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Our busy lives demand simple, flavorful dishes. This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash delivers just that. It’s a side dish that truly shines. Its tender flesh melts in your mouth. The savory Parmesan and aromatic herbs create pure deliciousness.
I often make this when I need a quick but impressive addition to dinner. It pairs wonderfully with almost any main course. Plus, it’s a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters in my family.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Super Speedy: Prep is a breeze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Big Flavor: That cheesy, herby crust is simply divine. It makes acorn squash sing.
- Crowd Pleaser: Even my kids gobble it up. It’s a guaranteed hit at family meals.
- Versatile Star: It complements so many mains. Think chicken, fish, or pork.
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Ingredients
The magic of this dish truly comes alive with just a handful of simple ingredients. These flavors marry beautifully. They transform humble acorn squash into a star player on your plate. Creating this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash is really quite simple.
- Acorn Squash: This is our gorgeous base. Its naturally sweet, tender flesh is perfect for roasting. It holds onto flavors wonderfully.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch helps everything roast nicely. It also helps the herbs and cheese adhere.
- Parmesan Cheese: The salty, nutty kick here is undeniable. It creates a delightful crispy topping.
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: These aromatic herbs bring earthy, fragrant notes. They elevate the squash with their savory perfume.
- Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder amps up the savory profile. It’s a flavor shortcut we all appreciate.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the best flavors. We season it just right.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs work too! Use about a third of the amount called for fresh. No rosemary? Try sage for a different, yet delicious, earthy flavor. You can also swap Gruyere for Parmesan for a nuttier taste. For a bit of sweetness, a tiny drizzle of maple syrup before roasting never hurts. Remember, exact quantities are in the recipe card!
Let’s get this winter squash ready. It’s surprisingly easy.|Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise. A sturdy knife helps here.|Next, scoop out all the seeds and the stringy pulp. A spoon works like a charm.|You’ll want to brush the cut sides. Use a good olive oil for this step.|This ensures a nice tender result.
Create the Flavorful Topping
Now for the delicious part. It’s topping time.|In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped fresh rosemary. Then, toss in the fresh thyme.|Sprinkle in the garlic powder. Season generously with salt and pepper.|Mix everything together well. This herb and cheese blend smells amazing.
Roast to Perfection
Place the squash cut-side down. Use a sturdy baking sheet for this.|Now, sprinkle that flavorful topping evenly. Make sure it covers both halves.|Put the baking sheet in the hot oven.|Roast for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for fork-tender squash.|It should be easily pierced. Serve this roasted acorn squash hot.
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Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash, perfect as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the herb and cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the squash.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure the squash is tender before removing it from the oven.
- Adjust herbs and seasonings to your preference.
- For a sweeter version, you can drizzle a little maple syrup over the squash before roasting.
How to Store Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
It’s always a good idea to know how to save those delicious leftovers. This roasted acorn squash stores beautifully. Proper storage keeps it tasting great for your next meal. It’s a perfect make-ahead addition.
Storing Leftovers
Once your Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash has cooled, store it in an airtight container. You can usually keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed well. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor. I love having these leftovers for a quick lunch.
Reheating Your Squash
Reheating is simple! For the best texture, I recommend using your oven or a toaster oven. Place the leftover squash on a baking sheet. Warm it at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Or, you can quickly warm it in the microwave. Just a minute or two should do the trick. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too mushy.
Tips for Success
- Choose a firm, heavy acorn squash.
- Don’t overcook the squash. It should be tender, not mushy.
- Taste your herb mixture before sprinkling it on.
- Roast cut-side down for even cooking.
- Adjust seasonings to your family’s liking.
- A drizzle of maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife: For cutting the squash. A chef’s knife works well.
- Spoon: To scoop out seeds. Any sturdy spoon will do.
- Small bowl: For mixing the topping. A cereal bowl is fine.
- Baking sheet: For roasting. A cookie sheet is a good alternative.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For ingredients. Eyeballing is okay too!
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs great with roasted chicken or pork.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad.
- Adds color to your holiday table.
- A dollop of plain Greek yogurt is a nice touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb and cheese topping ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also roast the squash until tender, then gently reheat to serve. This makes serving this roasted acorn squash even easier.
What are good substitutions for fresh herbs in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work well. Use about one-third the amount (e.g., 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon fresh). Other good herb options include sage or even a pinch of Italian seasoning for your Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash.
How do I know when the acorn squash is perfectly roasted?
The best way is to use a fork. Gently pierce the flesh of the squash. It should slide in easily with little resistance. The squash should be tender and slightly caramelized. This indicates your Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash is fully cooked.
Can I add other vegetables to roast with the acorn squash?
Sure! This delicious acorn squash recipe is very versatile. You can add other hearty vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes to the baking sheet. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size for even roasting. Enjoy your customized Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash!
