Golden Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe: A Cozy Fall Dinner Gem

Autumn’s crisp embrace calls for hearty, comforting meals that warm the soul, and this savory stuffed acorn squash recipe delivers pure seasonal magic.

Golden acorn squash becomes a delectable vessel for a rich, flavorful filling that blends rustic charm with elegant simplicity.

Tender roasted squash halves nestle a medley of herbed quinoa, caramelized onions, and tender woodland mushrooms.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and deep, earthy flavors that dance across your palate.

Protein-packed and nutritious, this dish transforms an ordinary squash into an extraordinary centerpiece for your dinner table.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe proves that sophisticated cooking can be both accessible and delightful.

Prepare to be transported by a culinary experience that celebrates the best of fall’s bountiful harvest.

Steps To Make Stuffed Acorn Squash

• Prepare the Vessel

Slice acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Roast the Squash

Place squash face down on baking sheet and slide into a 400F oven. Bake until tender and caramelized, about 35 minutes.

• Build the Flavor Base

Sizzle onions in a skillet until translucent. Add sausage and break into crumbly pieces. Mix in apples, cranberries, pecans, and warm spices like thyme and cinnamon.

• Create the Filling

Stir cooked wild rice into the sausage mixture. Season with additional salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.

• Transform the Squash

Flip roasted squash halves right-side up. Generously fill each boat with the savory rice and sausage blend. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan on top.

• Final Bake

Return stuffed squash to oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and heated through.

• Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra cheese sprinkle. Enjoy this hearty autumn meal straight from the oven.

Tips For Delicious Stuffed Acorn Squash

• Smart Roasting Technique: Placing squash cut-side down helps create a beautifully caramelized surface and prevents drying out during initial roasting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed squash components up to two days in advance, storing rice mixture and roasted squash separately to maintain optimal texture before final assembly.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage, firm tofu, or cooked lentils to create a delicious meat-free version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure wild rice is certified gluten-free and swap regular sausage for gluten-free varieties to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Toast pecans before adding to stuffing mixture to enhance their nutty depth and create a more complex, rich taste experience.

Serving Stuffed Acorn Squash Comfortably

• Cozy Dinner Centerpiece: Arrange these stuffed squash halves on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that wows dinner guests.
• Seasonal Side Companion: Pair with a crisp autumn salad featuring mixed greens, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a light maple vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling that balances the savory sausage and sweet apple notes in the dish.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra stuffed squash halves and store in the refrigerator for quick, delicious lunches during the week, reheating easily in the oven.

How To Store Stuffed Acorn Squash Right

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stuffed acorn squash in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy textures and prevent soggy filling, ensuring delicious flavors are preserved.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual stuffed squash halves tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: If possible, store rice and sausage mixture separately from roasted squash to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup, allowing for easier and fresher reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Stuffed Acorn Squash

• Acorn Squash: Hearty winter vegetable with naturally sweet flavor, choose firm squash with deep green or orange color without soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Creates golden roasted exterior and helps caramelize squash surface, select extra virgin for richer taste.

• Sweet Italian Sausage: Adds robust meaty depth, choose fresh ground sausage with balanced spice profile.
• Wild Rice: Provides nutty texture and nutritional boost, opt for organic blend with mixed rice varieties.
• Pecans: Introduces delightful crunch and earthy undertones, select fresh, plump nuts without rancid smell.

• Onion: Builds foundational savory base, choose firm yellow or white onions.
• Garlic: Intensifies overall dish complexity, select firm bulbs without sprouting.
• Apple: Brings subtle sweetness and moisture, select crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds tangy burst and beautiful color contrast, look for unsweetened options.
• Thyme: Contributes herbal woodsy notes, choose fresh sprigs for maximum flavor.
• Sage: Provides warm earthy essence, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm undertone and depth, use ground Ceylon cinnamon for best quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers rich umami finish, select freshly grated authentic Italian cheese.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright finishing touch, choose vibrant green leaves.

Tools You’ll Need For Stuffed Acorn Squash

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting squash evenly and catching any drips.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and mixing the stuffing.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, apples, pecans, and herbs.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add olive oil, spices, and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: For grating Parmesan cheese as a topping.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking sheets and squash.

Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory stuffed acorn squash showcases Mediterranean flavors with quinoa, herbs, and roasted vegetables. Wholesome ingredients create a comforting meal promising warmth and nourishment for those seeking delightful seasonal cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (Italian, chicken, or turkey)
• ½ cup wild rice, uncooked (or a wild rice blend)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium apple, diced
• 3 tbsps olive oil, divided
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried sage
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Roast Squash: Slice acorn squash in half, remove seeds, and coat interior with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on baking sheet and roast at 400F (200C) for 35 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Prepare Filling: Simultaneously cook wild rice and sauté onions, garlic, and sausage in skillet until meat browns. Integrate apple chunks, dried cranberries, pecans, thyme, sage, and cinnamon, allowing flavors to meld.
3. Combine Components: Fold cooked wild rice into sausage mixture, adjusting seasoning. Flip roasted squash halves and generously stuff with rice mixture, pressing gently to compact filling.
4. Final Bake: Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over stuffed squash. Return to oven for additional 10-15 minutes until tops turn golden and dish is heated through.
5. Serve Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Squash Selection Matters: Choose firm, heavy acorn squash with smooth, dull skin to ensure maximum flavor and best roasting results.
• Roasting Technique Precision: Position squash cut-side down to lock in moisture and create caramelized, tender flesh without drying out.
• Seasoning Balance: Layer herbs and spices gradually, tasting as you go to develop deep, complementary flavor profiles without overwhelming the natural squash sweetness.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or chickpeas for vegetarian version; use gluten-free wild rice blend for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 55mg