Alright, so we’ve all been there. You’re deep in the zone, crafting what’s about to be the most epic meal, and bam—no acorn squash.
Total kitchen buzzkill, right? Nope! We’re here to flip the script on this culinary hiccup.
We’ve scoured kitchens and cookbooks to bring you the top five pinch-hitters for acorn squash.
Each substitute not only keeps your dish on track but might even kick things up a notch. Who said a missing ingredient spells disaster?
With us, it’s just the start of a tastier plot twist. Keep reading to discover how your next meal could go from great to mind-blowing, no acorn squash required.
5 Best Substitutes for Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a versatile and delicious winter squash variety known for its sweet, nutty flavor and tender flesh.
However, if you are unable to find acorn squash or want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes available.
In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for acorn squash, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar flavors and textures in your recipes.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | Sweet and nutty winter squash with a smooth texture; versatile and widely available | Use an equal amount of butternut squash as a substitute for acorn squash |
| Hubbard Squash | Large winter squash with sweet and rich flavor; dense flesh that holds up well in various preparations | Use an equal amount of hubbard squash as a substitute for acorn squash |
| Pumpkin | Iconic fall squash with a slightly earthy and sweet taste; can be used in both savory and sweet dishes | Use an equal amount of pumpkin as a substitute for acorn squash |
| Buttercup Squash | Sweet and creamy winter squash with a rich flavor; similar texture to acorn squash | Use an equal amount of buttercup squash as a substitute for acorn squash |
| Kabocha Squash | Japanese winter squash with sweet and starchy flesh; tender and versatile | Use an equal amount of kabocha squash as a substitute for acorn squash |
Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:
1 – Butternut Squash
Let’s start with a classic. Butternut squash is one of the most popular types of winter squash, and for a good reason.
It’s sweet, nutty, and oh-so-versatile. Plus, it’s easy to find at just about any grocery store.
Butternut squash is very similar to acorn squash when it comes to flavor.
They both have that characteristic sweetness that is so crave-worthy in the colder months.
However, in terms of texture, butternut squash is much smoother and creamier than acorn squash.
This makes it a great choice for soups and sauces.
Butternut squash can be roasted, pureed, or even made into fries.
You can also use it in place of acorn squash in any recipe.
So if you’re looking for a familiar yet different flavor, butternut squash is a perfect choice.
- Key Characteristics: Butternut squash is a sweet and nutty winter squash with a smooth texture. It is versatile and widely available, making it a popular substitute for acorn squash.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of butternut squash as a substitute for acorn squash. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and desired tenderness.
2 – Hubbard Squash
Hubbard is a great substitute for acorn squash when it comes to winter squashes.
It has a similar shape and size as acorn squash, but its flavor is more intense.
Hubbards are usually orange or green in color and have smooth skin.
They can be cooked the same way as acorn squash- roasted, pureed, or steamed.
One of the best things about hubbard squash is its versatility.
It can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
One of our favorite ways to use it is in this roasted acorn squash and apple soup.
The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the rich, earthy flavor of the hubbard squash.
Hubbard squash is also a great addition to Thanksgiving dishes.
It can be used in acorn squash in recipes like this maple-glazed roasted turkey or this sweet potato casserole.
- Key Characteristics: Hubbard squash is a large winter squash with a sweet and rich flavor. It has dense flesh that holds up well in various preparations, making it an excellent substitute for acorn squash.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of hubbard squash as a substitute for acorn squash. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and desired tenderness.
3 – Pumpkin
For many people, a pumpkin is the quintessential fall squash.
It’s a great substitute for acorn squash because it has a similar flavor and texture.
When cooked, the pumpkin becomes very tender and can be easily pureed.
Pumpkins are also very versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
The best pumpkins for cooking are sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins.
These pumpkins are smaller and have a more intense flavor than the larger jack-o-lantern pumpkins.
If you want to substitute pumpkin for acorn squash in a recipe, we recommend using this roasted pumpkin soup.
It’s the perfect way to use up any leftover pumpkins from Halloween.
- Key Characteristics: Pumpkin is an iconic fall squash with a slightly earthy and sweet taste. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile substitute for acorn squash.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of pumpkin as a substitute for acorn squash. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and desired tenderness.
4 – Buttercup Squash
Despite its name, buttercup squash is a close relative of the pumpkin.
It has a deep green color and a shape that resembles a turban.
Buttercup squash is one of the sweetest winter squashes and has a creamy texture.
In terms of flavor, buttercup squash is quite similar to acorn squash.
It’s sweet and earthy with a hint of nuttiness.
The two squashes can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Cooking buttercup squash is very easy. You can bake, steam or microwave it.
It’s also great roasted with a little bit of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Buttercup squash is perfect for pies, soup, risotto, and more.
So if you can’t find acorn squash at your local grocery store, give buttercup squash a try.
- Key Characteristics: Buttercup squash is a sweet and creamy winter squash with a rich flavor. It has a similar texture to acorn squash, making it an ideal substitute in various recipes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of buttercup squash as a substitute for acorn squash. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and desired tenderness.
5 – Kabocha Squash
When it comes to winter squashes, kabocha squash is one of the most popular.
It has dark green skin and orange flesh.
Kabocha squash is sweet and nutty with a slight caramel flavor.
Texture-wise, kabocha squash is very smooth and creamy.
The flesh is also quite dense, holding its shape well when cooked.
The two are very similar in substituting kabocha squash for acorn squash.
You can use them interchangeably in most recipes.
Whether baking, roasting or steaming kabocha squash, it’s always a good idea to add a little bit of butter, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
This will help bring out the natural sweetness of the squash.
Kabocha squash is perfect for pies, soup, risotto, and more.
- Key Characteristics: Kabocha squash is a Japanese winter squash with sweet and starchy flesh. It is tender and versatile, making it a suitable substitute for acorn squash.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of kabocha squash as a substitute for acorn squash. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and desired tenderness.
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