Out of Acorn squash, one case
Acorn squash substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butternut squash
Same amount as the acorn squash
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 for —
- roasting
One casethe full squash card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of acorn squash |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butternut squashroasting | Same amount |
| 2 | Delicata squashroasting | Same amount |
| 3 | Sweet potatoroasting | Same amount |
| 4 | Kabocha squashroasting | Same amount |
| 5 | Honeynut squashroasting | Same amount |
Butternut squash
sweet and nutty
Excellent substitute with similar sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Good for roasting, purees, and soups. Slightly sweeter than acorn squash.
- Best for
- roasting, purees, soups, baking, when you want similar texture
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Butternut squash is sweeter than acorn squash, so you may want to reduce added sugar in recipes.
Delicata squash
nutty and slightly sweet
Great substitute with similar nutty flavor and creamy texture. Works well in most acorn squash recipes, especially roasting and stuffing.
- Best for
- roasting, stuffing, soups, when you want similar texture
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Delicata squash has a more delicate flavor and similar texture to acorn squash.
Sweet potato
sweet and earthy
Good substitute with similar sweetness and creamy texture. Works well in roasting and purees, though slightly different flavor profile.
- Best for
- roasting, purees, soups, baking, when you want similar sweetness
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Sweet potato has similar sweetness to acorn squash and works well in most recipes.
Kabocha squash
sweet and chestnut-like
Similar winter squash with sweet, chestnut-like flavor and dense texture. Good for roasting and purees, very similar to acorn squash.
- Best for
- roasting, purees, soups, baking, when you want similar sweetness
- Texture
- dense and creamy
Kabocha squash has a denser texture and sweeter flavor than acorn squash.
Honeynut squash
sweet and nutty
Smaller, sweeter variety that's very similar to acorn squash. Good substitute with similar flavor and texture, just smaller in size.
- Best for
- roasting, purees, soups, baking, when you want similar flavor
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Honeynut squash is very similar to acorn squash in flavor and texture.
How acorn squash compares
Acorn squash is prized for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture, making it good for roasting, purees, soups, and baking. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality while maintaining the nutty, earthy characteristics that make acorn squash special.
Tips for substituting acorn squash
8 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
Notes on acorn squash
- Mix different winter squashes for a variety of flavors and textures
- Use acorn squash puree as a base for creamy soups and sauces
- Consider using acorn squash in both sweet and savory applications
- For baking, acorn squash can be used in place of pumpkin in many recipes
- Combine acorn squash with other root vegetables for complex flavors
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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 good 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.