Best 10 Cherry Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipes

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When the autumn season arrives, many home cooks are eager to incorporate the flavors of fall into their meals. One classic fall dish is roasted acorn squash, and when stuffed with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, this dish becomes even more of a seasonal treat. Whether seeking a unique vegetarian main course or an impressive side dish, stuffed acorn squash can be easily prepared and is packed with delightful flavors. This guide will provide you with the steps and ingredients needed to create a delicious and visually appealing cherry-stuffed acorn squash dish that will surely be a hit at your next meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Very easy acorn squash with stuffing, that even the kids like, when you want to do something with it besides just butter and brown sugar!

Provided by Weavre

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Acorn Squash Side Dish Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
2 cups dry bread stuffing mix, divided
1 ½ cups chicken broth, divided
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
onion powder to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place squash, face up, in a shallow baking dish. In each half place 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 cup stuffing mix, 3/4 cup chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Wrap each half tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until squash is very tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1230 calories, Carbohydrate 216.2 g, Cholesterol 66.8 mg, Fat 30.6 g, Fiber 17.4 g, Protein 25.8 g, SaturatedFat 16.4 g, Sodium 4671.2 mg, Sugar 52.4 g

CHEESY RICE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 small acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces), plus more for topping
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

Steps:

  • Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 425 degrees F. Put the squash, cut-side up, in a large microwave-safe dish with 1 tablespoon water; dot with 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce with a knife to vent. Microwave until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese, stirring to melt. Add the nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir in the rice and spinach.
  • Transfer the squash to a rimmed baking sheet and fill with the rice mixture. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Top with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 526 calorie, Fat 25 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Cholesterol 78 milligrams, Sodium 727 milligrams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 20 grams

WILD RICE, CHERRIES, APRICOTS AND CHEESY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Wild Rice, Cherries, Apricots and Cheesy Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Easy nice comfort food. Acorn squash stuffed with wild rice, cherries, pecans and a creamy cheesy topping. I prefer a blend of wild and white for this, but you can really use any rice if you don't like wild rice. And hey, this is the time to take advantage of the boxed rice. Uncle Bens is what I use, but there are many brands available, and I just use the quick cooking kind, but any will work. My favorite is to serve this with roast chicken, but if you want something lighter ... serve with a fresh green salad topped with roasted pears.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Rice

Time 55m

Yield 4 Squash halves, 4-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
1 (6 ounce) box white and wild rice
1/4 cup dried cherries, rough chopped
1/4 cup dried apricot, rough chopped
1/2 cup pecans, rough chopped
1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (monterey jack or white cheddar will also work)
2 scallions, fine chopped
2 shallots, very fine chopped (you can also use a small onion)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Squash -- Drizzle the olive oil the inside of the squash and sprinkle with sald and pepper. Place flesh side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or even foil in a 400 degree oven, middle shelf for about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the squash. Just poke with a knife and it should be tender but no falling apart. Remove from the oven so you can add the stuffing.
  • Rice -- As the squash is baking, cook the rice according to the package directions. But as the rice cooks, add if your garlic and shallots, so it will cook right along with the rice. TIP: I always cook my rice in broth rather than water, so if you want to add some more flavor, rather than water, use chicken or vegetable broth.
  • Finishing -- Once the rice is done, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, scallions, cherries, apricots and nuts. Then stuff the squash! I fill each squash half way, and then add a little cheese, add the rest of the rice and top with the remainder of the cheese.
  • Bake -- 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. This will reheat the squash, rice, and melt the cheese.
  • Serve -- ENJOY! 1 squash half per person is healthy and filling. As I mentioned, roast chicken is great with this or go lighter with a salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 588.1, Fat 30.4, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 34.2, Sodium 333, Carbohydrate 67, Fiber 8.2, Sugar 6.4, Protein 18.9

COUSCOUS-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Couscous-Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Our Test Kitchen combined this popular winter squash with couscous, cherries, walnuts and seasonings and served it in the shell. Even kids will like this flavorful and filling dish.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 50m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 medium acorn squash
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/3 cup uncooked couscous
1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish; add water. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until tender. , In a small saucepan, bring apple juice to a boil; stir in couscous. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork., Scoop out squash, leaving a 1/4-in. shell. Cut pulp into 1/2-in. pieces; place in a bowl. Stir in the couscous, cranberries, walnuts and onion. Combine the butter, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon; drizzle over couscous mixture and toss gently. Spoon into squash shells. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

FESTIVE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH RECIPE BY TASTY



Festive Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: acorn squashes, olive oil, salt, pepper, wild rice, vegetable broth, chili powder, ground cumin, maple syrup, cremini mushroom, shiitake mushroom, medium onion, garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, white wine, kale, pomegranate seeds

Provided by Rachel Gaewski

Categories     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 acorn squashes
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing and drizzling
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
¾ cup wild rice, uncooked and rinsed
1 ¼ cups vegetable broth, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoons maple syrup
5 oz cremini mushroom, quartered and sliced
5 oz shiitake mushroom, quartered and sliced
½ medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
¼ cup white wine
2 cups kale, chopped
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the acorn squash stem-side up on a cutting board and cut in half. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, and transfer to a bowl. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Set aside.
  • Set the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 40 minutes, or until almost cooked through.
  • In a small pot, combine the wild rice and 1¼ cups (300 ml) vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  • Rinse the squash seeds and dry on a dish towel (some residual moisture is okay). Transfer to a small bowl and add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and maple syrup. Mix until well-coated.
  • Remove the squash from the oven and move to one side of the baking sheet. Using parchment paper, make a tray for the squash seeds. Spread the squash seeds on the tray.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is completely tender and the seeds are crispy.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes, until they've released a good amount of liquid.
  • Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until semi-translucent. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add the kale, salt, and pepper, and cook until the kale wilts and reduces in volume by about ¼. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth and cook until kale is almost completely wilted and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the wild rice and remove from the heat.
  • Fill each squash half with the mushroom mixture and garnish with the squash seeds and pomegranate seeds. (Save leftover squash seeds for snacking!)
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 609 calories, Carbohydrate 101 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 21 grams, Protein 13 grams, Sugar 10 grams

GREEK-STYLE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Greek-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash image

With a truckload of acorn squash in my pantry, I wanted to make stuffed squash in lots of different ways. A bottle of Greek seasoning got my creativity flowing. -Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
1 cup lentils
2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons Greek seasoning
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup french-fried onions
Additional crumbled feta cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Place squash halves, cut side up, on a large baking sheet; roast until they can just be pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Meanwhile, place lentils in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, covered, until tender, 20-25 minutes. Drain. Remove and set aside. In the same saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo; cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain, reserving broth., In a large skillet, cook sausage, crumbling meat, until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; drain. Add lentils and orzo to skillet; remove from heat. Add 1/2 cup feta cheese and Greek seasoning; mix well., Pour reserved chicken broth back into saucepan. Over medium heat, whisk in flour until thickened, then pour into sausage mixture., When cool enough to handle, quarter squash and return to baking sheet. Top with sausage mixture. Bake until squash are tender, about 30 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with french-fried onions and, if desired, additional feta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

CHEESY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Cheesy Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Great vegetarian version of stuffed acorn squash, full of stuff most people would have in the fridge.

Provided by Nancy Van Ess

Categories     Vegetable

Time 54m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large acorn squash
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons onions, chopped
1/2 cup broccoli floret, chopped
1/4 cup mushroom, chopped
2 tablespoons celery, chopped
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup muenster cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F.
  • Cut squash in half and remove the seeds.
  • Rub the cut flesh with salt and place flesh side down in a baking dish and bake for about 35 minutes.
  • While the squash is baking, sauté onion in butter until clear and add chopped broccoli florets, mushrooms and celery.
  • Sauté about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in walnuts and fresh basil, then sprinkle with brown sugar and soy sauce, adjust seasoning to taste. Toss to mix well.
  • Check baking squash with a fork to see if it glides through the flesh.
  • Stuff with vegetable mixture, top with equal amounts of grated cheese and return to oven for about 5 minutes.
  • NOTES : Baked acorn squash halves stuffed with sautéed broccoli, cheese and walnuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 304.8, Fat 20.8, SaturatedFat 10.5, Cholesterol 44.1, Sodium 292.5, Carbohydrate 27.2, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 2.2, Protein 7.4

SOUTHWEST STUFFED ACORN SQUASH RECIPE BY TASTY



Southwest Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: acorn squashes, olive oil, salt, pepper, vegetable stock, brown rice, olive oil, red onion, garlic, bell pepper, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, black beans, corn, roasted diced tomato, shredded cheese blend, avocado, fresh cilantro

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

2 acorn squashes
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 ¾ cups vegetable stock
1 cup brown rice, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ red onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
15 oz black beans, 1 can, drained and rinsed
11 oz corn, 1 can, drained and rinsed
10 oz roasted diced tomato, 1 can
½ cup shredded cheese blend
avocado, sliced, to serve
fresh cilantro, chopped, to serve

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut off the ends of squash before cutting squash in half horizontally. Scoop out seeds and save for roasting.
  • Drizzle squash with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Place cut-side up on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 40 minutes, or until tender.
  • In a medium saucepan, add vegetable stock and rice.
  • Stir and bring to boil over high heat.
  • Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onions, stirring frequently until translucent.
  • Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add bell pepper, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Stir until spices are evenly distributed.
  • Mix in black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cooked rice.
  • Fill squash halves with rice mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
  • Top with avocado slices and cilantro.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 973 calories, Carbohydrate 154 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 28 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 13 grams

CURRIED STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Curried Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Accidental recipes are the best and this one is no exception! This is a fancy vegetarian-lover's way to spice up squash without losing the smooth, subtle squash flavor.

Provided by JennyB

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Acorn Squash Side Dish Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup sliced daikon radish
¼ cup sliced leek
¼ cup diced celery
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup brown rice
1 cup chopped collard greens
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 ½ teaspoons red curry paste
¼ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Wrap each squash half with plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped squash, cut side down, in microwave; cook on high until squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Leave squash wrapped while preparing filling.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir red bell pepper, radish, leek, celery, jalapeno pepper, and garlic in the hot oil until softened, about 10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and rice; stir to combine. Cover and simmer until broth is absorbed and rice is tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Sprinkle greens into rice mixture; cover and simmer until greens are wilted, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, curry paste, and walnuts to rice mixture; stir to combine.
  • Unwrap squash and set halves, cut sides up, into 4 soup bowls. Spoon about 2 tablespoons feta cheese into each squash half. Add a large scoop of rice mixture atop feta layer. Top rice mixture layer with any leftover feta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 401.2 calories, Carbohydrate 63.5 g, Cholesterol 16.7 mg, Fat 14 g, Fiber 8.7 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 500.7 mg, Sugar 9.7 g

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Categories     side dish

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 small acorn squashes
1/2 cup bulgur wheat
1 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 cup chopped, roasted, unsalted cashews
1/2 medium yellow onion, minced
1/2 -inch fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 sweet red pepper, minced
1/2 sweet green pepper, minced
1 small jalapeno pepper, finely sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 tablespoons low-fat yogurt
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon mixed ground spices
Grind 4 or 5 cardamom seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
A small piece of cinnamon stick
6 cloves cinnamon

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pierce each squash with a fork in a dozen places and roast for about 1 hour. Remove the squashes from the oven, let them cool slightly and then cut each one in half and scoop out the seeds.
  • Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and add 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Set aside to soften for at least 30 minutes.
  • Drain the bulgur wheat and combine it in a bowl with the rice, cashews and spices. Mix well and set aside.
  • Saute the onion, ginger, garlic and peppers in the olive oil over medium-low heat until they are soft but not brown.
  • Add the bulgur wheat mixture to the saute pan and continue to cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and add 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Remove from heat and stir until the yogurt is thoroughly incorporated. Then add the rest, 2 tablespoons at a time. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Turn the oven up to 400 degrees. Mound about 4 or 5 tablespoons of stuffing in each squash half. Place the squashes on a cookie sheet and drizzle a little olive oil over them. Bake for 20 minutes, or until both stuffing and squashes are lightly browned. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 190, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 576 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right acorn squash: Look for acorn squash that is about the size of your fist, with deep ridges and a dark green color. Avoid squash that has blemishes or soft spots.
  • Properly prepare the squash: Before cooking, wash the squash thoroughly and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
  • Don't overcook the squash: Acorn squash should be cooked until it is tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking will make the squash mushy.
  • Use a variety of fillings: Cherry-stuffed acorn squash is a classic, but there are many other delicious fillings you can try. Some popular options include sausage and apple stuffing, roasted vegetables, and black beans and corn.
  • Add some extra flavor: Don't be afraid to add some extra flavor to your squash. Try seasoning it with herbs, spices, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Conclusion:

Cherry-stuffed acorn squash is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a fall meal. With a variety of fillings and flavors to choose from, there is sure to be a recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give cherry-stuffed acorn squash a try. You won't be disappointed!

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