Acorn squash is one of the quintessential fall vegetables, with its vibrant orange flesh and sweet, nutty flavor. It's the perfect addition to any autumn meal, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is by baking it. This recipe for Chef John's Baked Acorn Squash is simple, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your fall recipe repertoire.
One of the best things about acorn squash is that it's incredibly versatile. You can stuff it with a hearty grain and sausage mixture, or simpl...
Acorn squash is one of the quintessential fall vegetables, with its vibrant orange flesh and sweet, nutty flavor. It's the perfect addition to any autumn meal, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is by baking it. This recipe for Chef John's Baked Acorn Squash is simple, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your fall recipe repertoire.
One of the best things about acorn squash is that it's incredibly versatile. You can stuff it with a hearty grain and sausage mixture, or simply bake it with a sprinkle of brown sugar and butter. For this recipe, we're going to keep it simple and let the natural flavors of the squash shine through.
To start, you'll want to select a medium-sized acorn squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep green color. This indicates that it's ripe and ready to be enjoyed. Once you have your squash, you'll need to cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh from the center. I find that a large spoon works well for this task, but you can also use a melon baller or ice cream scoop.
Once your squash is prepped, you'll want to season it with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the natural sweetness of the squash and create a delicious crust as it bakes. Then, simply place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven.
After about 45 minutes, you'll have perfectly tender and flavorful baked acorn squash, ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or as the star of the show. The flesh will be soft and creamy, with a slight caramelization on the edges that adds a delightful depth of flavor. Whether you serve it alongside roast chicken or top it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this Chef John's Baked Acorn Squash is sure to be a hit at your next fall gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the comforting flavors of the season with this delicious recipe!