🧡 Stuffed Acorn Squash (Savory & Comforting)
Serves: 2–4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Squash:
-
2 acorn squashes, halved & seeds removed
-
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
-
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Filling:
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
-
½ cup mushrooms, chopped
-
½ cup spinach or kale, chopped
-
¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
-
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
-
½ tsp cinnamon
-
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
-
Crumbled feta or goat cheese
-
Grated mozzarella or parmesan
-
Fresh parsley or thyme
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Roast the Squash
-
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
-
Brush squash halves with olive oil or butter.
-
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
-
Place cut-side down on a baking tray.
-
Roast for 30–35 minutes until tender.
-
-
Prepare the Filling
-
Heat olive oil in a pan.
-
Sauté onion until soft (2–3 minutes).
-
Add garlic and mushrooms, cook 2 more minutes.
-
Add spinach, quinoa/rice, cranberries, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt & pepper.
-
Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
-
-
Stuff the Squash
-
Flip roasted squash halves cut-side up.
-
Fill each with the prepared mixture.
-
Add cheese on top if using.
-
-
Final Bake
-
Bake again for 10–12 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
-
-
Garnish & Serve
-
Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
-
Serve warm.
-
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! It’s already vegetarian. For vegan, skip cheese or use plant-based cheese.
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Absolutely! Add cooked ground chicken, turkey, or sausage to the filling.
Q: What can I use instead of quinoa?
A: Rice, couscous, bulgur, or even mashed chickpeas work well.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Stuff the squash, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Is acorn squash sweet or savory?
A: It has a mild natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fillings.