Grilled Acorn Squash Halves

Name: Grilled Acorn Squash Halves
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 acorn squash; 1 tsp olive oil; pinch kosher salt; pinch black pepper

Change things up by serving grilled acorn squash halves. These delightful fall fruits add a smooth richness to any meal.

4.47 from 63 votes

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By Christie Vanover | Published January 2, 2016 | Last Updated November 9, 2022

Home | Recipes | Grilled Acorn Squash Halves

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.

two grilled acorn squash halves on slate platter.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ingredients
How to grill acorn squash halves
How to serve acorn squash halves
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
More grilled squash recipes

Ingredients

Acorn Squash: This is a winter squash that is about the size of a grapefruit and is green and orange on the outside with a bright pale orange interior.
Vegetable Oil: You can use any type of vegetable oil like corn oil, avocado oil, coconut oil or olive oil.
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper

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.

Knife cutting acorn squash under stem. — Pierce at the top

knife cutting acorn squash in half vertically. — Pierce at the top

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.

brushing oil on cut acorn squash half. — Brush with oil

Acorn squash cut in half and seasoned with salt and pepper. — Brush with oil

STEP THREE: Place the cut acorn squash on the heated grill cut side down and cook for 15 minutes.

acorn squash halves on grill cut side down.

STEP FOUR: Flip and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when you pierce it with a fork.

acorn squash halves on grill cut side up.

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.

grilled acorn squash cut into quarters with goat cheese and cranberries.

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.

GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips

If your acorn squash is too hard to cut, microwave it for 2 minutes
Set your grill up with a direct heat zone
Start by grilling the squash cut side down; once you flip it, the juices and seasonings will remain in the cavity as it continues to cook

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an acorn squash?

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.

How long does it take to grill acorn squash halves?

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.

Can acorn squash halves be cooked in the oven?

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.

How do you halve acorn squash?

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

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