By Christie Vanover | Published January 2, 2016 | Last Updated November 9, 2022
This is a basic method for grilling acorn squash halves. Once you learn the technique, you can add your own flair to the recipe to really make it your own.
Ingredients
Substitutions: Feel free to add any other seasonings you like. Warm Middle Eastern spices like harissa taste great with acorn squash.
How to grill acorn squash halves
These can be cooked on a gas, charcoal, pellet or Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. Set your grill to medium-high heat or 375-400F degrees with a direct heat zone. If you’re using a pellet grill, it’s okay to leave the deflector plate in the grill.
- STEP ONE: Carefully, cut the acorn squash in half vertically from the stem to the bottom, using a large sharp chef’s knife. Remove and discard the seeds.
PRO TIP: To make the squash easier to cut, pierce the outside with a fork a few times and microwave it for 2 minutes. Let it cool to the touch, and then try slicing it in half.
- STEP TWO: Brush oil on the cut side and sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like.
- STEP THREE: Place the cut acorn squash on the heated grill cut side down and cook for 15 minutes.
- STEP FOUR: Flip and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when you pierce it with a fork.
How to serve acorn squash halves
You can keep this recipe simple and serve grilled acorn squash halves straight from the grill, or you can add more flavor and flair. Here are some ideas:
Maple Bacon Acorn Squash: During the last 5 minutes of the cook, brush each half with maple syrup. Just before serving, garnish with crumbled cooked bacon and sliced green onions.
Harissa Acorn Squash: When seasoning the acorn squash, add on a few sprinkles of harissa seasoning. Once the cooking is complete, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and diced cucumbers and red onions.
Hot Honey Acorn Squash: During the last 5 minutes of the cook, brush each half with hot honey. Just before serving, garnish with crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries and fresh thyme.
Wild Rice Acorn Squash: Prepare your favorite wild rice recipe. Once the squash have finished cooking, spoon the wild rice inside each half and garnish with fresh herbs.
For more servings or appetizer-size portions, cut each half into 2-4 pieces.
Storage
Grilled acorn squash halves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or an air fryer.
You can also scoop any remaining squash from the skins and store it separately to mix into quiches, soups or salads.
Although you can freeze grilled acorn squash for up to 6 months, the consistency isn’t as enjoyable when it’s thawed and reheated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Acorn squash is a winter squash with a hard rind that is shaped kind of like an acorn. It has a very neutral flavor with notes of nuttiness and mild acidity.
It takes about 45 minutes in total. Start by grilling them cut side down for 15 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for another 30 minutes, until they’re fork tender.
Yes. Follow the same steps, but cook them on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 375F degree oven. Start by cooking them cut side down and then flip them.
You can either cut them vertically from stem to bottom or horizontally. I prefer cutting them vertically, so they lay more even. Use a very sharp chef’s knife. Place the point near the stem and carefully press it into the squash toward the center and work your way down one side. Turn the squash and repeat with the other side. Then, give it a twist and scoop out the seeds.
More grilled squash recipes
Grilled Acorn Squash Halves
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 tsp olive oil
- pinch kosher salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (375-400F degrees).
- Prepare: Cut the squash in half vertically. Remove and discard the seeds.
- Season: Season both sides with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Grill: Grill cut side down for 15 minutes. Flip grill 30 minutes, until fork tender.
Nutrition
This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator
Hi Christie, would you recommend indirect heat for the cut-side down? Or would I need to set them directly over the coals?
Hi Steve. I cook them over direct heat. If they start to cook too fast, I move them to the edges of the coals.
Really? That’s it? No…after the acorn squash is finished add a bit of butter, salt & pepper, chopped spices and dash of brown sugar to infuse and enhance the bbq flavor? Just your done? Hmm…professional BBQ-er?
This recipe is intended to show people the basics of how to cook squash. Everyone is welcome to then dress it up however they want. No need to be rude.
Ignore Anonymous whoever. Basic recipes are good. I was just looking for grill time and direct or indirect cooking. You’re the only site I found that answered my questions. Thanks.
Hi. I just have to say Thank You ladies for the comments re: Anona – HHmmm? ProNetTard? I had the same sentiments when i read that comment. If you can’t be creative with cooking & make it tailored to you own tastes then go to B3tty Cr0cker or some other corporate promo recipe site with your Qs & Coms. Good question to Steve. I’m cooking on gas though (Nor Cali apt living) & can cover so I’ve gotta account for that but seems like it should be shorter time maybe a bit lower heat. I’m trying it with salmon tonight, first time Qing both. I usually do a low-mid heat like my steak & mini golden potatoes last night. But, like Steph, just needed the basics of time & method without all the prep steps. I appreciate not getting a big family story & other (dish) suggestions or variations prior to the main info you’re searching for – recipe Not necessarily necessary – so Thank You, Christie, for just posting what matters. I don’t often search unless i need suggested guidance (as time & temp), more of a cook by feel guy, but if you do this is someone to follow for general facts without any fluff That’s evident by my initial experience. – Good luck to you all & Grill On, Girls! ….. P.S. I don’t Ever make comments on Anything, not a “follower” or on the socials much at all but I really felt compelled to share. Hope it helped some. CHEERS! – B