Apple And Pecan Filled Acorn Squash
A warm, comforting dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with sweet apples and toasted pecans, perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the acorn squash in half crosswise and remove the seeds.
- Cut the bottom of each squash half to sit flat, if necessary.
- Place the squash halves, cut side up, in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Add hot water to the dish to a depth of 1 inch.
- Combine peeled, chopped Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, melted butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground cloves; spoon evenly into the squash halves.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until the squash is tender.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped, toasted pecans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of allspice or swapping the Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp apples. If you're short on pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute. When cutting the acorn squash, use a sharp knife and be cautious, as they can be tough to slice. Also, you can enhance the filling with a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple and pecan filled acorn squash as a delightful side dish for roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course alongside a fresh salad like Orange Supreme Salad. It pairs beautifully with Whiskey Cookies for dessert, creating a well-rounded meal. Garnish with additional toasted pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover filled acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the squash halves in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple And Pecan Filled Acorn Squash contains roughly 737 calories, with 5g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 prepare the acorn squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the acorn squash and filling a day in advance. Store the unbaked squash and filling separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply fill the squash and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a great option for holiday meals or gatherings.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar and add a teaspoon of molasses to achieve a similar flavor and moisture. Alternatively, coconut sugar can also work as a natural substitute, providing a slightly different taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the apple and pecan filled acorn squash is gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Ensure that your pecans are processed in a gluten-free facility if you have severe allergies. This makes it a perfect choice for those following gluten-free diets.
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).