Cinnamon-Pineapple Delight Acorn Squash
Warm, roasted acorn squash meets a sweet and zesty pineapple filling in this delightful winter dish. This recipe transforms humble squash into a comforting and flavorful meal, making it perfect not only for cold evenings but also as a stunning holiday centerpiece. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds a delightful spice that complements the natural sweetness of the pineapple, creating a balance that will leave your taste buds satisfied. It's a dish that warms the heart and home—perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner for two.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
2 large (halved and seeds removed)
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
Crushed Pineapple
1 cup (canned, drained)
Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
Allspice
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the acorn squashes in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish, adding about ½ inch of water to the bottom.
3
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4
While the squash is baking, prepare the filling: in a mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Stir until well mixed.
5
Once the squash has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
6
Carefully scoop out the flesh of the squash, leaving a thin layer to maintain the shell's structure. Combine this pulp with the pineapple mixture until evenly blended.
7
Spoon the pineapple and squash mixture back into the acorn squash halves, packing it lightly.
8
Return the stuffed squashes to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cinnamon-Pineapple Delight Acorn Squash?
It is a warm, roasted acorn squash dish featuring a sweet and zesty pineapple filling seasoned with winter spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Cut the acorn squashes in half and remove the seeds before placing them in a baking dish.
How much water should be added to the baking dish?
Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the baking dish.
Should the squash be covered during the initial bake?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking.
How long is the initial baking time?
The squash should bake for 45 minutes or until it is tender.
What is in the filling mixture?
The filling consists of drained crushed pineapple, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger mixed with the squash pulp.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of canned crushed pineapple that has been drained.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The spices used are ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger.
How long should the squash cool after the first bake?
Allow the squash to cool for about 10 minutes before handling.
How do I handle the squash flesh?
Carefully scoop out the flesh while leaving a thin layer to maintain the shell's structure.
What do I do with the scooped-out squash pulp?
Combine the squash pulp with the prepared pineapple and spice mixture until evenly blended.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Spoon the pineapple and squash mixture back into the acorn squash halves and pack it lightly.
How long is the final baking step?
Bake the stuffed squashes for an additional 7 minutes.
Is the squash covered during the second bake?
No, return the stuffed squashes to the oven uncovered for the final 7 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the filling is hot and bubbly.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
What type of squash is required?
The recipe requires 2 large acorn squashes.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
What is the amount of nutmeg used?
You will need 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much ginger is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much allspice is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Can this be used as a holiday dish?
Yes, it is described as a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and features nutritious squash.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of natural squash sweetness, zesty pineapple, and warm spices.
Can this recipe be served for a cozy dinner?
Yes, it is perfect for a cozy dinner for two or family gatherings.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a winter and seasonal dish.
Is the pineapple used crushed or sliced?
The recipe uses 1 cup of crushed pineapple.
What is the preparation style for the squash?
The squash is roasted twice: once to soften and once after being stuffed.