🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Acorn Squash Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for acorn squash in cooking and baking. Learn proper ratios, cooking tips, and when to use each alternative.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for acorn squash are butternut squash, delicata squash, sweet potato, and kabocha squash. Use 1:1 ratio for most recipes, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Best Substitutes

Butternut Squash

1:1

Excellent substitute with similar sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for roasting, purees, and soups. Slightly sweeter than acorn squash.

Best for:

roastingpureessoupsbakingwhen you want similar texture

Butternut squash is sweeter than acorn squash, so you may want to reduce added sugar in recipes

Delicata Squash

1:1

Great substitute with similar nutty flavor and creamy texture. Works well in most acorn squash recipes, especially roasting and stuffing.

Best for:

roastingstuffingsoupswhen you want similar texture

Delicata squash has a more delicate flavor and similar texture to acorn squash

Sweet Potato

1:1

Good substitute with similar sweetness and creamy texture. Works well in roasting and purees, though slightly different flavor profile.

Best for:

roastingpureessoupsbakingwhen you want similar sweetness

Sweet potato has similar sweetness to acorn squash and works well in most recipes

Kabocha Squash

1:1

Similar winter squash with sweet, chestnut-like flavor and dense texture. Perfect for roasting and purees, very similar to acorn squash.

Best for:

roastingpureessoupsbakingwhen you want similar sweetness

Kabocha squash has a denser texture and sweeter flavor than acorn squash

Honeynut Squash

1:1

Smaller, sweeter variety that's very similar to acorn squash. Perfect substitute with similar flavor and texture, just smaller in size.

Best for:

roastingpureessoupsbakingwhen you want similar flavor

Honeynut squash is very similar to acorn squash in flavor and texture

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Acorn squash has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes
  • 💡For best results, roast acorn squash substitutes at 400°F until tender and caramelized
  • 💡Acorn squash purees beautifully and can be used in soups, sauces, and baked goods
  • 💡The skin of acorn squash is edible when cooked and adds nice texture
  • 💡Acorn squash pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage
  • 💡For roasting, cut acorn squash substitutes into even pieces for consistent cooking
  • 💡Acorn squash can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months
  • 💡When substituting, consider the sweetness level and adjust added sugar accordingly

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for acorn squash?

Butternut squash is often the best substitute for acorn squash due to its similar sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Use a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.

Can I use delicata squash instead of acorn squash?

Yes, delicata squash is an excellent substitute for acorn squash. It has similar nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it perfect for roasting and stuffing.

Is butternut squash a good substitute for acorn squash?

Yes, butternut squash works very well as a substitute for acorn squash. It has similar texture and flavor, though it's slightly sweeter.

Can I substitute sweet potato for acorn squash in roasting?

Yes, sweet potato makes a good substitute for acorn squash in roasting. It has similar sweetness and will roast to a similar consistency.

What's the difference between acorn squash and butternut squash?

Acorn squash has a more nutty flavor and is less sweet than butternut squash. Both work well in similar recipes but acorn squash has a more pronounced nutty taste.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for acorn squash in cooking and baking. Learn proper ratios, cooking tips, and when to use each alternative.