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- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) - Additional herbs and spices - Alternative cheeses When I prepare Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash, I gather my ingredients first. I use two medium acorn squashes. These squashes have a lovely shape and sweet taste. Next, I measure out three tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil adds rich flavor and helps the squash roast well. Then, I grab garlic powder. One teaspoon adds a nice depth to the dish. I also use dried thyme and rosemary, both one teaspoon each. These herbs give the squash an earthy taste. I add one teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. These seasonings balance the flavors perfectly. I can't forget the star ingredient: Parmesan cheese. I use half a cup of grated cheese for a nice, cheesy crust. Finally, I chop two tablespoons of fresh parsley. It adds a bright touch when serving. You can also think about optional ingredients. You might want to play with extra herbs or spices. For those who love cheese, try different kinds to change the taste. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment! Prepping the acorn squash Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, take two medium acorn squashes. Cut them in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps them roast evenly and prevents sticking. Making the seasoning blend In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. This blend is key for adding flavor to the squash. Stir well until everything combines into a smooth mixture. Roasting process Brush the cut sides of the squash generously with your seasoning blend. Next, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the seasoned squash halves. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes. The squash should be tender and the tops golden brown. Tips for achieving perfect browning To get that nice golden color, keep an eye on the squash. If they need more color, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end. This helps the cheese crisp up nicely. Let them cool for a few minutes after roasting. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. To get that perfect roasted acorn squash, start by ensuring even cooking. Place the squash cut side up on a lined baking sheet. This helps the heat reach all parts of the squash. Make sure to use a good amount of the olive oil blend. It keeps the squash moist and tasty. After roasting for 30 to 35 minutes, check for tenderness. A fork should slide easily into the flesh. If it doesn't, give it a few more minutes. You want it soft and ready to eat. To add a twist to your acorn squash, think about sweet or spicy elements. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add sweetness. If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Both options can change the flavor game. When it comes to garnishes, fresh parsley gives a nice touch. It adds color and a fresh taste. You could also use toasted nuts for crunch. They provide a nice contrast to the soft squash. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavors to match your taste. Adding red pepper flakes gives the dish a spicy kick. Just sprinkle a pinch on top of the squash before roasting. This heat pairs well with the Parmesan. If you want different herbs, try basil or oregano. Each herb brings a unique flavor. Mix and match to create your own blend! If you need a gluten-free option, this recipe is perfect. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You might also use a plant-based cheese. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Feel free to explore different options to suit your palate! After enjoying your Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash, let it cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the squash fresh for a few days. Store it in the fridge, where it will last about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. To reheat, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the squash on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating. Just place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. This method may not keep the squash as crispy, but it’s fast and easy. How long does it take to roast acorn squash? Roasting acorn squash takes about 30 to 35 minutes. You want it tender and golden brown. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get the best results. Can I use a different type of squash? Yes, you can use other squashes. Butternut and delicata are great options. They both roast well and have a nice flavor. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of squash you choose. What can I serve with Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash? This dish pairs well with proteins like chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it with grains such as quinoa or rice. A simple green salad adds freshness and balance to your meal. Caloric and nutritional breakdown Each serving of Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash has about 200 calories. It provides healthy fats from olive oil and protein from Parmesan cheese. The squash is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which are great for your health. Health benefits of acorn squash Acorn squash is rich in fiber, which is good for digestion. It also has antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Eating this squash can boost your immune system and keep your skin healthy. It’s a tasty way to add nutrition to your meals! This blog post covered everything you need to know about cooking acorn squash. We explored essential and optional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You also learned about flavor variations and how to store leftovers. Acorn squash offers great taste and health benefits, making it a versatile choice for any meal. With these tips, you can easily create a delicious dish that impresses. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that suit your taste!

Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

Elevate your fall cooking with this delicious Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash recipe! This simple and savory dish combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with fragrant herbs and rich Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect side for any meal. In just 45 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful recipe. Don’t wait - click through to discover how to create this tasty dish and enjoy autumn flavors at home!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Cut the acorn squashes in half and scoop out the seeds. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

      In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.

        Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash halves generously with the olive oil mixture.

          Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the seasoned squash halves.

            Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the tops are golden brown.

              Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4