Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Walnuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Honey-sweet acorn squash halves roasted with maple and cinnamon, topped with toasted walnuts for a cozy, nutrient-rich side. This northern us-inspired sheet pan ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium acorn squash, melted butter, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Northern US cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut 2 medium acorn squashes in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and brush cut sides with 2 tbsp melted butter.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt evenly over the brushed squash halves.
  3. Step 3: Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Flip squash cut-side up, top with 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, and return to oven for 5 minutes to toast the walnuts.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Walnuts take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Walnuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium acorn squash from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Walnuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Walnuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Walnuts?

Northern US sheet pan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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