Name: Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small to medium acorn squash; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano

There’s something truly comforting about the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted squash with a touch of savory cheese and herbs. This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe is one of my go-to dishes in the fall and winter when I want something simple and crowd-pleasing, yet special. The crispy edges paired with tender insides? Pure cozy magic.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds about eight slices of roasted squash, each slice crescent-shaped with a dark green outer skin and golden-yellow inside. The squash pieces are cooked with a slightly browned texture, showing a crispy, seasoned coating with visible black pepper and small bits of melted light brown cheese on top. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on and around the squash, adding color contrast. A silver fork rests to the left side of the plate. The lighting highlights the rich color and texture of the roasted squash, making it look crispy and flavorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t recommend this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe enough because it turns humble ingredients into something totally crave-worthy. When friends come over, it’s usually the first side dish gone – which always feels like a win to me!

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples to make a flavorful dish without complicated steps.
Perfect Texture: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash while parmesan crisps beautifully on top.
Versatile Side: Pairs well with everything from roast chicken to pasta dishes.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it great for weeknights or last-minute guests.

There is a metal baking sheet holding eleven roasted pumpkin slices. Each slice is crescent-shaped with dark green edges and bright orange-yellow centers, covered in a layer of crispy, slightly browned seasoning. The texture looks both soft and crunchy with small browned bits scattered around the slices on the sheet. The baking sheet is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe has a role in balancing flavors and textures that make the dish shine. Plus, shopping for these is pretty straightforward—all mostly pantry staples!

Flat lay of two small to medium acorn squash halved and sliced into thick crescent pieces, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing garlic powder, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a small white bowl with dried basil, a small white bowl with dried thyme, a small white bowl with dried oregano, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Acorn squash: Choose small to medium-sized ones so the slices cook evenly without drying out.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the parmesan crisp during roasting.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for even coverage and a gooey, golden crust.
Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory kick without overpowering the squash's natural sweetness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly—don’t skip it!
Dried basil, thyme, and oregano: These herbs add warmth and earthiness, complementing the parmesan beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I stick to the classic herb mix most of the time, I encourage you to customize this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe to your taste. It’s so forgiving that a little experimenting can go a long way.

Variation: I once sprinkled chili flakes on top before baking for a subtle heat. It was a game changer—adds a beautiful complexity if you like spice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Step 1: Prep the squash for even roasting

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C)—roasting at a higher heat gives you that lovely caramelization. Slice off the very top and bottom of the acorn squash to create stable bases. Then, stand it up on a flat end and carefully slice it in half. Scooping out the seeds is an easy step but important to avoid soggy spots. After that, cut each half into 1-inch thick slices—uniform thickness helps everything cook evenly.

Step 2: Toss with the flavorful parmesan herb mix

Grab a large bowl and add your squash slices along with the olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and herbs. I like to use my hands here to really massage everything together. This way, the parmesan sticks well, and every bite is coated with those great flavors.

Step 3: Roast until tender and golden

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray, making sure they aren’t overlapping. If you have extra cheesy herb mixture left in the bowl, gently press it onto the tops for an extra cheesy crust. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the squash is fork-tender. Keep an eye towards the last 5 minutes so it doesn’t over-brown.

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe, I've found a few tricks that really elevate the final dish and save you time.

Choose smaller squash: They tend to be sweeter and roast more evenly without drying out.
Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Press parmesan on top: Don’t be shy about doubling the cheese on the tops for that crispy, cheesy crust we all love.
Watch the oven: Every oven heats differently, so begin checking around 18 minutes to avoid burning the cheese.

How to Serve Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Parmesan Acorn Squash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an added crunch and freshness. If I’m in the mood, a little drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a lovely tangy contrast to the savory cheese and herbs.

Side Dishes

This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies. It's versatile enough for weeknight dinners or a festive holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these squash slices stacked or fan-shaped on a large platter, sprinkled with extra parmesan and herbs right before serving. It looks stunning and brings that warm, rustic vibe to the table everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. When you reheat, the squash stays moist and the parmesan topping remains pleasantly crispy if you use the oven or toaster oven.

Freezing

Freezing is doable but I’ve noticed the texture changes a bit upon thawing. If you plan ahead, try freezing the squash slices before roasting, then roast from frozen adding a few extra minutes—this keeps them tasting fresher than freezing the cooked dish.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, so the cheese crisps back up nicely without drying out the squash. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Absolutely! While acorn squash has a lovely nutty sweetness, you can use delicata, kabocha, or even butternut squash. Just adjust roasting time since some varieties cook faster or slower.

How do I know when the squash is done roasting?

The squash is done when it’s tender enough to easily pierce with a fork and the parmesan on top is golden brown and slightly crispy. That usually takes about 20-25 minutes at 425°F.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your parmesan cheese and spices don’t contain additives with gluten. Always check labels if you need to be sure.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats, simple grain salads, or even on a holiday table alongside mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s versatile enough to complement many meals.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s effortless yet endlessly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to year after year, especially when the weather cools down. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I am. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious bite!