As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to embrace the flavors of fall with a dish that showcases seasonal ingredients. Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast or a comforting addition to any autumn meal. Here’s how to prepare this scrumptious dish that’s bound to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious choice for your meals. When roasted, it becomes tender and caramelized, enhancing its natural sweetness. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevates this dish to a new level, providing a savory contrast to the squash’s sweetness. Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that can complement a wide variety of main dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the Squash: Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy insides.
- Cut into Wedges: Slice each half into 1-inch thick wedges for even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Squash
- Coat with Olive Oil: Place the squash wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the squash. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Roast the Squash
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Spread the squash wedges out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly.
- Roast: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown. You can flip the wedges halfway through for even browning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: For an extra touch of flavor, consider drizzling the roasted squash with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Tips for the Perfect Roast
- Choose a Fresh Squash: Look for acorn squash that is firm and heavy for its size, with a rich green color and minimal blemishes.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme and rosemary are delicious, feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a Meal: Pair this roasted acorn squash with a quinoa salad or a protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash is an easy yet impressive dish that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Its delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors makes it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Here are some serving and storage tips for Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash to ensure you enjoy every bite and maintain its deliciousness:
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve the roasted acorn squash on a large platter, arranging the wedges in an overlapping pattern for an appealing presentation. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a little extra Parmesan just before serving for added color and flavor.
- Accompaniments: Pair the squash with a variety of dishes. It complements roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish beautifully. For a vegetarian meal, consider serving it alongside quinoa, rice, or a hearty salad.
- Add a Sauce: Drizzling balsamic glaze over the squash just before serving enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. You can also serve it with a yogurt-based sauce or a light vinaigrette for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be used as a garnish to brighten up the dish. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can also add a crunchy texture.
- Temperature: Roasted acorn squash is best served warm. If you prefer a cold dish, consider making a salad with the roasted squash, adding greens, nuts, and a light dressing.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover roasted acorn squash to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the squash for a longer period, you can freeze it. First, let it cool completely, then place the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the squash in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will help retain its crispy texture.
- Avoid Moisture: If you’re storing the squash in the fridge, ensure it’s completely cooled and dry to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: Incorporate leftover roasted acorn squash into salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes. You can also mash it to use as a filling for quesadillas or tacos.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash to its fullest and reduce food waste while savoring the delightful flavors of fall!
1. Can I make Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the squash ahead of time by cutting and seasoning it, then storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast it. If you want to save time on the day of serving, consider roasting the squash in advance and reheating it just before serving.
2. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you want to make this dish vegan or dairy-free, you can substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor, or use a vegan Parmesan alternative. You can also experiment with other hard cheeses, such as pecorino or Grana Padano, for a different taste.
3. How do I know when the acorn squash is done roasting?
The acorn squash is done roasting when it is tender and caramelized. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh; it should slide in easily. Additionally, the edges should be golden brown, indicating that it has developed a nice roasted flavor.
4. Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
Yes! While acorn squash is a perfect choice, you can also use other winter squashes such as butternut squash or delicata squash. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and type of squash used, so adjust accordingly.
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash is a savory twist on the classic fall side dish! Slices of acorn squash are tossed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then roasted until caramelized and crispy. It’s the perfect side to complement any meal, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Squash:
- In a large bowl, toss the acorn squash wedges with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is well coated with the cheese and herbs.
- Roast the Squash:
- Arrange the squash wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and fork-tender.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
- Serve with: This roasted acorn squash pairs well with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or as part of a vegetarian spread.
- Make it vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use vegan Parmesan.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.