See below for tips and notes on making, storing, and reheating this baked acorn squash slices recipe.

 

Tips to Make Great Baked Acorn Squash Slices

  Look for a quality acorn squash that is  

• Dark green
• Less than 3 pounds (but feels heavy)
• Has a firm texture 
• Has a dark, corky stem

  Cut your squash rings evenly to ensure even cooking. Check your spices for freshness. If you notice any spells, discoloration, or clumping it may be best to get some new garlic powder* and cinnamon*. Cooking will soften the peel so you can remove it once you cook it if you don’t feel like trying to peel it beforehand. The cooking time for acorn squash may vary depending on the oven and the thickness of the squash. You want to see how it looks after the 40 minutes. If it is not soft and tender you can cook it for another 5 to 10 minutes at the same temperature and see if they are done. Parchment paper* and a reusable baking mat* are great ways to save time on cleanup. If you are looking to save time on this recipe look for a prepped peeled and cut acorn squash. It will likely be in the produce section with the other pre-prepared veggies.

 

Additions/Substitutions/Variations for this Baked Acorn Squash Slices

  If you are missing any ingredients or looking for variations on the recipe learn more here.

 

Recipe Additions

  I find cinnamon alone can really sweeten up the squash but if you are looking for some more sweetness you can always add a sprinkling of brown sugar before you cook the squash.  Alternatively, you can also add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the cooked squash. The addition of a touch of nutmeg, vanilla, or citrus is another way to bring out the flavor of the cinnamon and keep the sugar level down. Adding nuts like pecans, almonds, and walnuts prior to baking is also popular. These can add not only flavor and a nice crunch, but you can also get extra protein.

 

Recipe Substitutions

  Need a substitute for the acorn squash you can use  

• Golden, white, carnival, or Sweet Reba squash 
• Delicata
• Kabucha
• Pumpkin
• Butternut squash

  Coconut and avocado oil can also be used in place of olive oil. Don’t have cinnamon? You can use one of these spices  

• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp allspice
• 1 tsp cloves and 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cardamom

  Please note that using a different squash, spice, and oil may change the flavor of the dish.

 

Variations of the Recipe

  A clove or two of fresh garlic can also be used in place of powder. Just know that this will also change the flavor of the squash. If you want to prep your squash a few days ahead this can also save you time when it comes time to cooking. Follow the recipe up to the seasoning section. Then once the squash rings are ready for baking store them in a sealable container.  Be sure to separate them with parchment paper so they do not stick together. You can place them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days or freeze them. Just know that freezing will change the texture of the squash and possibly the taste.  When you’re ready to cook the squash take it out of the fridge/freezer and let thaw if needed. Then bake as directed. I love cinnamon and tend to use it a lot in recipes. If you want to scale back the sweetness you can use just 1 teaspoon instead of the 2 I use in this recipe. If you want to increase the spicy in this recipe add in black pepper, cayenne pepper, or paprika.  If you’re looking to add an herbal and earthy flavor you can add parsley, oregano, sage, and rosemary. Whether it's dried or fresh is up to you. Get creative and make the recipe your own if you want.

 

How to Store Baked Acorn Squash Slices

  When it comes to how long cooked squash last in the fridge It depends on whether it is stored in the refrigerator or freezer.  In the fridge, cooked acorn squash will last for 3 to five days. If you know you’re not gonna eat this in time you may be wondering “Can you freeze cooked squash?” The answer is yes, you can. Acorn squash will be kept in the freezer for 2 to 12 months.  Here’s what to do with any leftovers:  

• Let the acorn squash slices cool to room temperature
• Decide if you are going to freeze or refrigerate your squash
• Put the slices in a sealable airtight container (if freezing use a freezer-safe container)

  If you’re doing short-term storage place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to eat them at a date later than that put them in the freezer  How to freeze squash is pretty simple. Just be sure to wrap up your leftovers well in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Just know that freezing squash will change the texture. Once thawed the squash becomes softer than if it were stored in the fridge.

 

How to Reheat Baked Acon Squash Slices

  Once you’re ready to eat your squash leftovers you can reheat them using one of the following methods:  

• Air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes (flipping over halfway through)
• Grill at medium to high heat for a few minutes on each side
• Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on high
• Oven/Toaster oven at 350°F on a baking sheet* for about 10 to 15 minutes 
• Stovetop in a skillet on medium heat with a dash of olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side

  Feel free to a dap of olive oil to prevent them from drying out. Cooking times may vary depending on the squash size pieces and equipment used. Be sure to cook until heated through and steaming. 

 

Nutritional Information

  What makes these roasted acorn squash slices healthy is the acorn squash and other ingredients. So just be aware that any changes will alter the nutritional information.   *Nutritional information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker*