Instant Pot Acorn Squash

Instant Pot acorn squash is the fastest, easiest way to prepare this nutritious winter squash. Start to finish, this cooking method only takes about 20 minutes! Serve the tender, lightly seasoned acorn squash halves as a side dish, or stuff them with pre-cooked rice and veggies. You can also scoop out the flesh for mashing or to blend into a creamy soup!

What is acorn squash?

Interestingly enough, acorn squash is part of the same family as zucchini and other summer squashes. But because it has more in common with winter squashes, like a tough skin and drier flesh, we tend to lump it in with other winter squashes.

You'll recognize acorn squash by it's small round shape, dark green color, often with bright orange patches, and vertical ridges.

Acorn squash has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet seasonings. It is often cut in half and stuffed with savory filings, but it also works well in soups, baked goods, and even pie.

You'll Love Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot

Recently a friend gifted us several large, beautiful, heirloom acorn squashes from their garden.

And while there are many ways to prepare acorn squash, this past weekend I was finalizing an upcoming holiday recipe (this Vegan Turkey Roast), and I wanted an easy way to cook the acorn squash for lunch.

The kitchen was a total wreck, and the oven was in use. So as it often does, the Instant Pot saved the day!

I'll come straight out and admit that as much as I enjoy eating winter squashes, I'm just not always excited about the two main roadblocks involved in preparing them:

• there's usually either a lot of difficult - and sometimes downright dangerous - chopping involved
• or if left whole or halved, they take forever to cook!

But for this recipe all you need is one simple slice down the middle followed by a few minutes in the Instant Pot. It's a winter squash-lover's dream!

Sort of like learning how to make your own yogurt or that you can have delicious lentil curry in minutes, this acorn squash recipe is the perfect example why the Instant Pot is such a hero in the kitchen.

What You'll Need

• an Instant Pot - pictured is a 6-quart model. An 8-quart size would be even better.
• one acorn squash
• optional seasonings -
  • sweet - rub the cut side with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
  • savory - rub with oil (optional), and season with dried rosemary and thyme, plus salt and pepper.

How to Cut Acorn Squash

Use a sturdy knife to cut the acorn squash in half through the stem end, rather than horizontally. Even with the best quality chef's knife, this can be a challenging task!

Be careful and take your time, or here's a tip! Let the microwave lend a helping hand...

To make carving an acorn squash easier, pierce the skin of the squash several times with a fork, then microwave it for about a minute and a half. Let it cool for a few minutes before you handle it. Then cut in half through the stem end as described above.

Scoop out the strings and seeds, and now you're ready to season the squash and cook it in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Instructions

Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, and set the trivet inside. Season the acorn squash halves as desired, and place cut-side up. Secure the lid and set to sealing.

Cook Times

• small/medium acorn squash (about 5 inches across) - Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by natural release for 5 minutes. Then manually release the remaining pressure.
• large squash (6 to 6.5 inches diameter) - Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes, followed by natural release for 5 minutes.

Ways to Use It

Right out of the Instant Pot the acorn squash is delicious as is! Serve it as a side with your favorite main and veggie.

You can also scoop the squash from the skins and mash with a bit of vegan butter or a touch of olive oil if you're in the mood for something richer, more akin to mashed sweet potatoes.

Garnish with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds, like pecans, walnuts, or toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds. 

Serve Instant Pot acorn squash as a healthy side dish with a hearty plant-based entree like:

• Harvest Chickpea Loaf
• Beyond Meat Meatloaf 
• Slow Cooker BBQ Soy Curls
• Seitan Roast
• Vegan Turkey Roast

You can also stuff the acorn squash when it comes out of the Instant Pot.

Try it filled with a mixture of sautéed veggies, rice or quinoa, and spicy tofu chorizo. Or add sweet & smoky tempeh or seitan chorizo.

Get creative with flavor pairings and season the filling any way you like!

Can you freeze acorn squash?

Absolutely. Once the squash has cooled, scoop out the flesh, and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. 

I hope you enjoy this super quick way to prepare acorn squash! If you give it a try be sure to comment below and let us know.

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