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    Home » Recipes

    Za’atar Roasted Acorn Squash

    Published: Oct 28, 2022 by Sonila · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    These za’atar roasted acorn squash slices make for a delicious side dish during Fall season. I love eating them as a snack, serving them over salads and even adding on the table for Thanksgiving as a healthy side option!! Recipe as written is Vegetarian and Mediterranean Diet friendly.

    A baking tray covered in parchment paper showing roasted and seasoned acorn squash slices.
    Roasted Acorn Squash

    Preparing Acorn Squash

    As much as I love to cook, I am not a big fan of cutting squash (acorn, butternut, pumpkin etc). Wash and dry the squash first. I try to make it easier on myself by following these steps:

    • Cut a slice of the squash to flatten the top (it stabilizes the squash so it doesn’t move)
    • Cut the acorn squash in half.
    • Remove the seeds with a spoon.
    • Place squash cut side down and start slicing in about 1 inch slices.
    A cutting board showing halved and deseeded acorn squash.
    Halved and de-seeded Acorn Squash

    What is Za’atar seasoning and potential substitutes?

    Za’atar is a spice mix most commonly found in Middle Eastern countries but lately spreading around the world. The mix might vary from location to location, but usually it’s made with oregano, marjoram, sumac, sesame, thyme etc etc. I have been able to find this seasoning in more stores lately while in the past I could only order it online.

    I usually either find the dried version or za’atar in olive oil. Both are great, I usually prefer the dry one for poultry and roasted vegetables. But the one in olive oil was great for baking bread as it was easily incorporated in the dough.

    If you don’t have za’atar then use lots of thyme and oregano which are the main two ingredients. It won’t be exactly the same, but the acorn squash will still taste great:).

    Plated Roasted Slices of Acorn Squash
    A plate with za'atar roasted acorn squash slices. They're naturally waving and look so pretty and appetizing.

    Za’atar Roasted Acorn Squash

    Sonila
    These za'atar roasted acorn squash slices are a great side dish during Fall season. I love adding a platter at the Thanksgiving table too since it provides a beautiful and a healthy side dish option:).
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 138 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large knife
    • 1 large baking sheet
    • 1 cutting board
    • parchment paper

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 acorn squash
    • 2 tbsps honey
    • 1 tbsps olive oil extra virgin
    • 1 tsp za'atar
    • 0.5 tsp sea salt
    • 0.5 tsp black pepper
    • 6-8 thyme sprigs

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and pat dry the acorn squash.
    • Place acorn squash on a cutting board, use a kitchen towel if needed underneath to stabilize the squash. Cut the top part to create a round flat surface. This would allow for you to cut in half without the squash wiggling.
    • Cut the acorn squash in half. Scoop the seeds and clean the acorn squash halves by scraping the spoon.
    • Flip each half of acorn squash with concave side down. Use a sharp knife to cut the squash in slices about half and inch to 1 inch thick.
    • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the acorn squash slices in it.
    • Mix honey and olive oil and brush the acorn squash slices. Add thyme over them then za'atar. Finally, add salt and pepper.
    • Roast at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until you can easily pierce with a fork. Let the tray cool down then move the squash slices to a serving platter. Enjoy:)).

    Video

    Notes

    • Storage – refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days, warm them up before serving. 

    Nutrition Label

    Nutrition Facts
    Za'atar Roasted Acorn Squash
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 138 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Sodium 295mg13%
    Potassium 385mg11%
    Carbohydrates 20g7%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 9g10%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 406IU8%
    Vitamin C 12mg15%
    Calcium 42mg4%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 295mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 406IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword acorn squash, roasted acorn squash, za’atar roasted acorn squash
    Tried this recipe?Mention @mediterranean_latin_love or tag #mediterraneanlatinloveaffair!
    Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven for this side dish?

    Yes you can. I have a toaster oven/air fryer with french doors that allows for both air frying or roasting with the same tray (different settings). I have tried both and the results are so yummy both ways. Roasted slices of acorn squash are softer while air fried version is a bit more crispy.

    What can I substitute honey with?

    You can replace honey with maple syrup. That would also make the recipe vegan.

    If you would like to save this recipe for Thanksgiving or any other occasion, please pin the below image to your boards in Pinterest. Let me know in comments if you have any questions. Thank you for reading for my blog:).

    Instagram: mediterranean_latin_love or Twitter: MediterrLatin or Facebook: Mediterranean Latin Love Affair.

    An image prepared for Pinterest. It shows roasted squash slices on a tray with lots of herbs. There's a title bar on top that reads Za'atar Roasted Acorn Squash and a website link on the bottom.
    Za’atar Roasted Acorn Squash

    Other Fall and Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Leftover turkey soup with orzo pasta
    • Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Cranberry sauce
    • Roasted potatoes with rosemary and sage
    • Butternut squash salad with cranberries
    • Roasted turkey breast
    • White Wine Gravy

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    Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dish Tagged With: Mediterranean Diet, Thanksgiving

    About Sonila

    Mom of 2, wife, engineer, food blogger & recipe creator! Sonila was born in Albania, her heritage inspires her Mediterranean recipes while that of her husband the Latin ones. Sonila has 2 degrees in Engineering from University of Miami.

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    Sonila Zarate
    Sonila Zarate

    Mom of 2, wife, engineer, food blogger & recipe creator! Sonila was born in Albania, her heritage inspires her Mediterranean recipes while that of her husband the Latin ones. Sonila has 2 degrees in Engineering from University of Miami.

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