fruit and nut stuffed acorn squash

Name: Fruit and Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 acorn squash, fresh whole; some olive oil or softened butter (for brushing on squash); 1/4 teaspoon(s) cinnamon; 1 tablespoon(s) light brown sugar; 1 cup(s) boiling water; 2 tablespoon(s) butter; 2 medium apples, cored, peeled, and chopped; a few dash(es) lemon juice for apples after chopping; 7 pitted dates, chopped (1/3 cup); a pinch(es) salt; a few dash(es) pumpkin pie spice; 1 1/2- 2 tablespoon(s) chopped pecans or walnuts; 2 ounce(s) crumbled goat cheese, divided; a drizzle maple syrup or honey, optional

7 Pinches 16 Photos

Teresa G.

Here, KY

Updated on Mar 3, 2025

This is a healthy and delicious meatless, vegetarian main or side. Make it vegan by substituting oil for butter, and vegan cheese for the goat cheese. For Christmas, substitute dried cranberries and pistachios for dates and pecans. Prep time is approximate.

Rate

prep time 1 Hr 30 Min

cook time 1 Hr 15 Min

method Bake

yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 acorn squash, fresh whole
some olive oil or softened butter (for brushing on squash)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium apples, cored, peeled, and chopped
a few dash lemon juice for apples after chopping
7 pitted dates, chopped (1/3 cup)
a pinch salt
a few dash pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese, divided
a drizzle maple syrup or honey, optional

How To Make fruit and nut stuffed acorn squash

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Cut acorn squash in half, from stem end to tip; scoop out seeds and discard; place squash halves in deep baking dish, cut side up. Brush with oil or softened butter.
Step 3

Season the insides of the squash with cinnamon and sugar. Pour 1 cup boiling water into baking dish. Place in 350 degree F oven for about 1 hour, until tender.
Step 4

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Step 5

Carefully scoop out the flesh of the baked squash halves and place in skillet. Set the acorn squash shells aside until time to stuff them.
Step 6

Add chopped apples, dates, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook until apples are soft but still have a little crunch (about 10 minutes;) season with a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice.
Step 7

Scoop mixture back into acorn squash shells. Top with pecans and goat cheese.
Step 8

Return stuffed squash to 350 degrees F oven for 10-15 minutes. Remove and serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup or honey if desired.
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