Microwave acorn squash with butter and cinnamon-sugar is a super easy side dish or dessert that your family will love! I've served it to guests who had no idea what it was but loved it once they tasted the sweet, buttery topping and tender squash.
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Introduction
If you have never cooked acorn squash before, this tutorial is for you! I've included step-by-step instructions for how to choose, prepare, and microwave acorn squash.
I hope this will help you venture out of your comfort zone and give it a try. I first learned to cook it in the oven, but I prefer quick recipes so I adapted it to an acorn squash microwave version.
Video
Time needed to microwave acorn squash
Using the microwave is the secret to having this easy side dish on the table in under 15 minutes. It takes about 5 minutes to cut and clean the squash, then about 10 minutes of microwave cooking time.
Cooking time depends on your microwave strength and the number of squash you are cooking; this recipe was tested using one squash—two halves—in a 1600 watt microwave.
The squash can be roasted in the oven instead, but it will take about an hour at 375ºF to cook. Instructions for the oven are included in the cooking instructions below and in the notes in the recipe card.
Ingredients needed
In addition to the acorn squash (1 squash yields 2 servings), this easy recipe uses:
- brown sugar or honey
- cinnamon and/or nutmeg
- butter
- salt
- water for steaming
See recipe card for quantities.
Choosing whole acorn squash
Season: Acorn squash it is a popular fall/winter variety, but is available all year long in most grocery stores. I find it a bit heavy for summer cooking, but we enjoy it year round other than in hot weather.
Color: Although heirloom acorn squash varieties are available that are more orange in color, the most common variety of acorn squash found in grocery stores is best when mostly green and dull in color. Too much orange indicates an overripe squash which will be stringy.
Sheen: A shiny squash indicates that it was harvested too early and the sweetness of the flesh was not allowed adequate time to develop.
Preparing acorn squash for the microwave
Like all of the winter squash varieties, acorn squash has a center filled with soft, stringy pulp and large seeds. To prepare the squash, wash the outside and slice it in half from stem to blossom end.
Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds and stringy flesh from the center and discard.
The cleaned squash will look like this.
How to microwave acorn squash
For this recipe, prepare enough squash for each person to have one half of a squash. Pour just enough water to cover the bottom into a microwave-safe dish large enough to fit all of the squash. Place the squash cut side down in the pan (not pictured).
I find that the squash cook faster if I prop the squash on each other and the sides of the pan. The steam can circulate around the flesh of the squash better this way.
Cook in the microwave on high for several minutes until squash are fork tender. Usually this takes 4-6 minutes per squash, but it will depend on the size and number of squash you are cooking as well as the strength of your microwave.
Drain the water from the pan when the squash are tender.
Turn the squash over (careful, they're hot!).
Place a pat of butter in the center of each half.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon (and nutmeg if desired) to taste.
Heat until butter is melted and the butter/cinnamon/sugar mixture is bubbly. Serve immediately. To eat, just scoop the flesh of the squash out with a spoon or fork (don't eat the skin). It's delicious!
Variations
Sliced microwave acorn squash
For faster cooking, you can slice the squash instead of halving it. To make sliced acorn squash, clean the acorn squash as directed, then slice each squash half crosswise into 1" thick slices.
Steam the slices in a microwave steamer until tender, then brush with the butter and sprinkle the other toppings on top before heating briefly again as directed.
How to cook acorn squash in the oven
You can make roasted or baked squash in the oven if you prefer—skip the steaming step and put it face down on a baking sheet with shallow sides, and cook it in a preheated 375ºF oven for about 30-40 minutes (or until the insides are tender when pricked with a fork) Remove and turn skin side down and fill the hollow with the butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until butter is melted and bubbling, about 15 more minutes.
Cooking acorn squash in the oven takes longer, but dry roasting the acorn squash in the oven brings out the natural sugars and results in a deliciously sweet version. The butter and sugar will begin to caramelize, producing a slightly crisp topping.
Acorn Squash FAQ
How long can you store acorn squash
Uncut acorn squash can be stored for up to three months in a cool and dry location.
Is acorn squash good for you?
Studies show many potential health benefits from acorn squash, including potential benefits such as cancer prevention and eye health from its vitamin A, cardiovascular health from carotenoids, and reduction of free radicals from antioxidants. [source]
How long does microwaved acorn squash last?
Microwaved acorn squash will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or up to about 3 months in the freezer in an air-tight container. Freezing for longer may affect texture.
Can you microwave a whole acorn squash before cutting?
If you are having trouble cutting the acorn squash in half, you can microwave the whole acorn squash for 3-4 minutes on high to soften it. Let the whole squash sit for a couple of minutes (and be sure it is cool enough to touch) before taking it out of the microwave and cutting it in half. You should be able to shorten the cooking time after cutting if you microwave the whole squash before cutting.
📖 Recipe
Microwave Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
- dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons butter
- dash of salt
- 2 tablespoons water, for steaming
Instructions
- Wash acorn squash, cut in half lengthwise; scrape out seeds.1 acorn squash
- Place squash cut side down into a glass baking dish containing 2 tablespoons water.2 tablespoons water
- Cook in microwave until squash is tender, about 6 minutes. (Cooking time depends on your microwave strength and the number of squash you are cooking; this recipe was tested using one squash—two halves—in a 1600 watt microwave.)
- Remove from microwave, turn squash right side up in same dish.
- Into each hollow, place butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook in microwave until butter mixture is bubbly, about 2-4 minutes. Serve hot.2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey, dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg, 2 teaspoons butter, dash of salt
- Cook in microwave until butter mixture is bubbly. Serve hot.
TP
It took longer to cook one squash then the other. Same size so possibly how ripe? Did two at once. Total microwave time sese is easy and works hould have been in 12 -14 minutes but it came out great with honey and butter. Microwaving fresh vegetables is easier if you don't get around the kitchen well and works great.
Mary Ann
My guess is either the ripeness or even the shape (more oblong but less thick at the largest part might cook faster). I'm glad you liked this easy microwave recipe—I agree that using the microwave is super helpful for anyone with mobility issues.
Bettina Curtis
Had to cook it much longer, 15minutes under microwave cover, then i put coconut oil instead of butter, palm coconut brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, fresh ground pepper for 3 more minutes in microwave and yummy yums for the outcome.
Mary Ann
Thanks for the feedback!
Sandra Gallagher
I much prefer the taste of nutmeg instead of cinnamon in this recipe.
Mary Ann
I love freshly ground nutmeg—that sounds like a delicious substitution.
Nancy McLain
You don’t have to choose , I use both ! It’s delicious !
Jennifer
Instead of upside down (which side is up?), you could say cut side down.
Mary Ann
Good point, Jennifer - thanks!
James Hagen
Way too short. It was not even close to being done in the time you recommended?
Mary Ann
Hi James - thanks for the feedback. Time definitely varies based on the number and size of squash as well as the wattage of the microwave.
Nikki Krakauer
I love cooking, however, I use an electric wheelchair, (20 years now) and it doesn’t work in this galley type kitchen. I can walk, but only a short time, so I use a rolling bar stool to get around. At best, I have, until recently, used my microwave for re-heating and tea water. I’m so thrilled to realize that I can use i for almost everything! I’m 75 years old, and cooking a nice meal for myself is easier and faster than ever before! Between my microwave and my toaster oven, I’m having fun again cooking!!! Thank you for posting your recipes and your tips and tricks!!!
Mary Ann
Hi Nikki - I'm so glad you have discovered how to make your appliances work for you! Sounds like your adaptations are helping you to overcome the limitations of your galley-style kitchen. Funny enough, I have one appliance that I use daily that most people think is weird, but it might be one that would help you. It's called the Pizza Pizzazz (affiliate link), but it's so not limited to pizza! We put away our toaster oven because we use the Pizza Pizzazz for everything from frozen appetizers to roasting vegetables. When you put the pan away (most of the time ours is either in use or in the drainer because we use it so much), it is about the size of a large iron. We've given them as gifts to our siblings and they love them too (they are easy for kids to use to heat up snacks and lunches).
Tina
You CAN eat the skin of the acorn squash and it is good, too.
Mary Ann
Thanks for sharing!