising so encourage your family to taste the peel once fully cooked. It does have a tough texture compared to the tender inside so many prefer it removed or left on the plate.
Acorn squash is a winter squash variety that is characterized by its acorn-like shape with dark green and/or orange ribbed exterior. The inside of the squash is a golden yellow with a sweet yet nutty flavor profile. Similar to other squash varieties, it can be microwaved, roasted, baked, air fried or cooked in a slow cooker.
How To Store Acorn Squash
Store squash in the fridge in an airtight container or resealable bag. Acorn squash will last up to 5 days when refrigerated. Make sure you allow the cooked squash to cool before storing.
If you need to store for a longer period of time, freezing for up to 3 months is an option. Again, wait until the squash is completely cool then place in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Always ask for assistance when cutting squash! Squash varieties have a very thick skin, making it challenging to cut. You want to make sure you are using a sharp knife – dull knives can be more dangerous. Once sliced, use your hands or a spoon to remove the squash seeds. You can discard or turn them into a snack by roasting in olive oil & salt while the squash cooks. They are really tasty!
- Which method do you think cooks squash the quickest – roasting, slow cooking or microwaving? If you guessed microwaving, then you are correct! Share this fun fact with your kitchen helper before you get started.
- Cooking squash in the microwave takes about 10-15 minutes. You can poke with a fork after 10 minutes to check doneness. The fork should easily pierce the flesh of the squash. You may need to hold the squash half with an oven mitt as it will be very hot.
More Squash Recipes
- How To Roast Acorn Squash
- Butternut Squash Soup with Apple
- Butternut Squash and Sausage Pasta
- Caramelized Butternut Squash
- Baked Zucchini Squash Rounds
- Baked Summer Squash
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash
- Gluten Free Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Sauteed Butternut Squash
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Acorn Squash in Microwave
Equipment
- microwave safe dish
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
- butter, brown sugar
Instructions
- ⭐️Prep the acorn squash. Run the squash under water to rinse off any dirt. Place on a cutting board and carefully slice off the ends. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Place the squash into a microwave-safe baking dish. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan.
- ⭐️Bake. Place the squash into the microwave and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. A medium squash should take about 10 minutes.
- Serve. Let the squash cool a little then pour the water out of the pan. Serve with butter or add a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Video
Notes
- Store whole squash at room temperature: A whole, uncut squash is best stored at room temperature in a cool, dark space. It will last up to a few months in proper storage.
- Prep the squash: Wash the squash thoroughly and pat dry to remove any dirt or debris before slicing and placing in the pan.
- Use a microwave safe dish: Ensure the pan you pick is microwave safe and the correct size. It should be large enough to fit the squash halves while also fitting in your microwave. You can also opt to cook one half at a time if using a smaller microwave.
- Add water: Adding the water to the dish is an important step. The small amount of water helps to create steam and cook the squash more evenly.
- Cook with or without the peel: We find it easier to cook with the peel on, but you can also use a vegetable peel to remove.
- Use a sharp knife: When slicing any vegetable, especially squash, always use a sharp knife. Dull knives can actually be more dangerous as it can slip off the surface more easily.
- Let the squash rest: Let the cooked squash rest in the pan for a few minutes after cooking. It will make it easier to handle and serve.
Nutrition
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