Microwave
Acorn Squash with Pine Nuts
By Kids
Cooking Activities
Sweet
and savory acorn squash wedges tossed in melted
butter, brown sugar, and sage, then finished with
toasted pine nuts (or almonds). This quick microwave
side dish is cozy, kid-friendly, and perfect for
fall dinners.
- Category:
Side Dish
- Method:
Microwave
- Skill Level:
Beginner
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook:
5–10 minutes | Yield: 4
servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons
unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown
sugar
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 2 medium acorn
squash, sliced into 1-inch wedges
- 2 tablespoons
toasted pine nuts or almonds
- Salt and black
pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place butter in
a microwave-safe casserole dish and microwave
until melted.
- Stir brown
sugar and sage into the melted butter until well
combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper
if desired.
- Add acorn
squash wedges and gently stir to coat in the
butter mixture.
- Cover dish and
microwave for 5–10 minutes, stirring once
halfway through, until squash is tender when
pierced with a fork.
- Sprinkle with
toasted pine nuts (or almonds) and serve warm.
Kid-Friendly Tips
- Kids can measure brown sugar and sprinkle nuts
on top
- Adults should slice the squash and handle hot
dishes
- Let kids taste-test for sweetness and help add
a pinch of salt
Easy Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweeter flavor
- Swap sage for pumpkin pie spice for a
dessert-style side
- Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of pine
nuts
Notes
Microwave times vary by
wattage and the thickness of squash wedges. Start
with 5 minutes and add 1–2 minutes at a time until
tender. Covering helps the squash steam and cook
evenly.