See below for notes on making, storing, and reheating this crock pot acorn squash recipe.

Tips for making Acorn squash in the crock pot

  Some tips to make this recipe great include the following:   

• Use a crockpot
• Find a ripe acorn squash
• Make sure your squash will fit into your crock
• Be careful cutting your squash
• Don’t overcook your squash
• Use these tips for clean-up

  Having a crockpot. I used a small 4-quart Crockpot brand digital slow cooker*. If you don’t have a slow cooker you can find one with good ratings on Amazon*.  Ripe acorn squash is dark green. It is also firm without any soft spots or cracks, and/or blemishes. This type of squash will also be heavier in weight for its size. If you do notice a color of orange or yellow this will indicate it is ripe but needs to be used sooner than the completely green squash. When cutting your acorn squash in half use a large sturdy knife*. Hold it with your fingers and thumb tucked inside while your knuckles are hanging over. You can also wear a cutting glove* to prevent injury. Measure your crock pot before you purchase your acorn squash so the halves can fit easily in a single layer inside your crock pot.  To prevent a mushy acorn squash try not to overcook the squash. In this recipe cooking on high for 3 hours worked to get a soft squash. The times may vary depending on the slow cooker used. Check to see how well cooked it is after that time. Cook for another 30 minutes to an hour depending on the doneness of the squash. Ways to make clean-up easy include the following: greasing the pot, using parchment paper, or crock pot liners. You can also just let the pot crock ceramic pot sit in warm soapy water overnight. A pan scraper* can also make clean-up easy.  

Additions, substitutions, and variations

  Here are some additions, substitutions, and variations for this crock pot acorn squash recipe. 

 

Things you can add to this recipe 

  If you feel like you need a sweeter acorn squash you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Brown sugar is another sweetener that is used. A tablespoon or two added before cooking will work if you want to sweeten this recipe.  A sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg. A half piece of hand fruit like apples, pears, or a tablespoon of raisins can sweeten this dish without any added sugar. If you want a crockpot stuffed acorn squash you top the seasonings with fruit, nuts, onions, sausage, and/or cooked bacon.   

Substitutions for this recipe 

  Can’t find acorn squash? Use butternut squash or carnival squash instead. Fresh garlic and dill can also be substituted but these will create a more pungent flavor.  If you don’t have dill and garlic powder you can also use lemon zest and dried thyme or dried oregano and onion powder to make a savory dish. If you don’t want to use olive oil you can use a tablespoon of butter instead.  What makes these acorn squash crock pot recipes healthy is the acorn squash. So please know that all additions and changes in ingredients will alter the nutritional information.  These changes may also affect the cooking time. See how well done everything is after the 3 hours and cook more if needed. Only have an instant pot and no crock pot? An instant pot may be substituted by putting it on the “slow cook” setting. Alternatively, there could not be the same cooking results since this appliance is a different material and shape than a crock pot. So use this with caution since you could get different results.

 

Variations for this recipe 

  I did not peel my acorn squash but if you want to peel your squash, refer to the “Do you reel acorn squash?” section on how to remove the skin. Cooking times may vary depending on the actual slow cooker used. Follow the recipe and if it’s not cooked by the end of 3 hours you can heat it again for another 30 minutes until it is fork tender.  

How to store and reheat this recipe

  If you wind up having any leftovers they can be stored and reheated to be enjoyed later.  Cooked acorn squash should be cooled to room temperature. Then place it in a sealable container and put it in the fridge for 4 to 7 days.  If you know you are not going to eat your squash in the next few days you want to store it in the freezer. Place your remaining squash in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for 8 to 10 months. Reheating acorn squash can be done in the  

• Oven
• Microwave
• Air fryer
• Stovetop

  Reheat in the oven by cooking it at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the squash after 20 minutes to see if it is warm enough. The squash can be reheated in the microwave after 1 to 2 minutes. The air fryer can also be used to reheat the squash. Set it at 375°F and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Crockpot acorn squash can be warmed up in a skillet on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

Nutritional information

  Nutritional information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker*