Microwave Acorn Squash is much faster than other methods and just as delicious. Learn how to cook acorn squash in the microwave in just a few minutes. It’s so quick to make, plus clean-up is a breeze!
When the weather gets cold and the leaves start to fall, it’s time for some festive autumn meals to set the mood. This time of year, butternut and pumpkins are popular, but the underrated acorn squash should be getting your attention.
Compared to butternut, acorn squashes have a milder and sweeter taste, with a similar buttery texture. Due to its mild taste, it can take on the flavor of whatever you decide to put on it. They’re much smaller than other types of squash and can easily be prepared in the microwave in just a few minutes.
The Easiest Way to Cut an Acorn Squash: Microwave it Before Cutting
These squashes can be thick and dense, making it challenging to cut with a knife. By microwaving for about a minute, the squash becomes much softer and easier to slice open. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the skin before microwaving.
Can You Cook Acorn Squash with the Skin On?
Cooking with the skin on is the easiest and most common way to cook squash. The squash is cut in half, allowing you to add flavorings and seasonings to the flesh inside. Your acorn squash can also be served in the skin, with a spoon being used to scoop.
What is the Easiest Way to Cut an Acorn Squash?
After microwaving the squash for about a minute, it becomes much softer and easier to cut. The most practical way is to cut it in half lengthwise. You can then scoop out the seeds and season your squash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Acorn Squash
- Water
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Salt (optional)
How to Microwave Acorn Squash
1. Clean the acorn squash and place it in the microwave. Microwave for 1 minute so that it’s easier to cut. Stabilize the squash on a cutting board, and cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise.
2. Scrape out the seeds and stringy bits inside using a metal spoon.
3. Place the squash cut-side down onto a microwave-safe dish. Add water. Microwave for about 5 minutes on full power until the squash is tender.
4. Using oven mitts to prevent burns, carefully remove the squash from the microwave. Turn the cut side up in the same dish.
5. Add brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and salt into the hollow.
6. Microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is fully melted and bubbly. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Microwave Baked Acorn Squash
- Buy High Quality Acorn Squash: For the best finished product, start with the best ingredients. Look for acorn squash that feel dense and heavy with a smooth skin. Avoid those with soft spots or bruising. The skin should have a dull appearance and should be green with some orange coloring. If the skin is waxy, this can indicate that it was picked too soon before maturity.
- Microwave for 1 minute before cutting: Acorn squash can be difficult to slice. To make it much easier, try microwaving for one minute to soften the flesh of the squash.
- Use Oven Mitts: It can be scalding hot coming out of the microwave, so use oven mitts to prevent yourself from getting burned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Cook an Acorn Squash in a Microwave?
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash and the power of the microwave. A good rule of thumb is to cook for five minutes, then check the squash. If it needs more time, put it back in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it’s perfectly cooked.
How to Shop for Acorn Squash?
Look for acorn squash that feel dense and heavy with a smooth skin. Avoid those with soft spots or bruising. The skin should have a dull appearance and should be green with some orange coloring. If the skin is waxy, this can indicate that it was picked too soon before maturity.
How to Serve Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash can be eaten on its own for a light meal or snack. It also makes an excellent side dish for your favorite meals including roasted chicken or even your Thanksgiving turkey.
More Microwave Recipes
Microwave Acorn Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Cut the acorn squash
- Clean the acorn squash and place it in the microwave. Microwave for 1 minute so that it’s easier to cut.
- Stabilize the squash on a cutting board, and cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise.
- Scrape out the seeds and stringy bits inside using a metal spoon.
Microwave the acorn squash
- Place the squash cut-side down onto a microwave-safe dish. Add water.
- Microwave for about 5 minutes on full power until the squash is tender. (Note: times may vary by microwave strength, so add extra time for tabletop microwaves, and reduce time for powerful microwaves.)
- Using oven mitts to prevent burns, carefully remove the squash from the microwave. Turn the cut side up in the same dish.
- Add brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and salt into the hollow. Microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is fully melted and bubbly. Serve hot as a side dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Select high-quality acorn squash for this recipe.
- To make it easier to cut the acorn squash, it’s better to microwave it for 1 minute first.
- Season with butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and salt for the best flavor.
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