Name: Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 acorn squash (small to medium sized); 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

There’s something deeply comforting about roasting squash until it’s tender, with that toasty Parmesan and fragrant herbs creating a … well, let’s just say magic! This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe makes a simple squash feel like a special treat—and you’re going to love how easy it is to pull together.

A white plate holds about ten slices of roasted acorn squash, each slice shaped like a thick crescent with a rough dark green edge and a bright yellow-orange inside. The squash pieces have a light crispy texture on top and small bits of melted cheese or seasoning visible, with black pepper and tiny green herb flakes sprinkled over everything. The squash slices overlap slightly in a loose arrangement, and a shiny silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. 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

Roasting acorn squash with Parmesan and herbs transforms it into a luscious, flavorful side that’s a total crowd-pleaser. Every time I make this, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can elevate humble veggies into something truly crave-worthy.

Delicious Flavor Combo: Nutty Parmesan and fragrant herbs create an irresistible golden crust on tender squash slices.
Simple & Quick: You can have this on the table in around 30 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile for Meals: Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, salads, or grains to complete your dinner.
Kid-Friendly Texture: The soft, buttery squash with a slight crisp on top often wins over even the pickiest eaters.

The image shows a metal baking tray with ten pieces of baked squash arranged in a scattered layout. Each piece is curved, with a golden brown color on the inside and a darker green skin edge, showing a slightly crispy and roasted texture with small black specks of seasoning. The squash pieces have uneven, wavy edges and some small bits of browned seasoning are scattered on the tray. The tray rests 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 element in the Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe brings its own magic, working together for balance and flavor. Choosing fresh herbs and good quality Parmesan will really shine here.

Flat lay of two small to medium fresh acorn squash, one sliced open showing vibrant orange flesh and seeds removed, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl heaped with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding golden garlic powder, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt, three small white bowls each containing dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano leaves arranged symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, 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: Opt for small to medium-sized ones—they roast evenly and are easy to handle.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Its fruity, grassy flavor complements the earthy squash and helps the Parmesan crisp up beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts and browns perfectly with a lovely nutty depth.
Garlic Powder: Offers savory warmth without overwhelming the delicate squash flavor.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and draws out the squash’s natural sweetness.
Dried Basil, Thyme, and Oregano: This herb trio brings Mediterranean flair and aromatic complexity.

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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

I love how forgiving this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe is when it comes to customization. Sometimes I add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or swap out the herbs depending on what I have on hand—you should totally make it your own!

Variation: Adding chopped fresh rosemary gives it a piney aroma that’s fantastic during the holidays—I tried it last winter, and it instantly became a favorite twist.
Dietary Mod: For a dairy-free version, try substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan. It won’t brown quite the same but still adds that umami punch.
Seasonal Change: Swap acorn squash with delicata or kabocha squash for a different texture and sweetness level while keeping the same seasoning.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then slice off the top and bottom of each acorn squash so it sits flat on your cutting board—this helps with safe, stable slicing. Cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon (I find a grapefruit spoon with teeth works wonders here). Finally, slice each half into roughly 1-inch thick slices—you want them thick enough to hold moisture but thin enough to roast evenly.

Step 2: Seasoning and Tossing

Place the squash slices in a large bowl. Drizzle your extra-virgin olive oil over them—about a quarter cup should do it. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, basil, thyme, and oregano. Now, this is where you get to have fun—use your hands (clean ones, of course!) and toss everything together until the slices are evenly coated. The Parmesan will stick nicely and create that lovely golden crust when baked.

Step 3: Roasting to Perfection

Lay the squash slices out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. If there’s extra Parmesan mixture left in your bowl, press it onto the tops of the slices for even more cheesy flavor. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking around the 20-minute mark. You’re looking for tender flesh that’s easily pierced with a fork and a top that’s golden and slightly crispy.

Top Tip

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned some little tricks that always make a big difference—and I want you to feel like a roasting pro, too!

Even Slices Matter: Cutting your acorn squash into uniform 1-inch slices ensures even cooking and perfect tenderness every time.
Parmesan Press: Don’t let that leftover Parmesan and herb mixture go to waste—pressing it onto the tops of the slices helps build a crazy delicious crust.
Oven Temperature Balance: Roasting at 425°F delivers soft insides and golden edges, but keep an eye on the last few minutes to avoid burning the cheese.
Use Parchment Paper: It keeps clean-up quick and stops the cheese from sticking to your pan, so you get those perfect edges without fuss.

How to Serve Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

parmesan acorn squash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish my roasted acorn squash with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of black pepper—it adds a bit of freshness and a pop of color that makes it even more inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, a simple green salad, or even a bed of quinoa or wild rice to soak up those incredible herbs and cheese flavors. It’s one of those sides that cozy up any meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to arrange the squash slices in a fan shape on a platter, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top, and sprinkle some toasted pine nuts. It’s such a pretty way to serve something simple yet wow-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It keeps well and actually tastes even better after the flavors have settled overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers successfully by laying the cooled squash in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They keep well for a couple of months and thaw nicely in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping the squash slices back into a hot oven (around 375°F) for 10 minutes or so—to revive that crisp topping and warm through evenly without making them mushy like microwaving can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Absolutely! While acorn squash is ideal because of its sweet, nutty flavor and sturdy texture, you can try delicata or kabocha squash as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times and sweetness levels might vary slightly.

How do I know when the acorn squash is perfectly roasted?

You’ll know it’s done when the slices become tender enough to pierce easily with a fork and develop a light golden crust from the Parmesan on top. The squash should feel soft but not mushy. Typically, this takes about 20-25 minutes at 425°F.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the squash slices and toss them in the oil and seasonings a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even roasting.

What should I serve with Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash?

It’s a wonderful side to grilled or roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork. You can also pair it with grains, salads, or even enjoy it alongside a hearty soup. Its rich, savory flavors complement so many dishes.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe feels like a little slice of autumn comfort on a plate. I always recommend it to friends because it’s approachable, satisfying, and downright delicious. Once you try it, you’ll have a new go-to for cozy dinners or special occasions alike. Grab that squash and let’s get roasting—you’ll thank me later!