28 Acorn Squash Recipes Worth Your Fall Consideration

As much as I would like to deny it, summer will be fading soon and fall will arrive in all its autumnal beauty, bringing with it some favorite flavors we look forward to every year.

Sure, apples and pumpkins are the stars of most of our fall cooking dreams, but one of my favorite things about this time of year is the abundance of squash at the grocery store and local farmers' markets. From butternut squash and spaghetti squash, to one of my personal faves, acorn squash there are so many varieties to choose from.

Acorn squash (also known as pepper squash or Des Moines squash) can go from a simple side dish to the star of the meal easily and these 28 best acorn squash recipes are here to show you how!

Related: 25 Different Types of Squash—and How to Use Them

Over the years I have found so many ways to use one of our favorite fall veggies. From simply roasting it in the oven to stuffing it with meats, other veggies and cheese until it's overflowing with flavor, the possibilities are endless once you cut into an acorn squash. Here you will find ways to use it as a side dish, main dish, soup course and even as an appetizer!

Related: 100 Best Fall Soup Recipes to Bookmark Now for Cooler Weather

How To Cook Acorn Squash

Like many other vegetables, roasting acorn squash has become a go-to method when you want simplicity, but lots of flavor. Baking it in the oven brings out its sweetness and nutty flavor. We love it with just butter, salt and pepper, but there are so many flavors you can add from sweet to savory and even spicy.

The good news though? You can also prepare it in both your slow cooker and Instant Pot, saving time and effort. Plus, on those warm autumn days when you want fall flavors—but not a hot house—these two methods are the way to go!

Best Acorn Squash Recipes

Recipes like Roasted Acorn Squash might be super simple, but it's filled with mega flavor. And when the holidays roll around and you need to save some stove-top space, Slow Cooker Acorn Squash will be life-changing.

The Grilled Acorn Squash Salad is a great light meal on those still warm Indian summer evenings. Or pair it with Acorn Squash and Carrot soup for a complete autumn meal.

The Praline Roasted Acorn Squash was also a huge hit in our house last year and almost tastes like dessert for dinner!

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffing acorn squash is another fun meal idea, so you will find recipes for all sorts of stuffing ideas: lasagna, apple and sweet potato, sausage and cranberry, and even chipotle chicken. When you fill this autumn vegetable up with other tasty ingredients, it truly turns into an entire meal.

Related: 12 Creative Low-Carb Recipes Using Butternut Squash

This fall, be sure to watch the grocery ads for when acorn squash goes on sale, fill your cart and get ready to cook some of these delicious inspirations!

Best Acorn Squash Recipes

<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>These roasted acorn squash are sweet and savory. You can scoop the squash out into a dish and serve <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/101-family-quotes-show-ones-212045719.html" data-ylk="slk:family;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">family</a> style, or serve each person a half. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842771/kristamarshall/roasted-acorn-squash-2/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1385140/felicialim/delicata-squash-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:40 Best Delicata Squash Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">40 Best Delicata Squash Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Sausage and apple stuffed acorn squash is filled with rustic woodsy flavors from the apple and mushroom. Packed with meat and veggie, it's dinner all in one gorgeous package.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/953089/kristamarshall/sausage-and-apple-stuffed-acorn-squash-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Allie Albanese</p><p>Learn how to make a simply perfect fall dinner side dish. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841159/allieandmeluncorked/roasted-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Sliced Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Sliced Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Paleo Gluten Free Eats</p><p>Without a doubt, this is our favorite paleo breakfast for fall. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1116350/kelli-acciardo/egg-sage-sausage-stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Egg Sage Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Egg Sage Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Kissed with brown sugar and butter, this roasted acorn squash is simple enough for any night of the week, but pretty and tasty enough to save for the upcoming holidays. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841903/kristamarshall/maple-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Maple and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Maple and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Shannah Coe</p><p>Spelt, an ancient grain, adds a slight nutty flavor to these stuffed acorn squash. If you don't have the ingredient, you can easily substitute a wild rice or another grain for the spelt if you choose.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841566/shannahcoe/stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Spend With Pennies</p><p>Sweet and tender squash filled with a savory cranberry sausage stuffing and baked until golden. This will a hit with the family. </p><p>.<strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Cranberries;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Cranberries</a></strong></p>
<p>Everyday Mom's Meals</p><p>The warm flavors of pecan pie stuffed into tender, perfectly cooked acorn squash. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2021/11/happy-thanksgiving-from-emm-family.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Praline Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Praline Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>Name a more perfect fall seafood dinner, we will wait!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/slow-roasted-cod-with-brown-sugar-pineapple-glazed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Slow Roasted Cod with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Slow Roasted Cod with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Everyday Mom's Meals</p><p>Short on time to cook but need to cook? Chuck your acorn squash in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2015/10/just-aroun-corner-post-for-earth-fare.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Slow Cooker Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Slow Cooker Acorn Squash</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: 23 <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/24-savory-squash-blossom-recipes-190714998.html" data-ylk="slk:Best Squash Blossom Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">Best Squash Blossom Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Salt and Lavender</p><p>This sausage stuffed acorn squash recipe makes a cozy and delicious cold weather meal! It’s loaded with parmesan cheese, butter, and fresh thyme. It will be terribly hard not to love the fall flavors this dish imbues. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.saltandlavender.com/sausage-parmesan-stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sausage & Parmesan Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sausage & Parmesan Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen</p><p>Easy to make, with very little cleanup, it has just enough sweetness, and just enough heat, this fiery acorn squash will keep your taste buds asking for more!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.bobbiskozykitchen.com/2020/11/low-carb-brown-sugar-chile-roasted.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Low-Carb Brown Sugar Chile Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Low-Carb Brown Sugar Chile Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Vindulge</p><p>Grilling acorn squash is super easy, and adds incredible flavor to this easy fall salad. Serve as a side or enjoy it as a dinner salad. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.vindulge.com/grilled-acorn-squash-salad/#search" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Acorn Squash Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Acorn Squash Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Spend With Pennies</p><p>Baked acorn squash brushed with butter and lightly seasoned with parmesan cheese. Yum. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/parmesan-baked-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Parmesan Baked Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Parmesan Baked Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Flavor Mosaic</p><p>With only 5 ingredients, Instant Pot acorn squash cooks in less than 25 minutes and makes a comforting sweetened Fall side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://flavormosaic.com/instant-pot-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Instant Pot Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Instant Pot Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Crock-Pot Ladies</p><p>This slow cooker soup is nourishing, filling, and gets to be dunked into with crusty bread. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://crockpotladies.com/crockpot-acorn-squash-soup-meatless-monday/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crock Pot Acorn Squash Soup;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crock Pot Acorn Squash Soup</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking With Ruthie</p><p>This recipe makes the case that you can eat your vegetables and have your dessert, too. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingwithruthie.com/2020/10/23/acorn-squash-swanson-maple-cream-filling/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Acorn Squash with Maple Cream Filling;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Acorn Squash with Maple Cream Filling</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>Sweet brown sugar roasted squash is mixed with the spicy chicken, the spinach and couscous filling. It's then topped off with some sharp cheddar cheese and finished with browned butter breadcrumbs. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chipotle-chicken-stuffed-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chipotle Chicken Stuffed Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chipotle Chicken Stuffed Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>Sweet pineapple and acorn squash were destined to be cooked together.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/brown-sugar-and-pineapple-roasted-acorn-squash-with-spiced-brown-butter/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brown Sugar and Pineapple Roasted Acorn Squash with Spiced Brown Butter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brown Sugar and Pineapple Roasted Acorn Squash with Spiced Brown Butter</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking with Ruthie</p><p>This dish stars three fall produce superstars, and is filled with all the aromas and flavors of autumn. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingwithruthie.com/2021/09/07/apple-and-sweet-potato-stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple and Sweet Potato Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple and Sweet Potato Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Salt and Lavender</p><p>Fall lunch has never been tastier. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.saltandlavender.com/acorn-squash-and-carrot-soup/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Acorn Squash and Carrot Soup;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Acorn Squash and Carrot Soup</a></strong></p>

Salt and Lavender

Fall lunch has never been tastier.

Get the recipe: Acorn Squash and Carrot Soup

<p>Flavor Mosaic</p><p>These sweet and spicy sliced squash pieces are oven-roasted with pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds to make an impressive and festive Thanksgiving side dish for your holiday dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://flavormosaic.com/baked-acorn-squash-slices/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Acorn Squash Slices;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Acorn Squash Slices</a></strong></p>
<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>Anything spaghetti squash can do, acorn squash can do better! Just make this lasagna stuffed acorn squash, and you'll see what we mean. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/lasagna-stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lasagna Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lasagna Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>Squash and cheese make for a beautiful couple.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/honey-butter-roasted-acorn-with-burrata-and-pomegranate/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Butter Roasted Acorn with Burrata and Pomegranate;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Butter Roasted Acorn with Burrata and Pomegranate</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>Don't you just want to climb into this bowl?</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crockpot-crispy-caramelized-pork-ramen-noodle-soup-wcurry-roasted-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crockpot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crockpot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>On fall busy weeknights, you can be quickly make and eat this smoky, spicy acorn squash stuffed to the gills with garlic, turkey chili, and topped with cheese. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/turkey-chili-stuffed-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fire Roasted Garlic Turkey Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fire Roasted Garlic Turkey Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>Salty miso paste complements the maple, treacly sweetness of acorn squash incredibly well. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/miso-roasted-acorn-squash-pomegranate-salad-wwaffled-cheddar-apple-tahini-grilled-cheese-triangles/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Miso Roasted Acorn Squash Pomegranate Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Miso Roasted Acorn Squash Pomegranate Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Spend With Pennies</p><p>A little butter and honey, and a sprinkling of cinnamon make instantly elevates roasted acorn squash. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/honey-butter-roasted-acorn-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Butter Roasted Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Butter Roasted Acorn Squash</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/846810/kathyhester/15-butternut-squash-recipes-that-are-perfect-for-a-fall-dinner/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:15 Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect For Fall;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">15 Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect For Fall</a></strong></p>