Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

October 20, 2020 By Melissa Huggins / 158 Comments

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This Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash is an all-in-one meal that's bursting with fall flavors. The savory goodness comes from sautéed onions, celery, mushrooms, and warm spices. Then it's balanced out with subtly sweet and tart flavors from apples and cranberries. The quinoa gives it a nice texture and lots of added protein. It's heavenly!

Acorn squash is my favorite autumn vegetable! They’re so beautiful on the outside and have a subtly sweet, nutty flavor on the inside. I cook with them all season long. My favorite is this Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash.

It really is a complete meal, but sometimes I'll serve it with Vegan Cauliflower Soup and a side salad. I also make it for Thanksgiving as the main dish along with my Meatless Loaf. Then my guests can decide which they prefer or even go for both.

This meal may look intimidating, but it's surprisingly easy to make and fun, too. Here is how it's done...

How do you cut an acorn squash?

First, you have to cut them using a very sturdy and sharp Chef's Knife. Put the squash on its side and cut a thin slice off the bottom to create a flat edge, so the squash can stand up. Be careful not to cut too much or it will leave a hole in the bottom.

You may not need to cut the top of the squash, but if it has a protruding stem, you'll need to cut it off. If the stem is very short, see if the squash will lay somewhat flat before cutting.

Now cut each squash horizontally in half. Scoop out the membranes and seeds inside and discard them or you can save the seeds for roasting if desired. They are delicious!

How do you roast acorn squash?

It's really easy once the squash is prepped. Just preheat your oven to 425°F (218 °C). Place the squash on a rimmed baking sheet cut-side up.

Brush the inside and top with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. *Optional: lightly brush with maple syrup to add a subtle sweetness. It's good!

Now roast for about 35-45 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender. Rotate pan midway through for even cooking.

How to make the filling for Stuffed Acorn Squash

Cook the quinoa in low-sodium vegetable broth for extra savory flavor (not pictured). Remove from heat and set aside while you sauté everything else.

Sauté the onion, celery, and apple in a large pan until softened for about 5-6 minutes.

Add the mushrooms, cranberries, garlic, sage, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Sauté about 7-9 minutes or until mushrooms and cranberries are tender. If food starts to stick to the pan, you can splash a little vegetable broth or white wine to deglaze.

Remove from heat and add the cooked quinoa. Combine well and taste for seasoning, add more if needed. When the squash is fully roasted, fill with the stuffing mixture using a large spoon. (optional: drizzle/spritz top of stuffing with oil for a crispier top). Place in the oven and bake 10-15 minutes, until the quinoa is lightly browned & crispy.

Can it be made ahead?

Absolutely, they are perfect for make-ahead meals. Make them as instructed, but skip the last step of putting them back in the oven (fully stuffed). Instead, stuff them and place them in a sealed container in the fridge (let them cool down first).

To reheat, cover them in foil and pop in the oven until thoroughly heated. Remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.

You can freeze them for about 2-3 months too. Just make sure they are sealed well to avoid freezer burn.

So, are you ready to enjoy this fall-fabulous meal? Let's do this!

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I’d love to hear from you

If you make this recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

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