Simple Roasted Acorn Squash with butter and sage and topped with honey ginger pork made in the slow cooker. It's a new spin on acorn squash that's packed with tons of flavor!
I guess we could call this week SQUASH WEEK. Except not because this is only my second recipe, but two squash recipes in one week? Yeah it’s squash week.
Today we’re talking about another new-to-me squash: acorn squash! I was determined to get my shit together this year and try ALL THE SQUASH, and that’s exactly what I did. Unlike butternut squash, it doesn’t turn crispy like potatoes when you roast it (who knew!), but rather, it gets really soft. Also, acorn squash is way prettier than butternut squash <—fact. And while you can eat acorn squash as-is, it’s way better when you throw some pork on top.
Whoops.
So I kind of cheated with this recipe (is “cheated” the right word..?) and used the exact same pork recipe for my Honey Ginger Pork Tacos. Why? Because I love it and I hadn’t made it in awhile and I figured honey+ginger would be delicious on top of acorn squash. Guess what? IT IS! Unlike butternut squash, you can’t buy pre-sliced acorn squash (or maybe you can and I just don’t know about it), but the good news is that acorn squash is suuuuper simple to slice and de-seed. There aren’t that many seeds and even my dull knives could slice through it without any problems (….wish I could say the same for spaghetti squash).
SO. You’ll essentially want to start by placing the pork in your slow cooker with the appropriate seasonings. Once the pork has been cooking for 2.5 hours, you can begin roasting the squash. Ideally, the squash and pork will be done at the same time, so then the squash can be removed from the oven and topped with the cooked pork. VIOLA, easy peasy and maybe, just maybe, the most delicious way to enjoy roasted acorn squash.
I ended up adding some shaved gruyere cheese on top because gruyere makes me feel fancy and cheese completes almost every meal.
If you make this recipe, remember to tag #thealmondeater on Instagram!
Ingredients
- For the pork:
- 1 lb. pork I used pork chops
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ½ cup honey
- Salt to taste
- For the squash:
- 1 acorn squash seeds removed
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 tablespoon fresh sage
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place all pork ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until pork is cooked through.
- Once pork has been cooking for 3 hours, begin cooking the squash.
- Preheat oven to 400°, slice the squash, remove all of the seeds and then continue slicing the squash into pieces.
- Place squash in a large bowl and pour melted butter and sage overtop; stir to combine.
- Put squash on a baking sheet (you may need 2 baking sheets), making sure none of the squash is touching.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, flipping the squash after about 12 minutes. You'll know the squash is cooked once it's soft when you bite into it.
- Once cooked, put the squash on a plate, pour pork overtop and grate some cheese over the entire dish (this is optional, but gruyere or parmesan is recommended!).
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Rebecca Breaud says
How many calories isthmus, and how much saturated fat?
Erin says
Hi! I just added in the calorie estimation (it's per serving).
Michelle W says
Roasted acorn squash is probably one of the most underrated fall vegetables! DELISH! Will definitely be repeating real soon. Also, anything I can throw in the crockpot is always a win. Super yummy twist on pork chops. Thanks, E!
Erin says
Thanks Michelle!! Probably my favorite way to eat acorn squash.
Elisabeth says
Hi!
What would you sub for Sage? I have the pork in crock pot already and just realized I don’t have any! 🙁
Erin says
Hi! I wouldn't worry about it -- just season it with salt and pepper. There's plenty of flavor from the pork so you should be good.
Johanna Elsemore says
When do you slice the pork, before or after cooking? It's shown in pieces, but the recipe never mentions cutting it.
Also, you mention pouring chicken over top 🙂
Erin says
Whoops! Talk about at typo. And you'll slice the pork after it's cooked 🙂
Karen Ward says
How many servings in this recipe?
Amylou @The No Grainer says
OMG. I NEED THIS. I roasted an acorn squash the other day and it didn't look nearly this good!!! Need to perfect and will definitely try this recipe. Thank you so much! Such a beautiful photo and the pork looks so good too!
kitchenaid stand mixer colors says
I didn't realize squash can look this delicious. Hopefully, I can cook the same recipe also this Halloween celebration we'll have in our new house. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I am already excited to cook and serve it with the whole family. It looks delicious but at the same time, healthier too!
Sarah Morris says
What type/cut of pork did you use here? (e.g. tenderloin, sirloin, chops, etc.)?
Erin says
Hi Sarah--I should have specified, but I used pork chops (specifically the ones from Trader Joe's) in this recipe. Let me know if you try it!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Ooooh bookmarked this! I love acorn squash because you can eat the skin.
Erin says
I agree--definitely makes life easier!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
Love roasted squash this time of year and we have been eating it a lot. Love the flavor combo with the pork!
Erin says
It's the perfect time of year for all things squash! Thanks Karen.
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Keep the squash recipes coming - cos this Honey Ginger Pork on Sage flavored squash is making my mouth water!
Erin says
Thanks Shashi!