Acorn Squash Chips Recipes

ACORN SQUASH & CARAMELIZED ONION DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place the squash, flesh side up, in a baking pan with high sides, pouring about an inch of water in the bottom of the pan. Cover the squash with foil and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until fork tender.
• While the squash is baking, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add in just enough olive oil to coat the pan, about 1 tablespoon.
• Add the onions to the pan and stir to coat with oil. Let the onions caramelize over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are a deep brown. As the pan dries out, add in a splash of stock, white wine or water to deglaze, then stir. The onions should be soft but not mushy when they're done. Add the minced garlic to the pan about 10 minutes before the onions are finished caramelizing.
• Remove the onions from the heat and set aside. Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool enough to handle. Scoop out the squash flesh into a food processor or blender.
• Add the onion mixture, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and spices to the processor and blend until just smooth.
• Serve warm, cold or room temperature as-is or add in yogurt, a drizzle of Sriracha or another hot sauce, and/or cilantro, thyme, paprika and/or cumin for garnish.

ACORN SQUASH CHIPS

Steps:

• Line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats. Quarter 1 medium acorn squash and scoop out the seeds. Slice the squash quarters crosswise about 1/16 inch thick using a mandoline. Drizzle with olive oil and toss; arrange on the baking sheets in a single layer and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 250 degrees F, 50 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Flip the slices and continue baking until browned, about 15 more minutes. Transfer the chips to a rack to cool.

AIR-FRYER ACORN SQUASH SLICES

Steps:

• Preheat air fryer to 350°. Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Cut each half crosswise into 1/2-in. slices; discard ends. In batches, arrange squash in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until just tender, 5 minutes per side. , Combine sugar and butter; spread over squash. Cook 3 minutes longer.

SMOKED ACORN SQUASH WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BUTTER

Steps:

• Fill the water bowl of your smoker 1/2 way. Place wood chips in the side tray. Preheat the smoker to between 275°F with the top vent open for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
• With a large sharp chef's knife, carefully cut each squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds and fibrous strands.
• Brush or rub the inside of each squash half with the oil to coat the flesh, 1/2 teaspoon each half.
• Place the squash on a rack of the smoker, flesh side up. Smoke for 1-1/2 hours. Replenish the water and wood chips as needed, approximately at 45 minutes.
• At 1 hour and 15 minutes, prepare the sweet filling. In a small saucepot over medium heat, melt the butter, sugar, and cinnamon together. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup.
• At 1 hour and 30 minutes, spoon the butter mixture into the squash halves. Continue to smoke for another 30 minutes or until the flesh is soft when pierced with a sharp paring knife or fork. The flesh will likely be browned.
• Serve the squash with either a spoon or a fork. If feeling adventurous, add a few dried cranberries or raisins or some pecans to each squash half.

MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Microwave the acorn squash for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin. This makes it easier to cut the squash in half.
• Cut in half from the tip to the bottom stem.
• Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard.
• Place the acorn squash on a baking sheet with the hollow whole facing up.
• Use your hands or a brush and rub 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over the 4 halves of the squash.
• Sprinkle sea salt and pepper along with 1/2 teaspoon of za'atar over the squash.
• Flip the squash over on the baking sheet and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the flesh is soft and the squash is tender. While the squash is cooking cook the quinoa.
• Let the quinoa cool and then add it to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the dried cranberries, pine nuts, chickpeas, green onions, parsley, chives, mint and set aside.
• In a mason jar or small bowl whisk together the 1 remaining Tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika and the remaining 1 teaspoon of za'atar.
• Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir well.
• Once the squash is done remove from the oven. Add a scoop of the quinoa mixture to each squash evenly distributing it among the four halves.
• Serve warm.