11 Acorn Squash Recipes You Need This Fall

Acorn squash doesn't get the attention that butternut squash does this time of year, but its mild flavor makes it suitable for puréeing in soups, roasting for salads, mashing as a side dish, and other simple preparations. 

If you are interested in more delicious ways to prepare acorn squash this fall season, The Daily Meal has rounded up its top 11 picks for acorn squash recipes, approaches to this healthful vegetable that will keep you cooking it all season.

Risotto is endlessly customizable and can be tailored to reflect the flavors and produce of a particular time of year. This acorn squash risotto, dotted with crisp nuggets of smoky, salty bacon, topped with fried sage leaves, and perfumed with aromatic nutmeg is the perfect way to welcome the beginning of autumn. — Claire Bullen

For the Acorn Squash Risotto with Smoked Bacon and Fried Sage Leaves recipe, click here.

With a little imagination and the ingredients in your fridge, you likely have the makings of a good squash soup. The combination here works as a complete meal, especially for, say, lunch on a cold winter weekend. The black bread croutons add crunch and body, and the apples call up hints of a savory apple crisp. For a heartier meal, skip blending the squash and serve it roasted, alongside duck breast or turkey leg. You can also substitute cauliflower for the acorn squash. — Franklin Becker

For the Acorn Squash Soup with Pistachios, Black Bread, and Apples recipe, click here.

There are a lot of ways squash is cooked in India; this is the way my grandmother taught my mom and then I learned from her. It's very simple with just a few ingredients you can easily find at home and it tastes pretty good. My mom stresses the use of mustard oil, which I always say is to Indian food (after ghee, of course) as olive oil is to Italian. But I used olive oil because that's what I and a lot of us can easily find in our pantry. If you can find aamchur (dried mango powder), then fabulous, or else you can use lime or lemon juice as well. So here's the recipe. —Indiansimmer

For the Acorn Squash with Fenugreek Seeds recipe, click here.

Try this healthy, tasty, and nutritious stuffed acorn squash packed with protein and fiber. Serve as a side dish to an elegant roast or eat it all on its own for a light meal. — Kath Younger

For the Cranberry and Walnut-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe, click here.

Clear away those winter sniffles with this hearty yet healthy soup that highlights the rich and nutty flavor of acorn squash. A touch of cayenne gives it an extra kick that will be sure to clear up any congestion the winter months may bring. — Ashley Fahr

For the Curried Squash and White Bean Soup recipe, click here.

The honey adds such a fabulous sugary depth to this dish while the almond milk and vanilla extract give you that blast of sweetness that pairs so nicely with the savory garlic powder atop this ol' acorn squash. — Amie Valpone

For the Honey Glazed Acorn Squash recipe, click here.

The sugar in maple syrup creates a crispy, sweet crust on roasted acorn squash. Quinoa is a complete protein, so you can serve this as a side dish or as a full meal on meatless Monday. — Julie Ruggirell

For the Maple-Roasted Acorn Squash with Quinoa  recipe, click here.

This simple and basic acorn squash preparing is delicious on your own, and a basic technique you can use for many different squash dishes.

For the Roasted Pumpkin and Acorn Squash recipe, click here.

This simple side dish is packed with flavor. Acorn squash is roasted with a sage-honey glaze and then finished with a simple brown-butter sauce sweetened with honey. — National Honey Board

For the Sage-Honey Roasted Acorn Squash recipe, click here.

Enjoy the taste of fall all year long with acorn squash stuffed with breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, and spicy sausage. — Jimmy Dean

For the Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe, click here.

Stay healthy this fall with this balanced, nutrient-rich dish. Simply stuff your acorn squash with cooked brown rice and fresh vegetables. Then, season your acorn squash with paprika and cumin, and roast in the oven for a delicious, wholesome dinner.

For the Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe, click here.