Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (2024)

Jump to Recipe

We’re bringing our vegetarian recipe for stuffed acorn squash up from the archives. First published in 2010, it’s the recipe experiment that helped turn us into squash eaters!

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (1)

This vegetarian recipe for stuffed acorn squash tastes like fall with tender roasted acorn squash stuffed with crunchy pecans, tangy cranberries, and sweet brown sugar.

REINVENTING ACORN SQUASH

Squashes are so healthy, that it’s important to me to try and find ways to make it palatable to those of us who grew up not liking it. An entire medium acorn squash is around 170 calories,and 1 cup of mashed acorn squash gives you 145% of your daily value of Vitamin A. Wow! It also contains quite a bit of Vitamin C, Potassium and some fiber and protein as well. With all those nutritional benefits, how can you not want to like squash?

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (2)

Unless you grew up eating slimy squash.

When fall harvest comes I’m always experimenting in search of new answers to the age old question of how to cook acorn squash. Okay, maybe it’s not age old, but I feel like I’m constantly asking myself what to do with my squash from our CSA.

This recipe is very similar to my mother’s way of cooking acorn squash, you know the melted butter and brown sugar, roast it till it’s soft method. But she put water in the dish which always gave it a slimy texture I couldn’t stand (sorry mom!).

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (3)

Roasting the squash gives it a smoother texture with some caramelization to add to the flavor. Since Eric also considers squash to be slimy, I knew I needed some kind of stuffing for the squash to add to the texture.

I kept it simple with a few ingredients we always have in our pantry. Brown sugar, pecans, and cranberries. It became my easy vegetarian recipe for stuffed acorn squash, and I’ve loved bringing it to my meatlessfriends in need of a meal.

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (4)

Eric and I usually each have a quarter of vegetarian stuffed acorn squash as our main dish for a vegetarian dinner, maybe with a salad or some cheese and grapes on the side. It’s also a GREAT option for a healthy dessert, especially if you’re in need of a gluten free dessert recipe.

We’ll be making stuffed acorn squash in the Healthy Cooking on a Tight Budget class this Friday. It’s a perfect dish for class because whether participants are on a vegetarian, vegan (just sub coconut oil for the butter) or gluten free diet they can eat it!

HOW TO CUT ACORN SQUASH

If you’ve never cooked with acorn squash before, don’t be intimidated. It’s really simple to cut an acorn squash. I’ve got the instructions in the recipe, but if you’re a visual person like me, I’ve also got a little photo tutorial for you.

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (5)

Once you’ve got the squash quartered and scoop out the seeds, make sure to clean the seeds and roast them for a healthy and delicious snack.

I’ve got recipes for roasted acorn squash seeds and roasted pumpkin seedson the site, andeither one will work for any squash seed. Using the seeds of the squash stretches whatever money you spent on it. I actually like acorn or butternut squash seeds better than pumpkin seeds because they have a thinner shell.

Next week I’ll show you how to use any leftover roasted acorn squash in an acorn squash and sage brown butter spaghetti recipe. It’s my favorite way to eat pasta in the fall!

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (6)

What’s your favorite way to cook acorn squash?

TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS TO MAKE OUR VEGETARIAN RECIPE FOR STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Here’s a few suggestions for making this vegetarian stuffed acorn squashrecipe.By clicking one of these links before making ANY purchase on Amazon, we get a small percentage of your purchase, without it costing you anything extra! Thanks for helping to support our family business.

PIN TO SAVE: VEGETARIAN RECIPE FOR STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (7)

VEGETARIAN RECIPE FOR STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Yield: 4 wedges

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (8)

This vegetarian recipe for stuffed acorn squash tastes like fall. Roasted acorn squash stuffed with crunchy pecans, tangy cranberries, & sweet brown sugar make a vitamin packed treat that can double as a side dish or healthy dessert.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 acorn squash
  • 2-4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup pecans, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prepare your squash by cutting off both ends about ½ an inch deep.
  3. Stand the squash on the wider end and cut in half lengthwise.
  4. Cut each half in half lengthwise again.
  5. Scoop the seeds and guts out (save them for roasting!) and place the quarters in a baking dish.
  6. Brush the melted butter over the flesh of the squash, then sprinkle brown sugar in the hollow of each quarter.
  7. Roast for 45 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
  8. While the squash is cooking, bring your apple cider to a boil. Put cranberries in a bowl and pour the boiling cider over them. Let the cranberries soak in the cider until your squash is done.
  9. When the squash is cooked, drain the cranberries and mix them with the crushed pecans.
  10. Sprinkle the cranberry pecan mixture into the hollow of each squash segment and serve.

Notes

Approximate cost/serving: When squash is in season this is SO affordable. We get squash through our CSA, but even from the grocery store it’s only about $2.50 to make. That’s just 63 cents a serving!


Vegetarian/Gluten Free: Yes and yes! You can even skip the butter or use olive or coconut oil to make this vegan.

We'd love to keep in touch. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and get your free download of our favorite healthy cute kid snacks.

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your costs will be the same but Eating Richly Even When You're Broke will receive a small commission.

This helps us to cover some of the costs for this site. Thank you so much for your support!

Nutritional and cost information is for estimating purposes only, and subject to variations due to region, seasonality, and product availability.

Vegetarian Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash - Eating Richly (2024)

FAQs

Does acorn squash raise blood sugar? ›

Yes, squash can spike insulin levels. Squash is a starchy vegetable that contains carbohydrates, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels and trigger the release of insulin.

How to cook acorn squash Martha Stewart? ›

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put squash pieces, skin sides down, on a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Bake squashes until tender when pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes.

How do you cook Ina Garten acorn squash? ›

Place 1/2 tablespoon butter and ½ tablespoon maple syrup in the cavity of each squash. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle the squash with 3 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until tender when pierced with a small knife.

Can Type 2 diabetics eat acorn squash? ›

A hearty side dish or precursor to a soup, roasted winter squash is a delicious and versatile fixture in the diets of people with diabetes. Though technically classified as fruits, acorn squash and butternut squash are considered starchy vegetables that can serve as healthy replacements for russet potatoes.

What happens if you eat too much acorn squash? ›

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

Do you eat the skin of baked acorn squash? ›

Acorn Squash: Whether cut into slices or stuffed and baked whole, acorn squash skin is totally tasty. When roasted, the skin becomes soft enough to eat by the forkful, For those who prefer it skin-free, the meat separates from the peel easily after cooking.

Does acorn squash need to be peeled before cooking? ›

Good news: you don't need to peel acorn squash. Its hard, grooved skin softens significantly as it cooks, and it's edible, too. If you do want to remove the skin, wait until after you cook it, at which point it will peel right off.

How long to cook acorn squash in the oven at 350? ›

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place acorn squash halves cut-side down onto a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until flesh begins to soften, about 30 to 45 minutes.

How do you cook squash Jamie Oliver? ›

Rub the skin of the squash with a little oil, salt and pepper, and if you've got them, pat on any extra herb leaves you have to hand. Place the squash in the centre of a double layer of tin foil, then tightly wrap it up. Bake for around 2 hours, or until soft and cooked through.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

Can you eat the green skin on acorn squash? ›

Yes, You Can Eat the Skin of Acorn Squash and Other Winter Squashes—Here's How. Some varieties, like acorn squash and honeynut, have tender, tasty skin. Others, not so much.

Is acorn squash a laxative? ›

Acorn squash is packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber. Though they have different functions in your body, both play important roles in digestive health. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stools while soluble fiber softens them, preventing constipation and supporting regular bowel movements ( 13 ).

Is it OK to eat a whole acorn squash? ›

Acorn squash is easily recognizable by its ridges and small, round shape. When cooked, the flesh is sweet. Also, you can eat the skin–with roasted or baked acorn squash, the skin turns tender and is easily pierced just a fork. Acorn squash, simply prepared, makes a wonderful side dish.

Is acorn squash good for blood pressure? ›

Acorn squash is rich in antioxidants, which can neutralize potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. These antioxidants can help to protect people against health issues like arthritis, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Which squash is best for diabetics? ›

Its fiber helps with blood sugar. Butternut squash contains a type of fiber that's not digestible. If you have diabetes, it can help keep your blood sugar from rising after eating. Butternut squash also has a low glycemic index, which means that its carbs are digested more slowly.

Is acorn squash high in carbs? ›

Acorn squash is a starchy vegetable, meaning it's higher in carbs than non starchy ones, like broccoli and spinach. If you're watching your carbs, limit acorn squash to one cup or about 25% of your plate.

What vegetable raises blood sugar? ›

Starchy potatoes

“Potatoes are a vegetable, but the health value of all vegetables are not interchangeable. White potatoes in particular have a very high glycemic load. As a result, a baked white potato can also raise blood sugar even more than a glazed doughnut.”

Which is better for diabetics sweet potato or butternut squash? ›

Nguyen said that people with diabetes can "confidently" eat butternut squash and sweet potato interchangeably, "as per their individual needs of carbohydrate intake." However, when in doubt, always consult with your doctor (and moderation is key).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6350

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.