Food Cooking Tips & Techniques The Easiest Way to Cook Acorn Squash in the Microwave Preparing acorn squash can be time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be. How to easily microwave this fall favorite in only 10 minutes. By Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 19, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Acorn squash is a starchy vegetable with a round, ridged shape and green-and-gold skin. Though it's a fall favorite, acorn squash is available year-round and makes a delicious base for soups, salads, and side dishes galore. Due to its hefty weight and hearty texture, acorn squash can take quite some time to roast. (Follow our complete instructions for cooking acorn squash in the oven.) If you're in the mood for stuffed squash but have to get dinner on the table in less than an hour, we recommend using your microwave. Getty Images 8 Easy Acorn Squash Recipes You'll Serve Again and Again Your microwave can be more than just a vehicle for reheating leftovers or popping popcorn. In fact, it's a super-efficient way to quickly cook vegetables. Acorn squash made in the microwave takes about one-fifth of the time it would take in the oven and comes out perfectly tender. How to Microwave an Acorn Squash 01 of 04 Wash the Squash Thoroughly rinse your acorn squash under running water with a produce brush, then pat dry with a towel. 02 of 04 Cut It in Half Cut the squash in half and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. 03 of 04 Heat in the Microwave Getty Images Lay both halves cut-side down on a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 10 to 12 minutes. 04 of 04 Pierce With a Fork to Test for Doneness Getty Images The acorn squash is done cooking when a fork can pierce through the tender flesh, and the insides are soft and fully cooked. Exact cook times will vary depending upon the size of your squash. Now that the pulp of your squash is ready, you can add a shmear of butter and brown sugar and eat it as-is, serve with pasta, stuff it with cheese, or scoop it out of the skins to purée it for soups or baby food. Wondering where this recipe was when you were in college? Yeah, you're not alone. Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Bake Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit