Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Pork Rinds

acorn squash roasted with pork
acorn squash roasted with pork

Pork and Squash

The sweet, salty, savory, and nutty combination of roasted acorn squash with the pork rinds is what you are looking for. I’m honestly shocked that I haven’t come across this idea in the past.

The pork rinds? Yeah, that’s that topping on the acorn squash. The crusty bits are an accent, mixed with some spices and herbs, designed to provide texture and enhance the overall meal.

I don’t see pork rinds.

Moderation my friend. These aren’t coated completely and fried, they are mixed in a bowl with spices, herbs, pork rinds and then roasted in the oven. I use a finely ground pork rind called Pork Panko, similar to panko breadcrumbs. You can simply buy it in a jar and use it as a crispy topping whenever, which is what we did here:

pork panko squash
Crispy pork rinds and acorn squash, pumpkin seeds, and maple syrup

Multitasking in the kitchen

I cook with the oven pretty frequently, and when it’s on, it’s full. Roasted vegetables adorn the shelves in my fridge, being my style of consumption. I’m not a salad guy, can you tell?

Roasted acorn squash can be a bit soft, especially if you’re the type that doesn’t eat the skin (I definitely do, but no judgment). Grab a small pan, toss some pumpkin seeds in there, and spread them out. There’s no need for oils or spices, they will roast alongside the squash within minutes, and you’ll have the most delicious topping (or snack) with no effort.

side dish of roasted acorn squash
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acorn squash roasted with pork

Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash with Pork Rinds

The sweet, salty, savory, and nutty combination of roasted acorn squash with the pork rinds is what you are looking for.

  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 acorn squash (around 1 ½ lb each)
  • 2 tsp vegetable, or canola oil
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup Pork Panko
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups pumpkin seeds, roasted
  • Maple syrup

Instructions

Notes

Roast some pumpkin seeds in a small pan in the oven alongside the squash. They only take 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through. Be careful not to burn them.

  • Author: Brad Prose
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Vegetables
  • Method: roasting
  • Cuisine: side dish

Keywords: vegetables, roasting, side dish, holiday recipe

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