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Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan Herb

Roasted acorn squash with a golden parmesan herb crust—caramelized cut-surface rings that come out tender and slightly sweet with crispy browned edges. Finished with fresh parsley and optional honey for a fall side dish that’s as good warm as it is straightforward.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Acorn squash
  • 2 acorn squash Medium; sliced into 1-inch rings, seeds removed.
Olive oil
  • 3 tbsp olive oil Use some to brush the rings; keep the rest for the parmesan herb paste.
Garlic
  • 4 garlic Minced cloves.
Parmesan herb crust
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese Grated.
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage Finely chopped.
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • salt and black pepper To taste; use on the squash before roasting.
Garnish and optional drizzle
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley For garnish.
  • honey Optional drizzle after roasting.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and season
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Brush the acorn squash rings on both sides with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Arrange the rings in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Make the parmesan herb paste
  1. Mix parmesan, garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, and the remaining olive oil into a paste.
  2. Press the parmesan herb paste generously onto the cut surface of each squash ring.
Roast
  1. Roast for 35–40 minutes at 400°F until the squash is fork-tender and the parmesan crust is golden and crispy.
Finish
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle with honey if desired.

Notes

For extra crisp edges, keep the squash rings spaced out in one layer so the paste can brown. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat on a sheet pan at 375°F until warmed through. Freeze is not recommended because the parmesan crust can soften after thawing. Dietary swap: use a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese (or a lactose-free parmesan-style cheese) if needed for lactose concerns.