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Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash

Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash
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Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash is a comforting and nutritious dish that pairs the natural sweetness and tender texture of roasted acorn squash with a savory, hearty filling of quinoa or wild rice, protein, dried fruits, fresh herbs, and cheese. This versatile and visually stunning one-dish meal is perfect for cozy dinners, easy to customize, and suitable for gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash

  • 2 medium acorn squashes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Filling

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or wild rice
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey or 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or parsley), chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Spices: salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Squash: Slice the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the insides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place the halves face-down on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, until just tender but firm enough to hold the filling.
  2. Cook the Filling: While the squash bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add ground turkey or chickpeas and cook through. Stir in cooked quinoa or wild rice, dried cranberries, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Mix well until combined.
  3. Stuff the Squash: Carefully flip the baked squash halves right side up. Spoon the filling mixture into each cavity, filling them but leaving some space to avoid overcrowding. Top with crumbled cheese if desired. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and melt the cheese.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Let the stuffed squash cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or toasted nuts for texture and visual appeal if desired.

Notes

  • Choose similar-sized squash to ensure even baking.
  • Do not overstuff the squash to promote even cooking.
  • Pre-cook grains and proteins to speed up the filling preparation.
  • Use a sharp knife for easy slicing of the squash.
  • Roast the scooped seeds with seasoning for a crunchy snack or garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed acorn squash, baked squash, gluten free, quinoa stuffing, healthy comfort food, vegetarian option, fall recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/stuffed-baked-acorn-squash/