Filling, healthy, and easy to make, acorn squash is the perfect ingredient for meal preps or as a side dish! Here’s how to quickly make acorn squash in the Instant Pot!
WHAT IS ACORN SQUASH?
Acorn squash, also called pepper squash or Des Moines squash, is a winter squash that is dark green with usually a spot of orange on it. Like it’s name, acorn squash is usually shaped like an acorn and are usually 1-2 pounds.
Acorn squash can be roasted, sauteed, or steamed. Today, I’m going to share with you how use the Instant Pot to cook my acorn squash just a couple of minutes!
Since the acorn squash is being pressure cooked, it doesn’t get the same caramelization roasted acorn squash get. You can put it in the oven to broil for a couple minutes after it’s out of the Instant Pot to get the lovely golden spots on the acorn squash. (Here’s my guide on how to roast acorn squash in the oven)
All in all, even with the broiling, the Instant Pot method for cooking acorn squash is much faster than oven roasting.
What You’ll Need To Make Instant Pot Acorn Squash
- acorn squash
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
How to Prepare Acorn Squash
While my cleaver goes through just about everything, the easiest way to cut your acorn squash is to microwave it for a minute to soften it up.
Cut the acorn squash in half, from stem to bottom.
Scoop out the inside of the acorn squash.
How to cook Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot
Put a steamer basket or the trivet into the Instant Pot.
Add in one cup of water to the Instant Pot.
Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper onto the acorn squash before placing them into the Instant Pot.
Close the lid, set the valve to seal, and set the pot on Manual for 5 minutes. Quick release when done!
Serve as is when ready or stuff with your choice of stuffing.
Want to take it up a notch??
To make the acorn squash sweeter, add a tbsp of butter and maple syrup to the middle of the squash. Let the mixture melt for a minute then using brush the entire cut side of the squash with the mixture. The let it broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes.
TIPS, NOTES, AND SUBSTITUTIONS
When meal prepping, I like to stuff my acorn squash with some teriyaki chicken and rice. The acorn squash fits perfectly inside this meal prep container I got from Amazon.
The seeds that you scooped out earlier can be treated like pumpkin seeds and be roasted.
Instant Pot Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut the acorn squash in half, from stem to bottom.
- Scoop out the inside of the acorn squash.
- Put a steamer basket or the trivet into the Instant Pot.
- Add in one cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper onto the acorn squash before placing them into the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the valve to seal, and set the pot on Manual for 5 minutes. Quick release when done!
- Serve as is when ready or stuff with your choice of stuffing.
- Optional: broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes
Notes
MORE DINNER SIDES YOU MAY LIKE
- Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potato, Bacon, and Almonds
- Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Peanut Thai Chili Brussels Sprouts
RESOURCES AND TIPS FOR MEAL PREPPING
- How To Cook Chicken Breasts Perfectly
- What Is An Instant Pot
- Tips To Help You Meal Prep For The Week Successfully
- Tips for Meal Prepping on a Budget
- 7 Freezer Friendly Chicken Marinades
- 5 Freezer Friendly Marinades
- Meal Prep Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mealprepsupport
Other places to connect with me
Instagram: @carmyshungry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmyycom
Email: [email protected]
Jenny
This is a great post. I admit Ito never know what to do with acorn squash, I am not so familiar with it. Your detailed post gives me confidence. I will make one to serve as a side dish to a chicken roast this weekend. Thanks so much.
Ashley
I love the idea of cooking squash in the Instant Pot. Sounds so easy!!
Amy Liu Dong
What an easy and delicious acorn squash recipe, I am going to make this on this weekend. Thank you!
Lesley
Oh my gosh. I’m a seasoned winter squash eater and have been cooking for 50 years. This is delicious. I took it out of the skins after cooking and put butter, salt, and a little pure Maple syrup in. Wow! My new favorite.
Carmy
So glad you enjoyed this Lesley!
Tracy
So many great tips! Thank you. This is one of my favorite ingredients for fall!
Paula Montenegro
I make tons of smashed squash year-round but never thought of using the instant pot. You might’ve saved me a lot of time with this recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Ramona
wow, this is such an interesting recipe that I am dying to try out since me and my family have never really tried acorn squash before! it looks so perfectly golden brown and delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I cant wait to try it out!
Gunjan
I cooked acorn squash for the first time and followed your recipe. It’s very well explained and came out excellent.
Loreto Nardelli
I am a huge fan of acorn squash. Yours looks absolutely beautiful, and love the idea of the butter and maple syrup. In the caralelization stage! Absolutely scrumptious. Such a versatile ingredient! Thanks for sharing!
Laura Arteaga
Love the idea of filling it with rice or any other ingredients! I think it would make a beautiful, yummy and healthy dish for Christmas! Thank you for sharing :)
Jacqueline Debono
I really need an Instant Pot. I usually roast my squash but it takes longer! I loved your tip about putting it in the microwave to soften so cutting is easier. Definitely going to try that!