Acorn Squash Souffle
Sweet, spiced squash souffle with nutmeg and cinnamon, airy texture and caramelized edges—perfect as a comforting side or light dessert for family gatherings or cozy fall meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and peel the acorn squash; cut in half and remove seeds.
- Cut the squash into cubes and boil until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash the cooked squash in a large bowl or pot until smooth.
- Whisk until the mash is smooth and any stringy pieces are removed.
- Add butter, sugar, milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon; beat until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a long baking dish and bake at 350°F until firm and browned around the edges, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot or cold, as desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of maple syrup to the mixture. If you're short on time, canned acorn squash puree can be a convenient substitute. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. For a touch of crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This acorn squash souffle pairs beautifully with a fresh Bethany Salad for a light meal. You can serve it as a side dish with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course. For a delightful dessert-like experience, consider serving it alongside Shortbread Wedges or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the souffle in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Acorn Squash Souffle contains roughly 991 calories, with 15g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this souffle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the souffle mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. This can save time during meal prep and allows the flavors to meld overnight.
How do I know when the souffle is done?
The souffle is done when it is firm to the touch and lightly browned around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating it has set properly.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While acorn squash is recommended for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with butternut or pumpkin if desired. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since different squashes may vary in tenderness and moisture content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).