Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

This Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe features tender roasted squash filled with a sweet apple, cranberry, and pecan mixture. Easy to prepare, it’s a nutrient-rich side dish perfect for Thanksgiving! 

The BEST Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe 

We love classic Thanksgiving side dishes like our healthy sweet potato casserole and easy green bean casserole. However, we also like to add unique dishes to our dinner, especially if it allows us to sneak in a little extra nutrients. 

And this vegetarian stuffed acorn squash checks all the boxes! Sweet in flavor, it can almost pass for dessert. However, thanks to the abundance of fruit, it’s loaded with nutrients to keep you full. 

Plus, it adds lots of color to the table, breaking up all that beige. Even picky eaters love it, and we call that a win! Try it for yourself, and we can guarantee it will become a staple for your holidays. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details! 

• Acorn Squash – Look for squash that feel heavy for their size, have smooth dull skin, and are free from soft spots. 
• Apples – Use any apples you like best. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or even Granny Smith all make great options. 
• Pecans – Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if preferred. Or, omit the nuts completely to keep this recipe nut-free. 
• Dried Cranberries – Raisins work well, too! 
• Sweetener – We use golden monk fruit sugar to keep this stuffed acorn squash lower in sugar, but coconut sugar or brown sugar will also work. 
• Spices – Cinnamon and salt add a touch of warmth. 
• Butter – Adds rich flavor. Feel free to use your favorite plant-based butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. 
• Maple Syrup – This adds the finishing touch and extra sweetness and depth! 

Helpful Tools 

• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet

How to Make Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set it aside. 

1. Cut the squash. Cut two acorn squash in half, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits of squash flesh. 

Pro-Tip: If the squash doesn’t lay flat on the underside, cut the outer skin to create a flat surface. Just be careful not to cut a hole in the squash! 

2. Combine the filling. Add the apples, pecans, cranberries, coconut sugar, salt, and cinnamon to a bowl, and stir to combine. 

3. Stuff the squash. Divide the filling between the squash halves, and top each half with a pat of butter. Then, drizzle the squash with maple syrup. 

4. Roast the acorn squash. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven, and bake until the squash is fork-tender and lightly golden brown. Tent the squash with foil after 30 minutes to prevent it from burning. Enjoy! 

Filling Variations 

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to make this stuffed acorn squash recipe your own! Some tasty variations include: 

• Swapping the fruit filling for stuffing. 
• Adding cooked sausage to the mix. 
• Using another winter squash such as butternut squash in place of acorn squash. 
• Including cooked quinoa or rice in the filling. 
• Adding feta cheese. 

Common Questions 

Did you make and enjoy this Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe? We would love for you to leave a comment and rating, if so! And don’t forget to follow and tag us in your creations on Instagram! We can’t wait to connect.