Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

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A platter of this parmesan herb roasted acorn squash is simple, impressive, and oh-so-delicious. The squash slices are perfectly tender, coated with a golden cheesy seasoning, and layered beautifully for the best side dish ever.

Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash on a platter with a fork
Photo: Gayle McLeod

Before making this recipe, I realized it had been way too long since I’d cooked acorn squash. I always make batches of roasted butternut squash by default (also to make my roasted butternut squash soup). But roasted acorn squash slices are so much easier to serve. Plus, it may just be one of the best-looking Thanksgiving side dishes, don’t ya think?

And don’t even get me started on the parmesan herb seasoning. It’s so good and really brings the acorn squash to life. So if you need a new veggie side dish to add to your rotation — this parmesan herb roasted acorn squash should definitely be at the top of your list!

Ingredients for parmesan herb roasted acorn squash on a table

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe Ingredients

Initially, I tested a maple and cinnamon roasted acorn squash recipe, hoping for a sweet result. But I’ll be honest, it tasted super bland to me as the squash just soaked up all the maple, and yet, there was a naturally savory undertone. So, I then tested this version with my favorite Italian herb seasoning that stands the test of time for everything — plus a little cheese of course! It made ALL the difference for the most highly addictive, best ever acorn squash recipe.

  • Acorn Squash: Look for ones that are firm, with dark green coloring. It’s okay for them to have some orange spots. But if there’s a lot of orange coloring, that means it’s overly ripe.
  • Cheese: When it comes to parmesan cheese, I always buy a fresh block to grate. It tastes so much better than the shredded packaged version and has a better texture for roasting!
  • Herbs: A blend of garlic powder, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano complements the parmesan perfectly.

Helpful tip: The skin is consumable, so don’t peel it off! It’ll become soft enough to eat after it roasts. Plus, it helps keep the flesh together to form perfect slices.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How To Make Roasted Acorn Squash

Prep the acorn squash. Slice the top and bottom off, then slice it in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then slice each half into 1-inch thick slices. Side note – if your acorn squash isn’t ripe yet, it will be a bit harder to slice through!

Sliced acorn squash on a cutting board before roasting

Mix it all up! Toss the squash slices with oil, parmesan, garlic, salt, basil, thyme, and oregano.

A bowl of sliced acorn squash before roasting

It’s baking time. Place the squash slices on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C). They should be soft and slightly golden!

A baking sheet filled with parmesan herb roasted acorn squash

Helpful tip: If you want a thicker parmesan crumble on top, pile any of the leftover parmesan herb mix on top of each squash slice before baking. It’ll be extra delicious!

A white platter of parmesan herb roasted acorn squash

Storage Tips

  • To store: Any leftover squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind that it will soften over time.
  • To freeze: Let any slices completely cool before popping them in the freezer. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. And to prevent the slices from sticking to each other, you can add parchment paper in between.

More Easy Roasted Vegetables

I’m excited to see all your platters of this parmesan herb roasted acorn squash this holiday season! If you make it, be sure to drop a comment below on how it turned out.

Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash on a white plate with forks

Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

5 from 94 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

This roasted acorn squash recipe is tossed in the most delicious parmesan herb seasoning. Perfect for a holiday vegetable side dish recipe!

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the top and bottom of the squash, then place it on a flat end and slice it in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then slice each half into slices about 1-inch thick.
    Slicing acorn squash on a wooden cutting board
  • Add the squash to a large mixing bowl along with the oil, parmesan, garlic, salt, basil, thyme, and oregano. Use your hand to toss the ingredients together, until well mixed.
    Mixing acorn squash slices with seasoning in a bowl
  • Place the squash slices on a parchment-lined baking tray. If there's extra parmesan herb mixture in the bowl, just press that onto the top side of the slices. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until soft and lightly golden on top.
    Roasted acorn squashes on a baking tray
  • Transfer the roasted acorn squash to a serving platter and enjoy!
    A white plate of parmesan herb roasted acorn squash

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 540mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 678IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash, Roasted Acorn Squash
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

5 from 94 votes (35 ratings without comment)

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151 Comments

  1. What a fabulous way to enjoy the fall and its richness in taste and color. I appreciate this recipe to have on hand now all year round.

  2. SO delicious! My husband loved it. This will be on our regular rotation from now on. I served with baked fish and green beans,5 stars

  3. Delicious- do you eat the skins or just eat around it? I know with some squash, people eat the skin, but I’m thinking this type of squash the skin would be too tough🤷‍♀️
    Can’t wait to make it this way!!5 stars

  4. Absolutely delicious! I made it exactly as written and the extra mixture that I added to the slices on the pan were yummy and crunchy! Served with thick pork chops and a salad.5 stars

  5. I am wondering what the serving size is for the nutrition information given. The sodium is 490 and I am working on sodium intake. Thanks! Meg

  6. This recipe did not disappoint at all. It’s very easy but when I first started it I thought you needed to have the coating stick to it .It doesn’t stick very well, whatever does not stick just lay it on top put it in the oven and it came out fantastic.5 stars

    1. You can give it an initial toss, but make sure you grab all the leftover parmesan in the bowl and sprinkle on top of each one!

  7. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! Our acorn squash is coming on early this year, so some won’t wait until Thanksgiving. I paired it with lentils and chicken (marinated in the same spice combo as the squash). It made a lovely summer meal. The entire family loved it. Even got a fist pump from the youngest! So fist pump back to you, my friend, for the healthy meal idea!5 stars

  8. This squash recipe is wonderful. I made this the day after Easter with a baked chicken and carrots. My family was not disappointed and I saved this as a favorite recipe. Everything blended so well together and after having some sweets the day before, all the healthy veggies were just what we needed. (Although technically this acorn squash is technically a fruit, we eat it as a veggie.) Thanks for sharing with us.5 stars

    1. So happy you and your family loved this acorn squash recipe, Lynda! And sounds great with baked chicken and carrots.

  9. I made this twice. One with regular cheese and one with plant-based cheese. They both came out great. The acorn squash comes alive.5 stars

  10. I made this last night. I’ve NEVER made or eaten acorn squash before. It was easy and delicious. Directions were perfect. thank you.

  11. This was a great recipe! The herb combination and parm cheese too the acorn squash to a different level. Thank You!5 stars

      1. My 3rd time to offer this recipe to my employers, sounds they loved it! Thank you for sharing. Absolutely delicious!5 stars

  12. This was awesome!!!!! Thanks so much for the recipe that will be added to the weekly rotation for sure!!!!!! Taste was amazing!!!