Roasted until perfectly tender and drizzled with a flavorful fresh ginger orange glaze, this orange glazed acorn squash is the perfect fall side dish and so easy to pull together!

When late fall/winter rolls around…it’s time to break out all the winter squash!
Let’s start with our current favorite way to eat acorn squash. Roasted until perfectly tender and covered to perfection in a gingery citrus glaze. Ahhh YES!
Not only is this squash so festive and flavorful, but it’s an absolute cinch to whip up and compliments pretty much any holiday spread.

We’re talking one sheet pan, a saucepan to make the glaze, a few basic ingredients, and a few minutes of prep time! You just can’t beat this squash as a side dish.
This Acorn Squash features…
- Tender olive oil-roasted acorn squash rings
- A sweet and citrusy ginger orange glaze
- Minutes to make with several make ahead options

Making the Acorn Squash Rings
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Acorn squash
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Ginger
- Orange
- Pepitas
How To Prep Acorn Squash
We recommend picking out a medium-size acorn squash for this recipe. Grab a sharp chef’s knife and start by cutting your squash in half, then use a spoon to carve out the seeds.
Once the seeds are removed, place your squash halves cut-side down on cutting board and cut each half in half so you end up with 4 pieces of squash. Thinly slice squash pieces into 1/4-inch rings and it’s ready for roasting!

Tips for Perfect Acorn Squash
- Cut squash into uniform rings – this will help the squash to roast up evenly.
- Roast squash in a single layer – we recommend using a large sheet pan or divide squash between two medium sheet pans.
- Use fresh ginger and orange – you can’t beat the flavor fresh ginger and orange give this glaze!
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this recipe.
- Use a different citrus – try lime, grapefruit, or lemon in place of the orange.
- Replace pepitas – try toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts in place of the pepitas.
- Try maple syrup – replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, nutty flavor in the glaze.
- Use a different squash – try butternut squash or delicata in place of the acorn.
Make Ahead Instructions
Follow these instructions for time-saving make ahead tips.
- Cut squash – store squash rings in refrigerator up to 3 days before roasting.
- Make glaze – the glaze stores well in refrigerator up to 6 days. Reheat it on stovetop or microwave for serving.

This is seriously such a simple squash side dish, but it’s absolutely packed with flavor! The acorn squash rings roast up perfectly tender and the gingery orange glaze is a match made in heaven.
Trust me, this is one veggie side dish no one will mind eating!
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

More squash recipes to try next!
- Maple Mashed Butternut Squash
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Butternut Squash Wild Rice Casserole
Ginger Orange Glazed Acorn Squash
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Pepitas for garnishing, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and lightly grease a large sheet pan. Set aside for a moment.
- Cut acorn squash into quarters and remove seeds with a spoon. Thinly slice acorn squash 1/4-inch thick into rings.
- Toss acorn squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange squash in a single layer on prepared sheet pan.
- Roast acorn squash at 400F 20-25 minutes until squash is tender and golden brown.
- While squash bakes, prepare the glaze. Combine butter, brown sugar, ginger, orange zest, and orange juice in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Allow to simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Drizzle warm roasted acorn squash with ginger orange glaze and top with pepitas if desired. Serve squash warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 11/8/23.


Heather @ Shards of Lavender says
You make acorn squash look even better that it already is! Loving the flavors you included in the glaze, especially the crystallized ginger and sweet curry. I just picked up some squash at a farmer’s market(acorn, butternut, and spaghetti) and will be trying this! Thanks for the recipe, Sarah:)
Sarah says
Yay for squash season! I still have yet to get my hands on some spaghetti squash this fall.–thanks for reminding me! 😉 I hope you’ll let me know if you try this acorn squash, Heather! 🙂
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never had acorn squash. I eat butternut squash and summer squash all the time so I’m sure I’d love acorn squash too. The glaze you added to these sounds incredible. Loving all of the flavors. Pinning!
Sarah says
If you love butternut squash, then you will fall in LOVE with acorn squash, Jen! I still don’t know which squash I like better. 😉 Thanks for pinning, lady!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
Wow Sarah my month is watering… what an awesome ginger orange glaze! I’ve never thought to have acorn squash with this kind of glaze!! Delicious!
Sarah says
Thanks Olivia! The secret truly is in the “glaze” if you will. 😀
Gayle says
What is “sweet curry”?
Thanks,
Gayle
Sarah says
Sweet curry is basically the same thing as regular curry powder, but has a slightly sweeter taste. Regular curry is a perfectly fine sub if you can’t find sweet curry. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a creative recipe, Sarah! I’ve never even heard of a glazed acorn squash, so I’m intrigued! Sounds like a delicious side dish for the fall!
Sarah says
You definitely need to try glazed squash this fall/winter, Gayle! You will fall in love. 🙂
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I cannot wait to try this recipe Sarah! I love acorn squash (I haven’t found it yet in Belgium so I eat a ton when going home for Christmas!!). I love that you made these with coconut sugar – I cannot wait to try when I go home in a couple months! Pinned 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Ceara! I hope you enjoy this squash! 🙂
Annie @Maebells says
What a unique flavor combo!
Sarah says
Thanks Annie!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
We’re both doing acorn squash this week! Great minds think alike. 🙂 Love your version your and love your photos!!!
Sarah says
Total foodie twins we are! Thanks Tina! 🙂
Rachael | Spache the Spatula says
I LOVE acorn squash! My mom used to make it all the time in the Fall and Winter, when I was a kid!
And now you’ve total;y convinced me that I want this, and roast chicken, and green beans, and mashed potatoes for dinner, haha! That sounds like the best meal, ever!
Sarah says
It totally is my favorite meal of the week. 🙂 The squash might be my favorite part about it. 😉
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This is seriously the prettiest acorn squash – I am DROOLING over that ginger orange glaze. Bring on all the winter squash recipes because I could never get sick of them 🙂 Pinning!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Kelly! Hope you have a great weekend girl!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I don’t think I could ever get sick of acorn squash! When I was little, I used to call them “bowls”, because when my mom roasted them they looked like little bowls. Ha! The flavors of this sound amazing!
Sarah says
I personally LOVE acorn bowls. 😀 Thanks Nat!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I don’t think I’ve ever tried acorn squash. I always go for butternut or spaghetti! But this looks amazing so I think I’m going to have to change things up next time! Pinned!
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, Stacey! You definitely need to give acorn squash a try!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
We love acorn squash! And the glaze looks amazing! I love this –> “Covered in orange ‘n’ sugar ‘n’ spice and everything nice.” I believe it, because I can see it! Gorgeous photos!
Sarah says
Thanks for the photography compliments, Kristi!
Danielle says
Wow, this dish looks incredible! Love the flavor combinations. Can’t wait to see what other recipes you come up with too 😉
Sarah says
Thanks, lady! 😉
Marcie says
I get really excited when I see winter squash –all of it! When I saw the title of your post I thought “YES!” This looks so good, and I can’t wait to try it!
Sarah says
Haha! Winter squash gets me pretty excited too so I’m right there with ‘ya. 😉 Thanks Marcie!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
Beautiful! I don’t love acorn squash, but I would give it a try with this delicious glaze!
Sarah says
I guarantee that this recipe will change your mind about acorn squash, Kelly! 😉