This simple squash recipe makes deliciously soft, buttery, and sweet microwave acorn squash in minutes!
Cook up a squash or two with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the perfect easy side dish!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Sweet & Savory Squash
- Acorn squash tastes great in the microwave even though it cooks in a fraction of the time compared to the oven.
- One small acorn squash can equal two servings, a larger one can make up to 4 servings!
- Cook them sweet with brown sugar and butter or add your own savory seasonings.
- Make them as is or make them stuffed with your favorite fillings like ground sausage, brown rice, spinach, or dried cranberries for a festive entrée!
Ingredients and Variations
Acorn Squash: A whole acorn squash should be dark on the outside and feel heavy in your hands without any soft spots. Acorn squash can vary in size from 8oz to about 1 ½ lbs. This recipe uses a medium sized squash, about 1lb.
Seasonings: Keep it sweet like this recipe or make it savory with a DIY seasoning blend like lemon pepper and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
VARIATIONS
- A quick brush of maple syrup, honey, can be used in place of a sprinkle of sugar. Sugar substitutes will work just fine too.
- Add a dash of sriracha for a new flavor!
- Melted bacon grease really punches up the flavor for a savory acorn squash in place of butter.
How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Microwave
- Cut squash in half vertically, scoop out the insides with a spoon & discard the seeds (or cook them like roast pumpkin seeds).
- Place squash cut-side-down in a baking dish. Cook until just fork tender per the recipe below.
- Flip the squash over and brush with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Microwave, a few minutes more.
Serve hot on its own or with some mushroom rice or oven-roasted vegetables.
Leftovers?
- Keep leftover microwave acorn squash in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or chop up and add to a stir fry, a casserole, or an omelet. Make a healthy wrap by adding lettuce greens for an energizing workday lunch!
- Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 4 months. Thaw before using.
Sweet & Savory Squash
Did you make this Microwave Acorn Squash? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash about 1 pound
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut the squash in half vertically. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
- Place the squash in a baking dish, cut side down with 2 tablespoons water.
- Microwave the squash for 8-10 minutes or until tender and almost cooked through when poked with a fork.
- While the squash is cooking, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Flip the squash over and brush with the butter mixture. Microwave for 2 minutes more.
Notes
- Acorn squash can vary in size from 1/2 lb to 3 lbs, cooking time will vary.
- Microwaves can vary, and some squash will have thinner and thicker flesh. Check smaller squash at 5 minutes, larger squash may need as long as 10-12 minutes.
- If cooking two smaller squash (four halves) cooking time will increase to 9-10 minutes.
- Leftover squash can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooled portions in a zippered bag for up to 4 months. Add to soups, stews, or casseroles.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Nailed it in one.
Hi Mike, so glad you enjoyed this acorn squash recipe.
I add a sliced apple to the center of the squash and bake them together before adding the cinnamon & sugar mixture. It pairs very well with the squash and is oh so delicious!
I have never tried that, but it sounds deliciouus. Thanks for sharing, Carole!
I have always cut the squash in half, cleaned out the seeds and covered the halves with loose plastic wrap, smire the insides with butter and put into the microwave, cut sides facing up, microwave for approximately 12-15 minutes! When I took it out, I placed a spoonful or 2, of brown sugar inside and enjoyed!
I have never tried that method. Thanks for sharing your tips, Bryan.
Eating acorn squash takes me back to my grandma’s table. I love it. Since I don’t have a stove the mikeowave is a good way to cook them.
The microwave is a perfect way to cook acorn squash without a stove! Quick and easy!