Stuffed Acorn Squash with Candied Apples and Nuts

Customizable Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe for a Flavorful Autumn Dish

Who doesn’t love to stuff squash when the season of Autumn is in full bloom? I do not use acorn squash often, but after revisiting this delicious recipe, I know it will be on my fall favorite rotation schedule. What is great about this recipe is that it is entirely customizable to your taste and dietary preferences. 

The Versatile Acorn Squash: Nutrition and Tips

The acorn squash is a winter squash that is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A and C, which boost your eye health and immune system. They also contain potassium and are a good source of dietary fiber. If you’ve never cooked acorn squash before, here are some tips for choosing and preparing them:

• Ripe acorn squashes have a deep green color with a touch of orange
• They will feel heavy for their size, indicating they are fresh
• If you have trouble cutting through the squash, microwave it for 2-3 minutes before cutting it
• Don’t forget about the seeds! You can keep them to roast separately for a tasty snack later.

A Flexible Filling: Your Choice of Protein

When it comes to stuffing the squash, there are many variations you can make to this recipe to make it your own. This dish contains a flavorful filling with a combination of apples, pecans, and your choice of protein. This recipe calls for either turkey or pork for protein, but you could also substitute protein alternatives such as quinoa, oatmeal, lentils, or tofu.

Ground pork is a favorite of mine, which is what I use when I cook stuffed acorn squash. It has more fat than turkey, so it definitely has more flavor, which means you can cut some of the salt out of the recipe if you choose to make it with ground pork. Homemade recipes allow for better control over salt or sodium content, making this recipe a heart-healthy alternative by controlling the amount of salt you choose to use.

Nutritional Boosters: Apples and Pecans

The apples and pecans in the stuffing add nutrients and fiber to this dish and sensational flavors. The apples provide extra vitamin C, and the pecans are heart-healthy with protein and monounsaturated fats. You can get creative with this recipe by adding additional customizations, such as cranberries, raisins, or crumbled cheese (goat or feta), for added flavor if you would like! 

Serving Suggestions: A Complete Autumn Meal

You can serve the stuffed squash halves as a main dish for a comforting Autumn meal. If you want to add some garnish to the plate, parsley or thyme will give the acorn squash a pop color and add freshness. Some suggested pairings include sauteed greens, wild rice, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce. Enjoy!

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