Cook fresh acorn squash in the microwave as an easy side dish or for using mashed acorn squash in another recipe.
If you like this recipe, check out my Air Fryer Acorn Squash next!
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Squash is so versatile! Air fried, roasted or microwaved it can be an elegant little appetizer or side dish. It’s delicate flavor can be seasoned with either sweet or savory ingredients. Whole cooked squash like butternut and acorn can be turned into delicious soups and casseroles. And of course pumpkin can be turned into baked goods and desserts. Keep reading for full instructions on the easiest way to cook an acorn squash with the best texture in the microwave.
More favorite recipes with squash
- Butternut Squash Bruschetta
- Roast Pumpkin Salad
- Roasted Squash Soup
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients for microwave acorn squash recipe
- Acorn Squash – Choose a smaller whole acorn squash for appetizers and a larger squash for side dish purposes. Be sure the skin is dull with dark green skin and some orange color. And no soft spots.
- Water – A little water in the bottom of the dish will help to steam to squash as it cooks in the microwave.
- Sweet Squash – You can go a lot of different ways to flavor your squash. I personally love a sweet version. My recipe uses butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. You could also use a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Savory Squash – For a savory squash, I use butter, sage, salt and pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You could use any other fresh herbs you like. Or even some fresh lemon juice.
Instructions
Wash and dry the acorn squash. Use a sharp, heavy knife to trim the top stem end from the squash. Use a large spoon or similar scoop to remove all the seeds from the center of each squash half. Place both halves of the squash, cut side down, into a microwave-safe dish. Add two tablespoons of water.
Microwave on high power for 5-8 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash. Check the squash with a sharp knife or fork to make sure it is tender. Flip the squash halves over and season as desired. A tablespoon of butter in each half is a great start for delicious buttery flavor.
Keep scrolling for full instructions and my free printable recipe card.
FAQ’s
Is acorn squash good for you?
According to this Healthline article, acorn squash is low in calories but packed with nutrients. Acorn squash is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. It promotes digestive health because it is high in fiber. And it may help in preventing heart disease by combating high levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) and lowering the risk of high blood pressure.
How to choose an acorn squash
A ripe acorn squash is heavy for its size and has smooth, dull skin, with no soft spots. A good mix between a little orange and mostly dark green skin is desired. Avoid an acorn squash that has shiny skin, which indicates it was picked before full maturity, unless the producer has applied wax.
Serving suggestions
Sweet or savory microwaved acorn squash is a delicious and quick to make appetizer or side dish. Here’s some of my delicious recipes for making it a complete meal –
Storage directions
Store any leftover squash in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 3 – 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing the microwaved squash, unless you want to use it in a soup. The texture of the tender flesh will change after being frozen.
Kitchen tools
- Use a very sharp, heavy chef knife for slicing the acorn squash in half
- Small casserole dish (microwave safe baking dish)
- Here’s a handy squash tool for helping to scoop out and remove the seeds
Acorn Squash in Microwave
Equipment
- 1 Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp butter divided
Sweet Acorn Squash
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar divided
- 1 tsp cinnamon divided
- 1/2 tsp salt divided
- 2 tbsp pecans chopped and divided
Savory Acorn Squash
- 2 cloves garlic minced and divided
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs like sage chopped and divided
- 1/2 tsp salt divided
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated and divided
Instructions
- Wash and dry the acorn squash. Slice off the stem end. Then cut in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place the halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons water to the baking dish. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes. The squash should be tender but still slightly firm.
- Remove the dish from the microwave. Carefully flip the halves using metal tongs (they will be hot).
Sweet Acorn Squash
- Place one tablespoon of butter in the hollowed-out area of each half. Sprinkle each half with one tablespoon of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter is melted. Sprinkle each half with one tablespoon of chopped pecans and serve.
Savory Acorn Squash
- Place one tablespoon of butter in the hollowed-out area of each half. Sprinkle each half with one tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, 1 clove of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter is melted. Sprinkle each half with one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Nutrition
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