If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish, Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan Cheese is the perfect recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with the savory flavors of Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful balance that will have everyone asking for seconds. Originating from traditional fall and winter meals, roasted acorn squash is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Acorn Squash
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash: Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp using a spoon. After that, cut the squash into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Season the squash: In a large bowl, toss the acorn squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
Roasting the Squash
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the seasoned squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the squash slices.
- Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender and the cheese is golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Garnish and serve: Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan Cheese.
Tips and Variations
- Add a touch of sweetness: If you enjoy a sweeter flavor, sprinkle a little brown sugar on the squash before roasting. This creates a lovely caramelized coating.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage for added flavor.
- Substitute the cheese: If you prefer, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a different taste.
- Roasted acorn squash slices: For a simpler version, you can roast the acorn squash slices with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, skipping the Parmesan and spices.
- Stuffed acorn squash recipes: Use the same roasting method to prepare acorn squash for stuffing with grains, vegetables, or meat for a hearty meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information for Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan Cheese per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Vitamin A: 20% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value
- Calcium: 10% of the daily value
- Iron: 4% of the daily value
This Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish that will complement any meal. The combination of crispy Parmesan and tender acorn squash is irresistible, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Give it a try and share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.