Stuffed Butternut Or Acorn Squash
A hearty stuffed squash dish combining sweet apples, savory ham, and bread crumbs, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the squash halves face down in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
- Fill the pan with boiling water to a depth of 1/2 inch.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Scoop out some of the flesh to create a cavity for the stuffing.
- In a bowl, combine diced ham, bread crumbs, shredded tart apples, and brown sugar.
- Stuff the squash cavities with the ham mixture.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding some dried cranberries or nuts to the stuffing mixture. If you're short on time, leftover roasted chicken can substitute for the ham. To ensure even cooking, choose squash that are similar in size. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use honey instead of brown sugar. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from your holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed squash warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside meat dishes like Pork recipes or even American recipes that feature roasted or grilled proteins.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the stuffed squash in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven method retains better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Butternut Or Acorn Squash contains roughly 415 calories, with 5g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the diced ham with sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of lentils and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option. Adding extra spices or a bit of cheese can enhance the flavor profile and make it satisfying.
What type of apples should I use for the stuffing?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe as they balance the sweetness of the brown sugar. However, you can use any firm apple variety that holds its shape during cooking, such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
Can I prepare the squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed squash in advance! Assemble the squash with the filling, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).