Acorn Squash Grill Recipes

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Try this recipe the next time you have a fancy meal, and you’ll be sure to please most everyone. When grilling an autumnal feast, don’t think that the acorn squash needs to go in the oven. Instead, you can make sweet acorn squash on the grill. This squash dish makes a great side for turkey, prime rib, lamb, or duck.

You can set up a charcoal grill so the coals are to one side and then grill the squash on the unheated side. For a gas grill, turn off the flame on one side. Depending on your grill, you might be able to turn off the back or front rows of flame, or it may have controls for each side. This recipe uses the indirect grilling method to bake the squash on the grill.

The squash can also be indirectly grilled by wrapping them in aluminum foil, using a cast-iron drip pan, or by placing a disposable aluminum drip pan underneath the squash, which will catch any juices from the sweet filling that may drip.

Instructions
  1. Heat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (375-400F degrees).
  2. Prepare: Cut the squash in half vertically. Remove and discard the seeds.
  3. Season: Season both sides with olive oil, salt and pepper.
  4. Grill: Grill cut side down for 15 minutes. Flip grill 30 minutes, until fork tender.

How to Grill Acorn Squash

Grilled Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash 🔗

These sweet and spicy squash “ribs” are the perfect barbecued fall side dish.

Total: 0 45min0

Serving Size: 1 of 10 servings

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 of 10 servings, calories 218, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 6g, Carbohydrate 26g, Fiber 3g, Sugar 10g, Protein 2g, Cholesterol 24mg, Sodium 507mg

Ingredients:

  • Oil, for oiling grill grates
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 acorn squashes (about 2 pounds each)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pepitas (roasted hulled pumpkin seeds)

Instruction:

  1. Preheat a grill for cooking over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
  2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and turn off the heat. Remove 1/4 cup of the melted butter and reserve. Whisk the maple syrup, cider vinegar, dry mustard, crushed red pepper, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper into the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 4 minutes to reduce slightly. Remove the glaze from the heat and let cool. Set aside 1/3 cup of the glaze for drizzling at the end.
  3. Carefully halve the squashes from the stem to the bottom. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard. Place the squash halves flat-side down and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch scalloped half-moons. Place the slices in a very large bowl.
  4. Mix together the chili powder, coriander, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the squash slices. Drizzle the reserved 1/4 cup of melted butter over the squash. Toss with your hands to make sure the slices are evenly coated.
  5. Place the squash slices on the grill and cover. Cook until dark grill marks appear, about 10 minutes. Flip the squash slices; cover and cook until the squash is just tender enough to be pierced easily with a paring knife, 7 to 8 minutes more.
  6. Brush the squash slices with the glaze and flip. Cook 1 minute, brush with glaze, flip and cook on the other side for another minute. Remove from the grill and arrange on a large platter. Drizzle with the reserved glaze. Sprinkle with the pepitas. Serve warm or at room temperature.

FAQ

Should you salt squash before grilling?

Salting the zucchini draws out some of the moisture, giving it a firmer texture that won’t get mushy or have more of a steamed vegetable texture. Although salting the zucchini isn’t required, it can make it come out even more delicious.

Should I peel squash before grilling?

No need to peel the squash; simply place the cut side down on the cutting board, cut in half again, and then slice into 12-inch slices. TIP: To speed up grilling, microwave or steam the squash pieces for a few minutes before tossing with the dressing.

How long do you cook acorn squash for?

Acorn squash halves should be placed cut-side down on a cookie sheet and baked in a preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, until the flesh starts to soften.

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