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Home » Blog » Veggie Recipes » Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash

Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash

Cathy Roma Published: Oct 24, 2019

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This sweet and spicy acorn squash is fall on a plate, with a kick!
This sweet and spicy acorn squash is fall on a plate, with a kick!
Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash on a round wood board on a plaid towel with a scattering of parsley

Sweet and spicy acorn squash slices make for a deliciously seasonal side dish, easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for the holiday table.

The squash is cut into 1/2 inch thick slices and tossed in a spicy blend of chipotle (in adobo sauce), garlic, honey, and soy.

I like to cook mine on a hot, hot griddle until it caramelizes and can be easily pierced with a fork. Alternatively you can pop these in a hot oven and roast them, just be sure to use nonstick foil or parchment so they don’t stick to the pan.

Close up of Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash on a wood board.

My preference is to buy a slightly smaller acorn squash as it’s more manageable to cut. You’ll need a sharp knife and a little muscle as these babies can be stubborn. But once grilled or roasted, they are tender and delicious and worth a little elbow grease.

Looking for a new side dish for Thanksgiving? Sweet and spicy acorn squash slices will pack and flavor punch! The squash can be scooped and sliced in advance and the sauce made a day before as well (hold both in the frig until ready to cook).

The caramelized color and shiny glaze makes a pretty presentation for your holiday table too!

Let’s make Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash

Step by step photos showing how to make Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash. Cut the squash in half and scoop out seeds (1), cut into slices (2), make the sauce (3), Toss the squash in the sauce and grill (4).
  1. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
  2. Place the cut side down and cut each half into 1/2 inch slices.
  3. Blend all of the ingredients for the sauce together in a mini-prep or whisk by hand.
  4. Toss the squash slices in the sauce and grill or roast until caramelized and tender.
Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash on a long griddle pan with pumpkins scattered around.

Tips for success

  • Acorn squash can be tough to cut through. I recommend buying a smaller squash, about 2 lbs, which will be easier to handle and muscle through.
  • Like more heat? Add another chipotle pepper or a couple more spoons of adobo sauce.
  • Whether you’re cooking these on the stove top or in the oven, a nonstick surface is important so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn.
  • Use the additional sauce to baste the squash as it cooks for more flavor.
  • Be sure the acorn squash is very tender before serving.
Overhead shot of Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash on a round wood board on a plaid towel.
5 from 4 votes
Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash on a round wood board with a scattering of parsley.
Print
Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

This sweet and spicy acorn squash is autumnn on a plate, with a kick!

Course: Vegetable Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: acorn squash
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 274 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For…
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs acorn squash
  • 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, plus 1 tsp sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. Lightly coat a griddle or grill pan with oil. (Alternatively, Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or foil sprayed with cooking spray.)

  2. Combine all ingredients (except squash) in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and blend until smooth. Alternatively, mince the chipotle and whisk together with the remaining ingredients until homogenous.
  3. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash in half inch thick slices. Toss the slices in the sauce well to coat.

  4. Heat the griddle or grill pan on high. Lay the squash slices down in a single layer. Brush with additional sauce. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the underside is well browned and flip. Brush again with sauce. (Alternatively, place on the baking sheet and drizzle with remaining sauce and roast until browned and tender, about 20-25 mins. Brush with sauce once while they roast.)

  5. Continue to cook until thje squash is very tender, caramelized and can be easily pierced with a fork. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes
  • Acorn squash can be tough to cut through. I recommend buying a smaller squash, about 2 lbs, which will be easier to handle and muscle through.
  • Like more heat? Add another chipotle pepper or a couple more spoons of adobo sauce.
  • Whether you’re cooking these on the stove top or in the oven, a nonstick surface is important so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn.
  • Use the additional sauce to baste the squash as it cooks for more flavor.
  • Be sure the acorn squash is very tender before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 890mg39%
Potassium 797mg23%
Carbohydrates 40g13%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1020IU20%
Vitamin C 27mg33%
Calcium 83mg8%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
16

Recipe, Side Dish Recipes, Veggie Recipes acorn squash, acorn, autumn, fall, side dish, squash, vegetable. roasted, vegetables, vegetarian

About Cathy Roma

My food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. Sweet, savory, healthy, decadent…food, like life, is all about balance. I rely on my background as a trained chef/mom to create family-friendly recipes that will inspire you to cook, not complicate your life.

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HEY THERE, I’M CATHY.

My food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. Sweet, savory, healthy, decadent…food, like life, is all about balance. I rely on my background as a trained chef/mom to create family-friendly recipes that will inspire you to cook, not complicate your life.

Learn More about Cathy

Subscribe now to receive my exclusive guide of How to Stock a Pantry delivered straight to your inbox!

Join the What Should I Make For... Community to learn what to cook to when to achieve a happier, more balanced life.

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