A hearty and healthy fall dish! This comforting Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe features roasted acorn squash filled with a sweet and nutty apple and pecan mixture. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive holiday meal!
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This Stuffed Acorn Squash is a hearty and delicious fall dish! This easy-to-make comfort food recipe combines sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices inside a roasted acorn squash. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive holiday meal. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal with unique flavors!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: The combination of apples, raisins, and pecans provides a nutritious boost, while the squash itself is a great source of vitamins and fiber.
- Simple Preparation: This stuffed acorn squash recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
- Versatile: This stuffed acorn squash is great for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
- Flavorful: The blend of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients for stuffed acorn squash. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full recipe.
First, slice the squash in half and remove all seeds.
Coat the insides with olive oil or avocafo oil. For a sweeter taste, used melted coconut oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
For the apples, use honey crisp or Fuji. Those are our favorites!
Raisins add natural sweetness while the pecans add crunch.
To add the cozy fall flavor, season with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Unsweetened applesauce adds a naturally sweet fall flavor. Look for brands without added sugar. We love the Whole Foods brand.
Unsweetened almond milk thins out the filling. Feel free to use regular milk if you prefer.
Taste & Texture
This stuffed acorn squash is a contrasting mix of flavors and textures. The acorn squash becomes tender and slightly sweet when roasted, providing a perfect base for the filling.
The filling itself is a mix of juicy apples, chewy raisins, and crunchy pecans, all seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
The addition of applesauce and almond milk gives it a creamy consistency that binds everything together perfectly.
How to Make
Step 1
Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2
Prepare the Squash: Drizzle the squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, raisins, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, applesauce, and almond milk. Mix well to combine.
Step 4
Stuff the Squash: Once the squash is cooked, carefully flip the halves cut-side up. Spoon the apple and pecan mixture generously into each squash half.
Step 5
Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the apples are tender.
Step 6
Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve this stuffed acorn squash warm.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best stuffed acorn squash.
Choose the Right Squash: Look for acorn squashes that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes.
Uniform Size: To ensure even cooking, choose squashes that are similar in size.
Pre-heat the Ingredients: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the squash for a few minutes before roasting to speed up the cooking process.
Mix and Match: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some flavor ideas for your stuffed acorn squash.
Different Squash: Try using butternut squash or pumpkin for a different twist.
Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Dried Fruits: Swap out raisins for cranberries or chopped dried apricots for added variety.
Sweetener: For a sweeter filling, drizzle a little pure maple syrup or honey over the filling before baking.
How to Serve & Store
Serve your stuffed acorn squash warm, straight from the oven. It makes a great side dish or a main course for vegetarians.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roast the squash ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble and bake just before serving.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked stuffed squash. Allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
Yes, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin as a substitute for acorn squash.
Equipment Needed
Staub Baking Dishes: We love these dishes for roasting and baking.
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