Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe: Sweet & Savory Roast (Print Version)

This Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe brings cozy fall flavors to your table. Sweet apples, savory herbs, and tender squash make a comforting meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Acorn Squash Base

01 - 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sweet & Savory Filling

04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and chopped
07 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries
08 - 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped

→ Flavor Enhancers

09 - 2 tbsp maple syrup (pure, not artificial)
10 - 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
11 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Garnish & Optional Bits

12 - Extra fresh sage leaves, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those acorn squashes ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice each squash in half lengthwise – this can be a bit of a workout, so watch those fingers! Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. I always forget to do this thoroughly and end up picking out a stray seed later, oops. Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. A little drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper here, just to get them started. This is where you start smelling that earthy squash goodness, honestly.
02 - Now, pop those seasoned squash halves into the preheated oven. Let them roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're starting to get tender but still hold their shape. You want them cooked enough to be soft, but not mushy, because they’ll go back in later. I once over-roasted them at this stage, and the final dish was just a bit too soft. Learn from my mistakes, hon! This step really sets the stage for that tender texture.
03 - While the squash is doing its thing, let's get the filling going. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, that smell! It always makes my kitchen feel so welcoming. Stir in the chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, maple syrup, fresh sage, and cinnamon. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but still have a bit of bite. Don't let them turn to mush!
04 - Carefully remove the partially roasted squash from the oven. Now for the fun part: spoon that glorious apple and pecan mixture generously into the hollows of each squash half. You can really pile it high; I always do! Sometimes I get a little messy here, and some filling spills onto the baking sheet, but honestly, those crispy bits are a bonus. This is where the dish starts to look as good as it smells.
05 - Return the stuffed acorn squash to the oven. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is completely tender and the apple filling is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on it; ovens can be quirky, and you don't want the edges of the filling to get too dark. I've had a few close calls with nearly burnt pecans, so trust your nose and eyes here!
06 - Once it's beautifully golden and tender, carefully remove the Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – it'll be piping hot! The flavors really meld together as it rests. The outside should be slightly browned, the inside soft and sweet, and the whole thing just smells like pure autumn bliss. A final sprinkle of fresh sage, if you're feeling fancy, and you're good to go. Enjoy, my friend!

# Notes:

01 - Always prick the squash skin a few times before roasting to prevent it from exploding in the oven—learned that the hard way, trust me.
02 - Don't overcrowd your baking sheet; the squash needs space to roast properly, or it'll steam instead of caramelize, and no one wants soggy squash.
03 - Taste the apple filling before stuffing; you might want a tiny bit more maple syrup or a pinch more salt to really make those flavors sing.
04 - For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a tiny bit of balsamic glaze over the finished dish—I discovered this by accident, and it's a game-changer.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - large skillet
03 - sharp knife
04 - spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 4g

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