How To Cook Acorn Squash | Oven, Slow Cooker, and Microwave Instructions

Cook acorn squash effortlessly with this Instant Pot Acorn Squash recipe. Learn also how to prepare acorn squash in the oven, slow cooker, and microwave.

Why Instant Pot Acorn Squash?

When preparing acorn squash for soup, for a stuffed squash recipe, or for a simple yet delicious vegetarian treat, I most definitely prefer the Instant Pot Acorn Squash cooking method over all other methods.

Here are some reasons why cooking acorn squash in the Instant Pot is the easiest and most efficient method:

• Low prep. You'll seriously spend maybe a minute or two prepping to cook the squash.
• 11 minute cook time. Only 6 minutes at pressure and 5 minutes of NPR and it's done cooking.
• Easy cutting and peeling. You actually peel and cut the squash after you cook it, which makes it so much easier to do.

How To Tell If An Acorn Squash Is Ripe

Acorn squash will be deep green in color. Don't worry if there's a bright yellow or orange spot on your squash. This is where the squash sat while it was growing and ripening.

Can You Cook An Unripe Acorn Squash

Well, yes you can. Unfortunately, it won't be quite as delicious as ripe acorn squash and it will take more time to cook completely.

But don't fret. If you accidentally pick a squash that is underripe, you still have a shot of saving it. Add another 2-3 minutes of cooking time under pressure to make it tender.

How Do You Cut And Prepare Acorn Squash?

If you're using the Instant Pot, forget about peeling it! Not only is it incredibly dangerous, but it's time-consuming.

If you want to cook acorn squash in your Instant Pot, just toss it in the pot and poke a few holes. Cook under high pressure and once it's finished, use a spoon to easily remove the peel from the squash.

Does Acorn Squash Shred?

Just like spaghetti squash, acorn squash is easily shredded when they are cooked adequately. Take a fork and run through the inside of the cooked squash. Push as far as you possibly can without piercing the skin of the acorn squash. Run the fork through the tender squash until it has been shredded.

How To Cook An Acorn Squash In The Instant Pot

• Add water. Add about a cup of water to the Instant Pot.

• Place. Place a silicone trivet into the pot. This helps create a barrier between the acorn squash and the bottom of the pot so the squash doesn't end up getting a burnt spot on it while it cooks.

• Poke holes. Using a small, sharp knife, poke holes in the acorn squash. This allows the steam to escape from the inside of the squash. Don't skip this step! If left unpierced, the squash can explode inside your Instant Pot.

• Cook. Okay, so there are two different functions you can use to steam acorn squash in the Instant Pot. There is the Pressure Cook function and the Steam function. In this case, you'll be using the Pressure Cook function. Cook the acorn squash at high pressure for 6 minutes.

• Release pressure. Allow the pot to rest and release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release all of the remaining pressure.
• Check. Open the pot and use a knife to check if it is done cooking. If you can easily pierce the outside of the acorn squash with a knife, it's done.
• Remove. Using two ladles or large spoons, carefully remove the hot squash from the Instant Pot. I wouldn't suggest using the handles of the trivet as I attempted to do so and ended up dropping the squash into the pot, causing hot water to splash all over the place. And believe me, you don't want hot water splashed on your face.

• Peel. Peel the outer skin off of the acorn squash. You can either start peeling it with a fork and then peel the rest by hand or use a soft fruit peeler to remove the majority of the skin and then peel the rest by hand.

• Cut and remove seeds. Cut the acorn squash in half and, using a fork and a grapefruit spoon, remove the seeds from the squash.

• Serve. You can now use the prepared acorn squash to make a soup, cut it up and serve it with a little bit of butter, sugar (or Splenda) and cinnamon or serve it with some salt and pepper.

How To Cook Acorn Squash In The Oven

You can easily prepare acorn squash in the oven by following these steps:

• Preheat. Preheat the oven to 400F.
• Cut and remove seeds. Cut the acorn squash in half and, using a fork and a grapefruit spoon, remove the seeds from the squash.
• Cook. Bake for 1 hour, skin side down, until it is easily pierced by a fork.
• Serve. You can now use the prepared acorn squash to make a soup, cut it up and serve it with a little bit of butter, sugar (or Splenda) and cinnamon or serve it with some salt and pepper.

Can I Cook Acorn Squash In A Slow Cooker?

But of course. Just follow these steps to make acorn squash in a slow cooker:

• Add water. Add about 1/2 cup water in the slow cooker.
• Cut and remove seeds. Cut the acorn squash in half and, using a fork and a grapefruit spoon, remove the seeds from the squash.
• Cook. Place in the slow cooker skin side down. Check at 3 hours to see if it is done.
• Serve. You can now add melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon over the top of the squash and cook for another 1/2 hour if needed

Can I Cook Acorn Squash In The Microwave?

Yes, just follow these simple steps in order to cook acorn squash in your microwave:

• Cut and remove seeds. Cut the acorn squash in half and, using a fork and a grapefruit spoon, remove the seeds from the squash.
• Plate squash. Place the squash on a plate. Add a few tablespoons of water.
• Cook. Cover the squash with a microwave-safe dish. I like to use a partially zipped plastic bag. I just add water to it and cook on high for 10-15 minutes skin side down, until it is easily pierced by a fork.
• Serve. You can now add melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon over the top of the squash and cook for another 1/2 hour if needed.

In case you are just looking for inspiration before buying a microwave, we recommend checking out this article about microwaves.

What Does Acorn Squash Taste Like?

Acorn squash meat has a mild, nutty flavor to it. Since it has such a mild flavor to it, it can be prepared as a sweet or savory dish.

Making stuffed acorn squash is fantastic since the mild flavor allows you to stuff it with a myriad of options, like my Wild Rice Pilaf, Farro Rissoto recipe, or Israeli Couscous Pilaf.

You can also make a Thai Sangkhaya Dessert recipe using acorn squash.

Is Acorn Squash Healthy?

Instant Pot Acorn Squash is actually quite nutritious while being low in calories. It's high in vitamin C, which helps your immune system. It's also high in Vitamin B, which helps with red blood cell production and metabolism, it's full of magnesium and potassium, and it's high in fiber.

Can You Eat Acorn Squash Skin?

Though all squash skin is edible, it doesn't mean that it's enjoyable. Some squash skins, even when cooked, can be unpleasantly tough and stringy.

Acorn squash skin, however, is actually quite pleasant and tasty. You can simply prepare the skin like you would the meat of the squash if you'd like to give it a try.

How Should I Serve Cooked Acorn Squash?

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You can serve Instant Pot Acorn Squash in a myriad of ways. Here are just a few suggestions:

Use it in a dish:

• Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Bacon - Simply sub the butternut squash for acorn squash in this recipe for a great soup option.
• Butternut Squash with Ginger - Sub the butternut squash for acorn squash for this classic comfort dish.

Stuff it with something yummy:

• Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf - Rich with flavor and loaded with veggies.
• Farro Risotto With Butternut Squash - The savory and sweet flavors of fall in one delightful dish.
• Israeli Couscous Pilaf - A delightful vegetarian dish you'll love.
• Thai Sangkhaya - Listed by some in the top 100 foods to eat before you die 🙂

Now that you know how to make the perfect Instant Pot Acorn Squash, what do you plan to do with it? Let me know in the comments! Make sure to share this recipe with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can enjoy it as well!