Acorn Squash Baby Food

Acorn squash as puree and slices on plate.

Learn the easiest way to turn fresh acorn squash into Acorn Squash Baby Food as a puree and a baby-led weaning finger food. This can also work as an easy side dish for the entire family, or you can easily freeze portions for future weeks.

Course Baby Food

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 18

Total Time 28

Servings -6

Calories 74kcal

Author Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

1 acorn squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon cinnamon, cumin, Chinese Five Spice (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Wash and dry the acorn squash. Slice the stem and the base off of the squash. Cut in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
Slice into 1-inch crescent-moon-shape slices. Arrange in a layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil overtop and rub to coat, turning each piece over so both sides are coated in oil.
Sprinkle with any optional seasonings.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pieces are tender when poked with a fork.
To serve baby-led weaning style: Serve one slice at a time. (The skin helps hold the squash together and baby will typically spit it out. Demonstrate which side to eat the squash slice from.)
To make a puree: Scoop the flesh off of the skin and add it to a blender. Blend, adding 1 tablespoon water, no-salt-added broth, breastmilk, or formula at a time until you have a smooth puree.

Notes

Store puree in storage containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays and transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw 1-2 cubes in a container overnight in the fridge. Store slices in storage container in the fridge for up to a week.

Add a sprinkle of one of the optional spices for more flavor.

Combine with an equal amount of one of the following purees at a time to make an Acorn Squash Baby Food Combinations: Avocado Puree, Apple Puree, Pear Puree, Banana Puree, Spinach Puree. and Zucchini Baby Food.

Enjoy the roasted slices as a side dish for family dinner. You may want to add a little salt for yourself.

Roasted skin of acorn squash is edible, as it softens a lot when cooking. You can also just discard it.

Nutrition