Baked Acorn Squash With Stuffing
A hearty baked acorn squash stuffed with a sweet and savory apple, celery, and onion filling, perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds.
- Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet sprayed with vegetable pan spray.
- Combine diced apples, diced celery, and minced onion in a bowl.
- Add melted margarine and water to the apple mixture and stir well.
- Place the apple mixture into the hollowed-out squash halves in a small baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake the squash and filling for 45 minutes or until tender.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle salt over the squash.
- Fill the squash halves with the prepared apple mixture before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter twist, consider using tart apples like Granny Smith or add a handful of dried cranberries to the stuffing. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute the margarine with coconut oil and ensure you use a vegan-friendly vegetable spray. Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Grilled Pork Chops With Pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed acorn squash as a delightful main dish or as a hearty side. It pairs nicely with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Best Roast Beef(Prime Rib) or a light soup. This dish is perfect for fall gatherings and festive occasions.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffed acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Acorn Squash With Stuffing contains roughly 204 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the acorn squash and stuffing a day in advance. Store the unbaked squash halves filled with the stuffing in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, and adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can easily substitute it with unsalted butter or olive oil for a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well and maintains the dish's integrity.
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to enhance the stuffing with nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or include cooked quinoa or rice for extra substance. You can also incorporate spices such as sage or thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
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).