Read on to learn more about acorn squash and how best to prepare it.

What Is Acorn Squash?

The dense flesh is golden orange in color, with a mild, slightly sweet, buttery flavor.

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash on a plate to serve with extra pepper

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

But here’s a quick how-to guide for baking acorn squash.

Baked Acorn Squash Variations

Our recipe is simple and highlights the inherently sweet-nutty flavor of the squash.

you might embellish it with other ingredients if youd like to give it a little more oomph.

Southern Living How to Bake Acorn Squash ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Here are some tasty ideas:

Ingredients

2(1 1/2-lb.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut each squash in half lengthwise; scoop out and discard seeds and membranes.

halved acorn squashes with seeds removed

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Season squash:

Arrange squash halves, cut sides up, on prepared pan.

Brush squash flesh with 1 tablespoon butter.

Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash on a plate to serve with a fork

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Flip squash:

Remove pan from oven (leave oven on).

Turn squash halves over, cut side up.

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash cutting the squash in half

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Brush remaining 3 tablespoons butter over squash flesh.

Sprinkle sugar evenly over squash.

Return squash to oven (cut side up).

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash brushing cut sides with butter

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake at 425F until tender when pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes.

acorn squash halves sprinkled with pepper and salt

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist; Torie Cox

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash baking the squash cut side down

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash turning the squash over

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash sprinkled with brown sugar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Baked Acorn Squash after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox