Description
This Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is a cozy, naturally sweet fall dish featuring tender roasted squash filled with warm cinnamon apples, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. It’s the perfect comforting side or light dessert for the holidays.
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush squash halves with olive oil or butter, sprinkle lightly with salt, and place cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender.
3. While baking, prepare filling: In a skillet, combine apples, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, and cranberries. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until apples soften slightly.
4. Stuff the squash: Turn squash halves cut side up, spoon the apple mixture into the centers, and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.
5. Bake again for 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
6. Serve warm perfect as a side dish or light fall dessert!
Notes
For extra flavor, drizzle the finished squash with a touch of honey or sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
To make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or a fall grain salad.
You can prep the filling ahead of time and assemble before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Side Dish, Fall Recipes, Vegetarian
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Fall Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 squash half
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, Roasted Squash Recipe, Fall Side Dish, Maple Apple Filling, Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dish