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    Home » Recipes » Vegetables & Side Dishes » Grilled Acorn Squash

    Published: Nov 6, 2022 by Linda Warren

    Grilled Acorn Squash

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This grilled acorn squash is crispy, smoky, tender perfection. And this side dish wouldn't be complete without the last-minute honey glaze It's the perfect complement to the dish's warm, flavorful autumn spices.

    This delectable squash recipe is surprisingly effortless to make and is a healthy side for every day but looks impressive enough for the holiday table.

    Closeup of grilled acorn squash with pomegranate arils garnish.

    Table of contents

    • Delicious Fall Grilling
    • Benefits of Acorn Squash
    • Can You Grill Acorn Squash?
    • Why You'll Love This Grilled Acorn Squash Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Cook Acorn Squash on the Grill
    • Recipe Variations
    • How To Store
      • Can you freeze acorn squash?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Delicious Fall Side Dishes

    Delicious Fall Grilling

    Grilling isn't just for summertime! This piquant acorn squash will draw everyone to the dining room table. The syrupy glaze and savory spices fill the air with enticing aromas. Every bite is a treat! It's the perfect fall side dish.

    Winter squash is perfectly seasonal for holiday meals and there are so many different recipes you can make with all sorts of types of squash. Butternut squash quinoa pilaf is delightfully herbaceous. Pumpkin squash soup is sweet and creamy, and Italian stuffed spaghetti squash is an entire meal.

    Grilled acorn squash on platter with parsley and pomegranate garnish.

    Benefits of Acorn Squash

    Acorn squash is a super-healthy vegetable. Vitamin C boosts your immune system while the high vitamin A content aids vision. It also has its fair share of antioxidants that prevent cellular damage. And, of course, don't forget about the fiber which is amazing for your gut health.

    Can You Grill Acorn Squash?

    Yes, you most certainly can grill acorn squash! That's what this recipe is all about.

    Why You'll Love This Grilled Acorn Squash Recipe

    You'll adore this tasty grilled acorn squash recipe. It has both bold and spicy and sticky-sweet flavors at the same time. It tastes like a gourmet squash side dish but is a cinch to make, even for beginning cooks!

    Ingredients

    Grilled squash ingredients.
    • Acorn Squash - either the typical green or the golden variety (which is actually orange).
    • Nutmeg and Ginger - the warm spices of fall
    • Salt & pepper - for enhancing all the fantastic flavors
    • Butter
    • Honey - adds sweetness to the squash

    How to Cook Acorn Squash on the Grill

    Steps to make acorn squash recipe.
    1. Halve acorn squash and remove pulp and seeds. There is no need to peel it.
    2. Slice into ½-inch slices. They will resemble half moons.
    3. Place slices in a large bowl.
    4. Season the acorn squash slices with ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
    5. Pour melted butter over the slices.
    6. Toss to coat. Spray grill with nonstick spray and grill on medium heat (about 325 to 350°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    Drizzling honey over grilled squash.
    1. Remove the squash to a platter and drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of parsley and pomegranate arils.
    Garnished grilled squash on fall table.

    Recipe Variations

    • Add a little cinnamon to the mix of spices. About ½ teaspoon will do nicely.
    • Substitute honey with maple syrup.
    • Substitute honey with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
    • Substitute nutmeg and ginger with pumpkin pie spice.

    How To Store

    Place the grilled acorn squash in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Can you freeze acorn squash?

    Yes, freezing acorn squash is simple. It can be frozen raw or cooked.

    To freeze raw acorn squash you must peel it first and remove the seeds and stringy pulp. Cut the squash into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet with space between them. Freeze then transfer the frozen squash to a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag.

    To freeze cooked or grilled acorn squash place it in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Note the texture won't be the same after freezing and thawing as it was after grilling.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you leave the peel on when grilling acorn squash?

    Yes, you will leave the skin on acorn squash when grilling it. The peel will become tender as it is cooking.

    Can you eat acorn squash skin?

    You can eat acorn squash skin after grilling, broiling, roasting, or baking it. The skin will be mild and tender. Cooked acorn squash skin will easily separate from the flesh.

    What goes well with acorn squash?

    Acorn squash pairs well with all types of meat and seafood. It also goes well with pasta, potatoes, and dark leafy greens.

    How do you pick an acorn squash?

    Choose an acorn squash that’s heavy for its size, does not have soft spots, and has smooth dull skin. Green acorn squash should have an orange spot.

    What does grilled acorn squash taste like?

    Acorn squash has a sweet, buttery taste. Grilling gives it a slightly smoky accent.

    More Delicious Fall Side Dishes

    • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese - starts with spiral-cut butternut squash and tosses it with a creamy, fall-spiced cheese sauce.
    • Fried Cinnamon Apples - are apples at their best! It's the perfect 10-minute cinnamon-flavored fall side dish.
    • Rosemary Potatoes in Air Fryer - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and take just 30 minutes.
    • Roasted Fall Vegetables from Taste and See
    • Sweet Potato Puffs - are all about the surprise. Sweet potatoes are baked with a marshmallow inside for a sweet holiday treat.

    Find lots of easy grilling recipes and delicious fall recipes here on 2CM!

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    Closeup of garnished acorn squash.

    Grilled Acorn Squash

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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium acorn squash halved and seeded
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ginger
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 4 Tablespoons butter
    • 2 Tablespoons honey
    • Garnish: parsley, pomegranate arils

    Instructions

    • Wash squash well. Cut in half from stem to bottom. Scoop out seeds then slice in ½" wide half moon shapes. You should get approximately 8 per half.
    • Place the squash in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, ginger, and nutmeg.
    • Drizzle with butter and toss to coat.
    • preheat grill to medium temperature. Spray the grill with nonstick spray.
    • Place the squash directly on the grill grates and cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
    • Remove cooked squash to a platter and drizzle with honey.
    • Garnish with parsley and pomegranate arils.

    Notes

    To Roast in Oven: Place slices flat on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup) and roast for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees or until tender.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 746IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

    This post has been updated with an improved recipe, new photos and step-by-step instructions. It was first published October 8, 2013.

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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