It's winter squash season! Here's how to cook acorn squash.

Oh, hey! It’s winter squash season! Here’s how to choose, prep and cook acorn squash for a delightful fall meal.

Two acorn squashes are shown on a wooden cutting board. They have a pointy end and lengthwise groves and are mostly a deep green in color.

From delicata squash to butternut squash to spaghetti squash, winter squash offer a variety of flavor profiles and textures for squash-lovers to enjoy. The popular acorn squash is particularly delightful for roasting and stuffing.

Wondering where to start? That’s what I am here to help with. Hit the farmers market or grocery store, get some acorn squash and let’s get cooking.

How to Select an Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is roughly shaped like an acorn with a pointy end and bulbous body with distinctive ridges running its length. When you grip the squash, it should be hard and firm with a dark green exterior (a bright orange spot is okay). If it feels unexpectedly light, choose a different one.

Preparing the Squash for Cooking

Once you have your acorn squash, you’ll want to clean it and prep it for cooking. Start by rinsing it with cold water. Use your fingers to dislodge any dirt from the exterior.

Four halves of acorn squash are shown in a wooden cutting board, cut side up. The flesh is orange.

Four halves of acorn squash are shown in a wooden cutting board, cut side up. The flesh is orange. A bowl with seeds and stringy insides is shown nearby.

Next, you’ll need to remove the seeds. To do so, cut the squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Be careful as you do so, as it can be challenging. Once cut in half, use a spoon to remove all the sinewy bits inside as well as the seeds.

Psst! Don’t waste! Acorn squash seeds can be roasted.

How to Cook Acorn Squash

One half of acorn squash is shown on a baking sheet, cut side up. The flesh is orange. Three halves are shown cut-side down. The exterior is mostly rich green.

The simplest way to cook acorn squash is to roast it. To do so, heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.