Preheat the oven to 400°F
Wash the acorn squash
Cut the squash in half lengthwise
Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp
Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet
Brush the cut sides with oil or melted butter
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, or other seasonings if desired
Flip the squash cut-side down for softer flesh, if preferred
Bake for 35 to 50 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly
Serve as halves or scoop out the flesh to use in other dishes