Cranberried Squash
A warm, flavorful stuffed squash dish featuring tart cranberries, sweet apples, and aromatic spices, perfect for cozy autumn dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly oil a large baking dish.
- Cut each acorn squash in half and remove the seeds.
- Place the squash halves cut side up in the baking dish.
- Combine chopped apple, cranberries, orange juice concentrate, honey, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Spoon the mixture equally into the squash halves.
- Bake until the filling bubbles and the squash is soft, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using pears instead of apples for a different flavor profile. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can work in a pinch, but reduce the honey slightly to adjust for their sweetness. Ensure the squash is tender by testing with a fork towards the end of baking. This recipe is also a great side dish for American recipes during fall gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cranberried Squash as a festive side dish for holiday meals or alongside roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Potatoes(Oven Roasted) or a light salad for a complete meal. Drizzle with additional honey before serving for extra sweetness, or sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squash halves in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberried Squash contains roughly 217 calories, with 1g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% 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 prepare the squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the squash and the filling a day in advance. Assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making it a delicious option for vegan recipes.
What can I do with leftover filling?
Leftover filling can be used in oatmeal or yogurt for a tasty breakfast, or added to muffins for a flavorful twist. It can also be mixed into pancake batter for a seasonal treat.
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).