Baked Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Apple Filling
This delightful Baked Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Apple Filling recipe combines the rich, earthy flavor of acorn squash with a vibrant and fruity stuffing made from fresh cranberries, apples, and currants. Perfect for autumn gatherings or as a comforting side dish, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw fresh cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
small apple
1 (peeled, cored, and chopped)
currants
1/4 cup (none)
orange juice
1/2 cup (none)
honey
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
melted butter
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
acorn squash
2 (cut in half and seeds removed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, chopped apple, currants, orange juice, honey, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
3
Heat the mixture over medium heat until the cranberries are just tender, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
4
Prepare the acorn squash by cutting each in half and removing the seeds. Arrange the squash halves in an ovenproof dish with the cut side facing up.
5
Carefully fill each cavity of the acorn squash with the prepared cranberry-apple mixture.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid to prevent the mixture from drying out while baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and festive Baked Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Apple Filling!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Apple Filling?
It is a seasonal side dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with a mixture of fresh cranberries, apples, currants, and honey.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake the squash?
The squash typically takes between 35 and 45 minutes to bake until tender.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of raw fresh cranberries, chopped apple, currants, orange juice, honey, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Cut each squash in half and remove the seeds before placing them cut-side up in an ovenproof dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal flesh.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for fresh cranberries, dried ones can be used, though the texture and tartness will differ.
Should I peel the apple?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling, coring, and chopping the apple for the best texture in the filling.
How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?
The squash is done when it can be easily pierced with a fork and feels tender.
Why should I cover the baking dish with foil?
Covering the dish prevents the fruit filling from drying out while the squash bakes.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Yes, maple syrup is an excellent substitute for honey and maintains the autumnal flavor profile.
What type of apple is best for this recipe?
Any firm baking apple, like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, works well to hold its shape during cooking.
Can I use raisins instead of currants?
Yes, raisins are a suitable substitute for currants in the filling mixture.
Is this a good dish for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, the combination of squash and cranberries makes it a perfect festive side for holiday meals.
How do I prepare the filling mixture?
Combine the filling ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until the cranberries are just tender.
Do I need to peel the acorn squash?
No, the squash is baked and served in its skin, which helps hold the filling in place.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
What size apple is needed?
One small apple is sufficient for the amount of filling required for two acorn squashes.
Should the filling be hot when I put it in the squash?
The filling is heated in a saucepan first, so it will be warm when added to the squash cavities.
How many acorn squashes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 acorn squashes, which are halved to create 4 servings.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or as a standalone vegetarian main.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts would provide a nice crunch to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, bottled orange juice works perfectly fine for this recipe.
Does the squash need to be seasoned before filling?
The recipe suggests the salt in the filling is sufficient, but you can add a pinch to the squash itself if desired.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
What is the role of orange juice in this recipe?
The orange juice provides the liquid base for the filling and adds a bright citrus flavor.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Let the squash sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow the filling to set slightly.