Easy Instant Pot Acorn Squash Recipe
Instant Pot Acorn Squash is a great way to make a quick and easy side dish. It’s so simple that you can make it any night of the week, or even for your holiday dinner. Plus, it’s a blank slate so you can flavor this healthy side dish to suit your taste buds!
You can also turn this simple winter squash into a complete meal when you stuff the acorn squash with sausage.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The pressure cooker does all the work so you can’t go wrong!
- This recipe has only 2 ingredients, this dish comes together quickly even beginners can make it.
- This winter squash is full of fiber and nutrients. According to Verywell Fit, acorn squash is good for your eyesight and a good source of Vitamin C.
- The pressure cooking time is shorter than the time this side dish would need in the oven so you can have dinner on the table in a hurry.
Want to use your Instant Pot to make a main dish instead? Try this Instant Pot Adobo Chicken recipe! It’s another super simple dinner that cooks in minutes.
Equipment Needed
This is a quick overview of the kitchen tools that you will need to make this easy recipe:
- Instant Pot – 6 quarts or larger
- Trivet – This fits in the center of the insert of the pressure cooker lifting the squash above the water.
- Sharp knife – I used a serrated knife to start the cut then used a sharp to finish the cut.
- Tongs – For removing the squash
Ingredients
One great thing about this recipe is that you only need two ingredients. And you only have to buy one at the grocery store or local farm stand. How awesome is that?
- acorn squash
- water
How to Make Instant Pot Acorn Squash
Making this Instant Pot Acorn Squash recipe is so simple. Just follow this step-by-step guide and you will have a delicious side dish or meal with all the fall flavors in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the acorn squash.
Wash acorn squash and remove any debris from the skin. With a sharp knife cut about 1/2″ into the stem side of the squash removing the stem.
Step 2: Cut the squash.
Place the cut side down and slice the squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the middle of the squash (save for roasting). Leave the squash halved or slice each half into wedges.
Step 3: Add the water and squash to the Instant Pot.
Place the metal trivet in the bottom of the pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Put the squash on top of the trivet with the skin side down. Cover with the lid and ensure the vent is locked.
Step 4: Cook the squash.
Press the MANUEL mode on the pressure cooker and add 4 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before removing the lid.
What To Serve With This Dish
The cooked squash can be served with a variety of dishes. Try it as a side to this Instant Pot Whole Chicken, Smoked Turkey, or Baked Pork Tenderloin. Or use it as the base for soup. It also makes a delicious addition to salads!
Acorn Squash With Brown Butter
Looking for an easy and extra delicious way to serve acorn squash? Drizzle brown butter on the squash and add a touch of sea salt like malden salt.
Brown Butter
- Slice one stick of unsalted butter and place in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the butter liquifies and begins to turn amber in color and brown bits form on the bottom of the pan. Your house will smell amazing!
- Remove from heat and pour over prepared squash. Sprinkle with salt for taste.
How To Store
Store leftover acorn squash in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Or you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F until warmed.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use when you are making this easy side dish recipe to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you every time that you make it!
- You will need a very sharp knife to cut the outer skin because it is very hard to cut. See my tips under the equipment list above.
- Once the 5-minute natural release time has finished, use a quick release of the remaining steam so that your squash doesn’t overcook.
- Be careful when releasing the pressure after cooking — steam can burn!
- Once the squash has finished cooking there are so many different ways that you can serve this easy side dish. Drizzle it with maple syrup, or olive oil, and top with your favorite spices, black pepper, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet taste.
- Wanting to scoop out the flesh for a soup recipe? A large spoon or an ice cream scoop is the easiest way to remove all the fresh.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this acorn squash recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Acorn squash has a sweet, nutty flavor, Its texture is similar to a potato when cooked.
It’s not recommended to eat raw acorn squash. It must be cooked in order for it to reach its full potential of being tender and flavorful.
When selecting a ripe acorn squash, look for one that is heavy for its size and has a dull rind. Avoid any acorn squash with soft spots or blemishes.
No, the acorn squash has tough skin that is too tough to eat and should be removed before eating. Or you can scoop the cooked squash out and leave the shell while you are eating it.
Other Delicious Squash Recipes You May Enjoy
Easy Instant Pot Acorn Squash Recipe
Equipment
- pressure cooker
- trivet
- Sharp knife
- tongs
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn squash
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Prepare The Squash
- Wash acron squash and remore any debri from the skin.
Cut The Squash
- With a sharp knife cut about 1/2″ into the stem side of the squash removing the stem.
- Place the cut side down and slice the squash in half.
- Scoop out the seeds from the middle of the squash (save for roasting).
- Leave the squash halved or slice each half into wedges.
Pressure Cook the Squash
- Place the metal trivet in the innner pot of the pressure cooker and add 1 cup of water.
- Put the squash on the trivet with the skin side down. Cover with the lid and ensure the vent is locked.
- Press the MANUEL mode on the pressure cooker and add 4 minutes.
- Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before removing the lid.
Season Acorn Squash
- Add salt & pepper, butter or any herbs of your choice. See the notes to add brown butter.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
