The Ultimate Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe Everyone Loves

Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash elevates an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that dances with vibrant flavors.

Autumn’s golden bounty brings this delightful side dish to life with its rich, nutty essence.

Crisp edges and tender interiors create a delectable contrast that surprises even seasoned food enthusiasts.

Earthy herbs and salty cheese elevate this simple squash into a sophisticated accompaniment that complements multiple main courses.

Simple ingredients merge into a harmonious blend of rustic comfort and elegant taste.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a staple in your seasonal cooking repertoire.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Why Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Is a Stunning Side

• Maximize Flavor Explosion: Parmesan cheese and herbs create a mouthwatering coating that transforms ordinary acorn squash into a taste sensation, delivering rich, savory notes in every single bite.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple techniques, allowing home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results with just basic kitchen skills and straightforward ingredients.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Roasted acorn squash offers a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and a satisfying texture that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: With only 25 minutes of total cooking time, this dish serves as a perfect solution for busy families seeking delicious, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You Need to Roast Flavorful Acorn Squash

Main Ingredients:

• Acorn Squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash with a distinctive acorn shape, perfect for roasting and providing a hearty base for the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged Italian cheese that adds a rich, salty flavor and creates a crispy golden crust when roasted.

• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, concentrated garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the squash.
• Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of peppery notes.
• Thyme: An aromatic herb with a minty, earthy flavor that complements roasted vegetables.
• Oregano: A robust herb with a slightly bitter and pungent taste that adds depth to the seasoning.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps the seasonings stick to the squash and promotes even browning during roasting.
• Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleanup.

How to Roast Squash That’s Golden, Tender, and Cheesy

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Gather all cooking tools and ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set oven rack in the middle position.

Step 2: Slice And Clean Acorn Squash

Wash the acorn squash thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top and bottom ends. Stand squash upright on cutting board. Slice squash in half vertically. Remove seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into 1-inch thick crescent-shaped wedges.

Step 3: Create Herb Seasoning Blend

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Dried basil
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Olive oil

Step 4: Coat Squash With Seasoning

Toss squash wedges in the herb mixture. Use hands to ensure each piece is evenly covered. Massage seasonings into squash surfaces.

Step 5: Arrange And Roast

Spread seasoned squash wedges on prepared baking sheet. Ensure pieces are not overlapping. Sprinkle any remaining herb mix on top of wedges.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place baking sheet in preheated oven at 425°F. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and tender texture.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer roasted squash to serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips for Roasting Slices That Don’t Turn Mushy

• Select Ripe Squash: Choose acorn squash with deep green color, firm texture, and no soft spots for best flavor and roasting results.
• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp chef's knife and steady cutting surface to create uniform 1-inch thick slices for even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Maximize Herb Coating: Massage the parmesan herb mixture thoroughly into squash slices to ensure every piece gets maximum flavor absorption.
• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to guarantee easy removal and prevent squash from burning or sticking to the tray.
• Check Doneness: Test squash tenderness by piercing with a fork; golden edges indicate perfect caramelization and roasting completion.

Reheating Tips for Acorn Squash Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Store cooled squash slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place squash slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking to prevent overcooking.

Best Pairings for Parmesan Roasted Squash

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Complement the herb-infused squash with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which enhances the parmesan's richness and brings out the earthy thyme and oregano flavors.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Chicken: The savory herb-crusted squash creates a perfect side dish for a simple roasted chicken, allowing the parmesan and herbs to elevate the entire meal's flavor profile.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the roasted squash's warmth with a light, tangy salad featuring mixed greens, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the dish's richness.
• Combine with Hearty Grain Pilaf: Create a complete meal by serving the squash over a quinoa or farro pilaf, which absorbs the herb-parmesan drippings and provides a satisfying protein-packed base.

Variations with Maple, Garlic, or Crumbled Toppings

• Mediterranean Herb Explosion: Replace thyme and oregano with za'atar spice blend, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired roasted squash experience.
• Spicy Smoky Version: Mix in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and replace parmesan with cotija cheese for a bold, spicy kick that transforms the original recipe into a zesty side dish.
• Maple Pecan Roast: Drizzle maple syrup over the squash before roasting, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and swap basil for rosemary to create a sweet and nutty autumn-inspired variation.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger with the original herb mixture, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds after roasting for an umami-rich flavor profile.

Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash delivers a savory autumn masterpiece with golden-edged crispy edges and fragrant rosemary notes. Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this simple side dish, promising delicious moments that connect you to seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash (small to medium-sized)
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Oil:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Carefully trim the acorn squash by removing the top and bottom ends, ensuring a stable base for slicing.
2. Position the squash upright and slice it precisely in half, then meticulously remove the inner seeds using a spoon.
3. Cut each squash half into uniform 1-inch thick crescents to guarantee even roasting.
4. Gather the squash slices in a spacious mixing bowl and generously drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, basil, thyme, and oregano over the squash pieces.
6. Massage the seasonings thoroughly into the squash, ensuring each slice is completely and evenly coated with the herbaceous mixture.
7. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote easy cleanup.
8. Arrange the seasoned squash slices on the prepared tray, carefully pressing any remaining herb and cheese mixture onto the top surface.
9. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden and the flesh becomes fork-tender.
10. Transfer the aromatic, caramelized squash to a serving platter, allowing the vibrant herbs and parmesan to showcase their delectable transformation.

Notes

• Prepare squash ahead of time by washing and drying thoroughly to ensure crisp, even roasting.
• Cut squash carefully with a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to create uniform slices for consistent cooking.
• Toss ingredients by hand to guarantee each slice gets maximum flavor coverage with herbs and parmesan.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent squash from sticking to the baking tray.
• Check doneness by piercing with a fork – squash should be tender but not mushy, with golden edges indicating perfect caramelization.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg