Food Cooking Tips & Techniques The Easiest Way to Cook Acorn Squash in the Microwave Preparing acorn squash can be time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be. How to easily microwave this fall favorite in only 10 minutes. By Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 18, 2023 Medically reviewed by Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN Medically reviewed by Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN is a nationally recognized nutrition expert with over 16 years of experience in culinary nutrition and communications. Learn More Fact checked by Haley Mades Fact checked by Haley Mades Haley is a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate. She has worked as an editor, fact checker, and copywriter for various digital and print publications. Her most recent position was in academic publishing as a publicity and marketing assistant for the University of Wisconsin Press Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article How to Microwave an Acorn Squash Microwave Squash Recipes Frequently Asked Questions Acorn squash is a starchy vegetable with a round, ridged shape and green-and-gold skin. Though it's a fall favorite, acorn squash is available year-round and makes a delicious base for soups, salads, and side dishes galore. Due to its hefty weight and hearty texture, acorn squash can take quite some time to roast. (Follow our complete instructions for cooking acorn squash in the oven.) If you're in the mood for stuffed squash but have to get dinner on the table in less than an hour, we recommend using your microwave. Getty Images 8 Easy Acorn Squash Recipes You'll Serve Again and Again Your microwave can be more than just a vehicle for reheating leftovers or popping popcorn. In fact, it's a super-efficient way to quickly cook vegetables. Acorn squash made in the microwave takes about one-fifth of the time it would take in the oven and comes out perfectly tender. How to Microwave an Acorn Squash What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Produce brush (optional) Microwave Fork Materials Acorn squash Instructions Wash the acorn squash Thoroughly rinse your acorn squash under running water with a produce brush, then pat dry with a towel. Cut the acorn squash in half Imagine Saturations/Getty Images Cut the squash in half and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. Heat it in the microwave Getty Images Lay both halves cut-side down on a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 10 to 12 minutes. Pierce with a fork to test for doneness Getty Images The acorn squash is done cooking when a fork can pierce through the tender flesh, and the insides are soft and fully cooked. Exact cook times will vary depending upon the size of your squash. (Ten minutes is a general guideline.) Find the perfect acorn squash recipe Greg DuPree Now that the pulp of your squash is ready, you can add a shmear of butter and brown sugar and eat it as-is, serve with pasta, stuff it with cheese, or scoop it out of the skins to purée it for soups or baby food. Wondering where this recipe was when you were in college? Yeah, you're not alone. 49 Delicious Squash Recipes to Cook in Any Season Microwave Squash Recipes Many of the acorn squash recipes you find that call for baking can be translated to a microwave to make them easier and faster to cook. Here are a few suggestions for how to enjoy that acorn squash goodness. Simple Baked Acorn Squash Drizzle each microwaved squash half with a little maple syrup, a tablespoon of butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet and delicious side dish. Goat Cheese and Mushroom-Stuffed Acorn Squash While this acorn squash recipe calls for a baked acorn squash, you can microwave the squash, then either broil or microwave it stuffed for a few minutes until the cheese gets creamy. Parmesan Acorn Squash After the acorn squash is microwaved, finish it off with a tablespoon of butter, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, thyme, and fresh pepper. Acorn Squash Soup Puree the microwaved acorn squash, and thin it with either broth or milk. Add any herbs you'd like (sage, thyme, and rosemary are all great). You can also cook aromatics like onion and garlic and puree them into the soup for more flavor. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How long do you microwave acorn squash before cutting? Acorn squashes can be difficult to cut through when they're uncooked—but you'll definitely need to at least make several venting cuts in your acorn squash before you put it in the microwave, to avoid an acorn squash explosion.If you can't cut it in half before you microwave, make the vent slits, run the acorn squash in the microwave for three to four minutes, then cut it in half and remove the seeds for the final seven minutes. 2. How do you peel acorn squash in the microwave? The acorn squash skin is edible, but may not be something that people want to eat. Rather than peel it before cooking, wait until the squash is fully cooked, then peel easily. 3. Can you microwave acorn squash whole? You can actually microwave it whole, but you absolutely must put vent holes into the acorn squash, either with a paring knife or a fork. Otherwise, you risk creating a big explosive mess.