Sweet & Savory Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe for Fall Magic

Crisp autumn winds carry the delightful aroma of apple stuffed acorn squash through rustic kitchen spaces.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

squash becomes the perfect vessel for a hearty, comforting meal that celebrates nature’s bounty.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic into every golden-brown bite.

Colorful ingredients create a dish that feels both elegant and approachable for home cooks.

Rich textures contrast beautifully between the tender squash and the crisp apple filling.

Let this recipe become your new favorite way to welcome the cozy season.

Sweet Apple Squash Bake: Different Flavors to Explore

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace turkey sausage with crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking maple syrup and spices.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap maple syrup with monk fruit sweetener and reduce brown sugar for a diabetic-friendly adaptation.
• Nut-Free Modification: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.

How to Serve Sweet Apple Squash Bake Creatively

• Festive Autumn Feast: Serve this sweet apple squash bake as a stunning centerpiece for holiday dinners, highlighting its rich seasonal flavors.
• Cozy Brunch Companion: Pair the dish with crispy bacon, soft scrambled eggs, and fresh crusty bread for a hearty weekend morning meal that warms the soul.
• Elegant Side Dish: Present alongside roasted turkey or herb-crusted chicken, using the squash as a delectable alternative to traditional potato or rice sides.
• Gourmet Vegetarian Option: Transform the recipe into a complete vegetarian main course by skipping the turkey sausage and adding quinoa or lentils for extra protein.

Storage Suggestions for Sweet Apple Squash Bake Leftovers

• Seal cooled squash in airtight container, keeping fresh for 3-4 days. Prevent flavor mixing by storing filling separately.
• Package squash and filling in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Restore crispy edges by placing in 325F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle extra maple syrup before serving to revive moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of squash?

Yes, butternut or acorn squash work great as alternatives to the original squash in this recipe.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

You can make it vegetarian by omitting the turkey sausage or replacing it with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

• How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?

The squash is tender when you can easily pierce it with a fork, which typically takes about 45 minutes of baking.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the filling and roast the squash in advance, then assemble and finish baking just before serving.

Why Sweet Apple Squash Bake Is So Comforting

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of autumn with its rich blend of squash, apples, and warm spices.
• Master Easy Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal prep and offers straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results.
• Customize Your Feast: Flexible ingredients like optional turkey sausage and adaptable spices make this dish perfect for personalized meal experiences and dietary preferences.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Equally impressive as a cozy family dinner or an elegant side dish for gatherings, this recipe transitions seamlessly between casual and special occasions.

All the Ingredients for Sweet Apple Squash Bake Success

• Squash: A hearty winter vegetable that serves as the primary vessel and base for this sweet and savory dish.
• Apple Cider: A flavorful liquid that helps steam and tenderize the squash during baking.

• Onion, Apples, Raisins, Cranberries: A combination of sweet and tangy fruits and vegetables that create a rich and complex filling.
• Cinnamon, Sage, Thyme: Aromatic spices that add warmth and depth to the dish's flavor profile.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and nutty richness to the filling.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Turkey Sausage: A protein option that can be added for extra heartiness.
• Maple Syrup: A sweet and natural liquid that adds a glossy finish and caramelized sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Sprinkled on the edges to create a delightful caramelized crust.
• Oil: Used for sautéing the filling ingredients.

How to Prepare Sweet Apple Squash Bake with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Squash

Slice the butternut or acorn squash in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon, creating a clean cavity for the delicious filling.

Step 2: Initial Roasting

Place squash halves cut-side down in a rectangular baking dish.

Pour fresh apple cider around the squash.

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes until the squash becomes fork-tender.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Chopped apples
• Raisins
• Dried cranberries
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh sage
• Fresh thyme

Cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples become soft and ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Enhance Filling

Sprinkle kosher salt into the skillet.

Fold in chopped pecans.

Optional: Add crumbled turkey sausage for extra protein and flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Stuffed Squash

Remove squash from oven and carefully turn halves upright.

Brush the squash surfaces with the accumulated pan juices.

Generously fill each squash half with the prepared apple and pecan mixture.

Step 6: Add Sweet Glaze

Drizzle pure maple syrup over the filled squash, allowing it to seep into the stuffing.

Step 7: Final Baking

Sprinkle brown sugar along the squash edges.

Return to oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and caramelized.

Useful Tips for Perfect Sweet Apple Squash Bake

• Use a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board to safely halve and deseed squash without struggling.
• Adding apple cider creates tender, flavorful squash by preventing dryness during baking.
• Sauté filling ingredients together to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles before stuffing squash.
• Incorporate turkey sausage for extra protein, making the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Sprinkling brown sugar creates a caramelized, crispy top that adds delightful texture and rich sweetness.

Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, blending autumn’s richest flavors with rustic charm. Savory-sweet notes dance through roasted squash, promising a delightful journey you’ll eagerly explore with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams each)
• 1 Gala or Honeycrisp apple, chopped
• 1 Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apple, chopped
• Optional: 8 ounces (226 grams) cooked crumbled turkey sausage

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup apple cider

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced sage
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the squash by halving it lengthwise, carefully removing and discarding the seeds.
2. Position the squash cut-side down in a 9×13 inch baking pan, then gently pour apple cider around the pieces. Cover the pan securely with aluminum foil and roast for 45 minutes until the squash becomes fork-tender.
3. While squash bakes, create the filling by heating oil in a skillet. Sauté onions, apples, raisins, cranberries, cinnamon, sage, and thyme for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples soften and ingredients meld together.
4. Incorporate salt and toasted pecans into the skillet mixture. Optional: fold in crumbled turkey sausage for additional protein and flavor.
5. Remove squash from oven and carefully turn halves upright. Brush the interior with collected pan juices for enhanced moisture and taste.
6. Generously spoon the prepared apple-pecan mixture into each squash cavity, ensuring even distribution.
7. Drizzle maple syrup over the filled squash, allowing it to seep into the mixture. Sprinkle brown sugar along the squash edges for caramelization.
8. Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top develops a golden-brown crust and edges become slightly crispy.

Notes

• Choose squash that feels heavy and has smooth, unblemished skin for best flavor and texture.
• Swap out turkey sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Pat apple and onion mixture dry before adding to squash to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy edges.
• Use unsweetened apple cider to control overall sugar content and allow natural sweetness of ingredients to shine.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg