Grilled acorn squash sliced into rings makes a simple side dish that’s both pretty and healthy and ready in about 30 minutes.
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Of all the winter squash varieties, grilled acorn squash is one of the easiest to make, and it is so mild you can dress it up with sweet or savory toppings for the perfect side dish. It’s also hearty enough to eat as a main course.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Acorn Squash: Acorn squash is a winter squash that is green and orange and shaped like an acorn. You can find it in your produce section.
- Vegetable Oil: Use your favorite oil to brush the rings, so they don’t stick to the grill. Canola, avocado and olive oil work great.
- Harissa: This Middle Eastern seasoning has warm, earthy spices with chiles, salt and garlic.
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
Substitutions: You can use any type of seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder or cayenne pepper. Barbecue rubs also work great.
How to grill acorn squash rings
Heat your charcoal grill, gas grill or pellet grill to medium-high heat (375-400F degrees) with a direct heat zone. If you’re using a pellet grill, you can leave the deflector plate in place.
You can also cook these on an indoor grill pan or in a Ninja Grill.
- STEP ONE: On a cutting board, cut the acorn squash into rings by slicing off both ends and carefully cutting the squash into 1/2-inch slices with a sharp chef’s knife. Use a spoon or pairing knife to remove the seeds from the center.
- STEP TWO: Brush both sides of each ring with oil and season with harissa seasoning, salt and pepper.
- STEP THREE: Place the squash slices on the heated grill over direct heat. Grill about 10 minutes per side.
That’s enough time for them to form pretty grill marks and get tender. You’ll know they’re ready when you can pierce them with a fork and it glides in easily.
How to serve grilled acorn squash
These colorful acorn squash rings can be served straight from the grill as a great side dish, main dish or appetizer. Or you can make them even more special with extra garnish. Here are some additions you can try:
Honey Pecan: During the last five minutes on the grill, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar. Remove from the grill and drizzle with honey and crushed toasted pecans.
Butter Parmesan: During the last 5 minutes on the grill, drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Jalapeño Popper: After they’ve been on the grill for 15 minutes, transfer them to a baking sheet. Cover each slice with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with a diced Jalapeño pepper and cooked bacon crumbles. Place the pan on the grill for five minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Maple Walnut: After you grill them, place them on a platter and drizzle each ring with maple syrup. Sprinkle with crushed toasted walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles.
If you’re serving a larger crowd, grill 2-3 acorn squashes. Each squash yields about 5 acorn slices.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy them cold or reheat them in the microwave.
GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips
- Carefully slice each squash into half-inch rings and remove the seeds
- Set your grill up with a direct heat zone to create good grill marks
- Cook until the squash is fork tender, about 10 minutes per side
- Once you master the technique, you can add a variety of flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you follow this recipe, the skin will be tender enough to eat and adds a little texture. If you prefer not to eat it, it’s really easy to pull the skin away from the roasted acorn squash.
Grilled acorn squash is delicious, because it gets a little crispy and caramelized on the outside while the inside is tender and soft like a baked sweet potato. You can grill the acorn squash in rings, like this recipe, or you can grill acorn squash halves.
Absolutely. Each serving is low in fat and sodium, but high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.
Yes. I have a great recipe that uses a combination of butternut squash and acorn squash to make a rich and creamy soup.
Pierce it a few times with a fork and microwave it for 1-2 minutes. This will help soften the rind slightly, so it’s easier to cut.
What to Serve with Grilled Acorn Squash Rings
- Reverse Seared Pork Prime Rib Roast
- Bacon Bourbon Smoked Turkey on Big Green Egg
- How to Grill Prime Rib Roast
More Squash Recipes
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Grilled Acorn Squash Rings
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp harissa seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Grill: Heat your grill to 375-400F degrees with a direct heat zone.
- Cut: Using a sharp knife, cut both ends off of the acorn squash. Carefully, cut the remaining squash into 1/2-inch rings and remove the seeds.
- Season: Brush oil on each ring and season each side with the harissa, salt and pepper.
- Grill: Grill for 10 minutes per side, until they are fork tender.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
