How to Cut Acorn Squash

Acorn squash, with its curved shape, can be tricky and intimidating to cut. But with this easy technique, you’ll never have any issue again. This is such a great way to meal prep squash to cook whenever you’re ready to enjoy it. I love acorn squash for its mellow, slightly sweet flavor. It’s such a pretty yellow color when cooked and can be enhanced with a range of herbs and spices. Read on to learn how to cut and prepare it for easy cooking (like in Acorn Squash Baby Food and more). (You may also like my posts on How to Cut Spaghetti Squash and Sautéed Yellow Squash.)

Ingredients You Need

Look for acorn squash at the supermarket or farmer’s market during the end of summer, fall, and through the winter when it’s fresh and in season. This type of hard winter squash stores well all winter so you may see it available for months. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox. Acorn squash are typically dark green with a golden spot where the squash rested on the ground. Choose one that’s heavy for its size. This type of squash has large seeds and membrane, similar to a pumpkin or butternut squash, that will need to be removed before cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to prepare this winter squash for cooking. You can also cook this in an air fryer and puree it into an easy baby food. It’s a very versatile vegetable to share with the kids.

Recipes for Acorn Squash

Once prepared, you can use acorn squash in any of these recipes. It can be used in recipes that call for it, or you can sub it for butternut squash.

Acorn Squash Baby Food Squash Muffins Oatmeal with Squash Squash Hummus Squash Risotto Mac and Cheese with Squash

How to Store

Store uncooked slices in a storage container in the fridge for up to a week. This is a great way to meal prep if you plan to cook and serve the squash during the week when you might have less time. Store cooked slices in a storage container in the fridge for up to a week and serve leftovers cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. Store puree in storage containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays and transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw 1-2 cubes in a container overnight in the fridge. 

Best Tips for Success

Add a sprinkle of one of the optional spices for more flavor. You may want to add a little salt for yourself. Roasted skin of acorn squash is edible, as it softens a lot when cooking. You can also discard it. Serve as an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or Thanksgiving. You may also like Sweet Potato Puree.

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Easy Butternut Squash Hummus

Shortcut Butternut Squash Risotto

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