Instant Pot Acorn Squash

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Are you looking for a sweet, nutritious snack just in time for fall? This Instant Pot Buttery Acorn Squash is a delectable treat that will have your tastebuds craving more.

This stuffed Instant pot acorn squash recipe is filled with a mixture of ingredients and is packed with flavor. The squash is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, resulting in tender, buttery flesh that melts in your mouth.

What Is Acorn Squash?

Acorn squash is small and shaped kind of like an acorn. Acorn squash has a smooth, sweet, and nutty flavor, but can be stringy sometimes. Acorn squash is also known as Pepper squash or Des Moines squash.

What Does Acorn Squash Taste Like?

Acorn squash is sweet and nutty similar to butternut squash.

Is Acorn Squash Healthy?

So is acorn squash good for you? The answer is yes!

Acorn squash is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and also a good source of potassium. It also contains plant compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

How To Cut An Acorn Squash?

First, cut off the stem end of the squash and then slice it in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon before cooking in the oven or pressure cooker.

Why Cook Acorn Squash In The Instant Pot?

Cooking Instant Pot acorn squash is one of the easiest ways to prepare it. It cooks quickly under high pressure and is ready to serve in just over ten minutes.

How Long To Cook Acorn Squash In The Pressure Cooker?

This recipe takes 5 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot.

It takes 7 minutes to come to pressure, 5 minutes of pressure cooking time and 5 minutes of natural pressure release time.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Acorn Squash

• 1 acorn squash, halved
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, unsalted
• ½ cup dates, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped

This Is A Stuffed Acorn Squash Instant Pot Recipe

This recipe is made with brown, sugar, dates, and pecans, and we all know how delicious they are.

It is a sweet acorn squash recipe an can be used as a dessert or side dish.

This sweetened acorn squash is a great side dish cuisine and one of my favorite Instant pot recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.

How To Cook Acorn Squash Instant Pot Style

Here are the instructions for cooking acorn squash halves in the electric pressure cooker.

Step One: Prepare Acorn Squash

Cut the whole squash into halves. Scoop out the seeds and place into an Instant pot-safe baking pan or steamer basket.

Step Two: Mix The Pecans And Dates

Mix brown sugar, dates, and pecans in a medium size bowl. Divide the mixture into the two acorn squash halves.

Step Three: Place Squash In Instant Pot

Pour one cup of water into the inner pot and then place the steamer basket or baking pan into the Instant Pot.

Cut the butter into small pieces and add butter on top of the acorn squash filling.

Step Four: Pressure Cook Acorn Squash

Close the Instant Pot lid and set it for a manual high-pressure cooking time of 5 minutes.

Allow for a natural pressure release for an additional 5 minutes when the cooking time has finished.

Step Five: Quick Release After 5 Minutes

After a 5-minute natural release quickly release the remining steam.

Vent any remaining pressure.

Step Six: Garnish And Serve Acorn Squash Half

Carefully remove squash halves from the electric pressure cooker. Garnish with additional pecans and enjoy your delicious stuffed acorn squash!

Serve this Instant Pot Buttery Acorn Squash as a tasty side dish or dessert for any occasion. The flavors come together so well in this pressure cooker recipe that is sure to impress any dinner guest.

For added flavor, top the stuffed squash with melted cheese before serving. And don’t forget the maple syrup drizzle for some extra sweetness.

Can I Use Olive Oil Instead Of Butter?

Yes, you can drizzle olive oil on your cooked Instant Pot acorn squash instead of using butter.

What To Serve With Acorn Squash?

Serve this Instant Pot acorn squash with roasted chicken or turkey, wild rice, quinoa salad and green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Instant pot acorn squash can also be served as a sweet side dish alongside pork chops or steak.

If serving as a dessert, try it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Grab the ice cream scoop and maple syrup and enjoy this as a treat.

More Instant Pot Acorn Squash F&Qs

Here are some more useful facts about preparing and cooking Instant Pot Acorn squash.

When Are Acorn Squash Ripe?

Acorn squash is ripe when it has a deep, solid color and the skin can’t be easily pierced with your fingernail.

When To Pick Acorn Squash

Pick acorn squash before the first fall frost. The skin should be hard and the stem should not easily break off.

How To Store Acorn Squash?

Store squash in a cool, dry place for up to a month. Storing a whole acorn squash in the fridge will cause it to become soft and decrease its shelf life.

How Many Carbs In Acorn Squash?

One cup of cooked acorn squash has approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a great low-carb option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Can You Eat The Skin Of Acorn Squash?

Yes, you can eat the skin of acorn squash as long as it is cooked. The skin becomes softer and more edible when cooked.

Can You Freeze Acorn Squash?

Yes, uncooked acorn squash can be frozen for up to three months.

You can also cook and puree acorn squash halves before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge before using in recipes. 

Is Acorn Squash A Fruit?

Yes, acorn squash is technically a fruit because it has seeds. However, it is most commonly used as a vegetable in cooking.

Can You Eat Acorn Squash Seeds?

Yes, acorn squash seeds are edible and can be roasted like pumpkin seeds. They make a tasty snack when sprinkled with salt and spices.

How To Bake Acorn Squash

To bake or roast acorn squash, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil.

Cut the acorn squash in half using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds, and place on the baking sheet cut side down. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until it can be easily pierced with a fork.

Serve as is or top with melted butter and fresh herbs or sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

How To Cook Acorn Squash In The Microwave

To cook acorn squash in the microwave, use acorn squash halves. Scoop out the seeds. Place on a microwavable plate cut side down and add 1/4 cup water to the plate. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.

Can Dogs Eat Acorn Squash?

Yes, dogs can eat acorn squash as long as it is cooked and without added spices or seasonings. It can be a good source of fiber and vitamins for dogs.

As with any new food, introduce in small amounts to ensure your dog does not have any adverse reactions. 

Can You Eat Acorn Squash Raw?

It is not recommended to eat acorn squash raw as it can be difficult to digest and may cause stomach discomfort. Pressure-cooked acorn squash is much softer and easier to digest.

Can I Eat Acorn Squash In Winter?

Yes, acorn squash is in season during the fall and winter months. Winter squash can be found at most grocery stores during this time.

Frozen acorn squash can also be used year-round in recipes, however I prefer fresh fall and other winter squashes when they are in season.

Can I Pressure Cook An Uncut Acorn Squash?

Wondering if you can cook a whole acorn squash in your Instant Pot? The answer is yes! Follow the same steps as cooking a cut acorn squash, but increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.

Make sure the squash fits in your pressure cooker. Serve as is or stuff with your favorite fillings before serving. ​Instant Pot acorn squash is delicious and can be a time-saver in the kitchen.

Can I Cook Acorn Squash In The Air Fryer?

Yes, acorn squash can be cooked in an air fryer. Cut the squash into slices or cubes and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Serve as a side dish or add to salads or grain bowls. ​​

Can Acorn Squash Be Substituted In Recipes?

Acorn squash can easily be substituted in recipes calling for other winter squashes such as butternut squash or delicata squash. It can also be substituted for pumpkin in certain dishes, like soups and pies.

Substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or experiment with different varieties of winter squashes to find your favorite! Cooking squash has never been more fun!

Easy Instant Pot Meal Ideas

Here are some more Instant Pot Recipes you may love.

• Instant Pot Chicken Stew
• Instant Pot Orange Chicken
• Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup
• Instant Pot Santa Fe Chicken
• Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili
• Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef
• Instant Pot Steak Bites
• Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Quinoa
• Instant Pot Asian Chicken Thighs
• Instant Pot Pork Tacos
• Instant Pot Cajun Jambalaya
• Instant Pot Potato Soup
• Instant Pot Coconut Curry Soup
• Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo
• Instant Pot Kalua Pork