Roasted harissa acorn squash cooks in the oven in less than 25 minutes. This is a flavorful and easy recipe that only requires four ingredients.
This time of year, I fall in love with all the squash. Spaghetti squash, butternut squash, honeynut squash, and of course acorn squash.
Acorn squash is just so gorgeous with it's scalloped edges. And sometimes I like it with just a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, but sometimes I like to spice it up.
This roasted acorn squash with harissa brings that nice bit of spice to turn the squash into something special. And delicious. And flavorful.
And it cooks up in only 25 minutes! So quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Acorn squash
- Olive oil
- Harissa - harissa can come in different spice levels. I usually prefer medium, as it adds a nice spice without being overpowering. However, you can use spicy or mild if you prefer.
- Salt
What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African condiment that is typically made from chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and sometimes mint and/or rose petals.
Harissa usually comes jarred as a condiment, though it can be found in tubes or powdered form. You can sometimes find harissa (especially the popular Mina brand) in different spice levels of mild, medium, or spicy.
Can't find harissa? Here are ideas for the best harissa substitutes.
Customization ideas
Want the harissa roasted squash to be spicier? Make sure to use a medium or spicy harissa.
Want it to be milder? Make sure to use the mild level of heat for your harissa.
Brighten up the dish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or add lemon zest after roasting.
The squash would also be delicious served with some yogurt and/or fresh mint.
What to serve with the harissa acorn squash
The harissa acorn squash is delicious as a side dish! I love it served on grain bowls, with salads, or alongside some delicious main dishes.
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken
- Air Fryer Crispy Salmon
- Honey Sriracha Chicken
- Air Fryer Honey Dijon Chicken
- Chicken Piccata
Recipe notes
- For this recipe, you'll use the harissa condiment, not the powdered spice blend.
- This recipe serves 2-4 as a side dish. (2 if serving as the only side, 4 if serving with another side).
- The skin of acorn squash can be cooked and eaten.
- Ovens can cook differently. If squash is not tender, leave in for another 3-5 minutes.
How to make harissa acorn squash
First, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Next, wash and dry the acorn squash. Slice off the top stem section of the acorn squash, then slice in half lenthwise.
Scoop out the seeds and pulp. (You can save the seed later for roasting if you like).
Mix together olive oil, harissa, and salt in a small bowl.
Slice acorn squash into ½ inch slices and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Brush the harissa oil mixture over the squash slices, then flip and brush on the other side. (I use a silicone brush for this).
Roast acorn squash in the oven for 25 minutes until squash is fork tender.
Serve the roasted harissa squash!
FAQs
Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?
Yes! The skin of acorn squash is edible, so the acorn squash does not need to be peeled. The skin softens when you roast it, and it's delicious.
How to store leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place back in the oven and cook until heated through.
More recipes using harissa
- Harissa Vinaigrette
- Air Fryer Harissa Chicken
- Air Fryer Harissa Salmon
- Harissa Honey Chicken
- Creamy Harissa Pasta
- Harissa Carrots
- Harissa Cauliflower with Tahini
- Harissa Butter
- Harissa Roasted Tomatoes
More acorn squash recipes
Other recipes to love
Roasted Harissa Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn squash
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon harissa
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash and dry the acorn squash. Slice off the top stem section. Slice squash in half lengthwise and then scoop out the seeds. Slice squash into ½ inch slices.
- To a small bowl, add olive oil, harissa, and salt and stir to combine.
- Lay the squash slices on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the harissa mixture on the squash slices. Flip each slice over, then brush mixture on the other side.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until roasted and fork tender.
Notes
- For this recipe, you'll use the harissa condiment, not the powdered spice blend.
- This recipe serves 2-4 as a side dish. (2 if serving as the only side, 4 if serving with another side).
- The skin of acorn squash can be cooked and eaten.
- Ovens can cook differently. If squash is not tender, leave in for another 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
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