Quick Crispy Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Fall’s golden harvest brings a delectable crispy parmesan herb roasted acorn squash that transforms ordinary side dishes into culinary magic.

Tender wedges of acorn squash emerge from the oven with a gorgeous golden-brown crust and irresistible herb-infused aroma.

Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth that complements the squash’s natural sweetness.

Seasonal herbs like rosemary and thyme create layers of rustic flavor in every single bite.

This simple recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Serve these roasted squash wedges alongside your favorite protein for a stunning seasonal accompaniment that will surely impress your dinner guests.

The combination of crispy edges and soft, buttery interior makes this dish a true autumn delight.

How to Bake Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F and get a baking sheet ready with some parchment paper or a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Dress the Squash

Slice your acorn squash into wedges and give them a luxurious bath in olive oil. Sprinkle in Parmesan, herbs, and spices, then toss until every piece is beautifully coated with cheesy, herbal goodness.

• Create Roasting

Spread the seasoned squash wedges on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowding each other. Let them roast for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they get a gorgeous golden-brown tan and become meltingly tender.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull the roasted squash from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Add a final flourish of fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy while it’s hot and delicious!

Seasoning Tips and Variations for Acorn Squash Flavor

• Use a sharp knife to carefully cut acorn squash into even wedges, ensuring uniform cooking and gorgeous caramelization.
• Prep squash wedges and herb mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight roasting.
• Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, cheesy flavor.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and sage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra complexity.
• Transform remaining roasted squash into a hearty salad topping, soup ingredient, or blend into a creamy puree for an innovative side dish.

Serve Roasted Acorn Squash as a Side or Main

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this roasted acorn squash with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a hearty, nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Harvest-Inspired Appetizer Platter: Arrange the squash wedges on a rustic wooden board with soft goat cheese, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of honey for an elegant starter that celebrates autumn flavors.
• Vegetarian Delight Bowl: Layer the roasted squash over quinoa or brown rice, top with crumbled feta, fresh arugula, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a complete plant-based meal bursting with textures and tastes.
• Weekend Brunch Accent: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or as a unique side dish that adds vibrant color and rich flavor to your weekend breakfast spread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Ingredient Guide

• Acorn Squash: Select firm, heavy squash with deep green or orange color, avoiding soft spots or blemishes; provides hearty, sweet foundation for the dish.

• Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior and helps herbs adhere to squash surface.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps develop delightful crispy crust.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, aromatic warmth without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings gentle smoky undertone and vibrant color to the roasted squash.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile and balance the squash's natural sweetness.

• Parsley, Thyme: Contribute bright, fresh herbaceous notes that complement the squash's earthy character; choose fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact.

Tools for Roasting Parmesan Herb Acorn Squash Just Right

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting squash evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large bowl: For mixing squash with oil and seasonings.
• Grater: To grate fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting board: For chopping herbs and preparing squash.
• Sharp knife: To slice acorn squash into wedges.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring spices and salt.
• Spatula or tongs: To flip squash halfway through roasting.

Storage Tips for Roasted Acorn Squash Leftovers

• Smart Storage and Enjoyment Tips
• Store leftover roasted squash in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Enjoy the best flavor and texture within the first two days after cooking.
• Warm refrigerated squash pieces in a 350F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the herb-crusted exterior's delightful crunch.
• Slice and season squash wedges up to 24 hours before roasting. Keep seasoned wedges covered in the refrigerator, ready to pop into the oven whenever hunger strikes.
• Cool roasted squash completely, then freeze in single layers within freezer-safe containers. Consume frozen portions within one month for optimal taste and nutrition.

FAQs

• Is acorn squash healthy?

Acorn squash is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It’s low in calories and provides antioxidants that support overall health and immune function.

• How do I choose a good acorn squash?

Look for squash with a deep green color, firm skin without soft spots, and a hefty weight. The squash should feel heavy for its size and have a dull, matte surface.

• Can I eat the skin of acorn squash?

Yes, acorn squash skin is edible and becomes tender when roasted. It’s perfectly safe and adds extra nutrients and texture to the dish.

• What herbs work best with acorn squash?

Thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage are excellent herbs that complement the natural sweetness of acorn squash. They enhance the flavor and add a delicious aromatic profile to the roasted dish.

Crispy Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash marries rustic autumn flavors with elegant seasonings. Mediterranean-inspired herbs and sharp cheese elevate this simple seasonal side dish for discerning palates.

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium acorn squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into ½-inch wedges (about 4 cups)
• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 1 tbsp thyme leaves, fresh (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice acorn squash into uniform wedges, maintaining consistent size for uniform roasting.
2. Seasoning Creation: Blend Parmesan, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper into a fragrant herb mixture.
3. Oil Infusion: Coat squash wedges thoroughly with olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage for optimal flavor absorption.
4. Seasoning Application: Generously distribute herb and Parmesan mixture over squash, pressing seasoning into each wedge for maximum flavor penetration.
5. Roasting Process: Position seasoned wedges on parchment-lined baking sheet with spacing, then roast in preheated 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden caramelization and tender texture.
6. Doneness Verification: Test squash with fork – flesh should be soft and edges richly caramelized, indicating perfect roasting.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer roasted wedges to elegant platter, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, serving immediately to preserve warmth and aromatic herb qualities.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Cut acorn squash with a sharp knife, keeping wedges uniformly sized to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Oil Massage Technique: Thoroughly coat squash with olive oil using hands to help seasonings adhere and create a beautifully caramelized exterior.
• Space for Crispness: Leave adequate room between squash wedges on baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, preventing steaming and promoting crispy edges.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan version or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg