Maple-Glazed Apple and Cranberry Acorn Squash
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with our Maple-Glazed Apple and Cranberry Acorn Squash. This delightful dish features roasted acorn squash filled with a delicious mixture of tart Fuji apples, plump dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Enhanced with a splash of fresh orange juice and a hint of warm apple pie spice, the filling is perfectly complemented by a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Whether served as a hearty side dish or a delightful vegetarian main course, this recipe captures the essence of autumn in every bite. It's not only a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful centerpiece for your dinner table.
2
Servings
190
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
1 medium (Cut in half, seeds discarded)
Butter
2 teaspoons (Melted)
Fuji Apple
1 medium (Cored and finely diced)
Dried Cranberries
1/4 cup (None)
Orange Juice
3-4 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Apple Pie Spice
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Pecans
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
Orange Zest
1 tablespoon (Zested from fresh orange)
Maple Syrup
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler on your oven.
2
Carefully cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
3
Place the squash halves cut side down in a microwave-safe dish, adding 1/2 inch of water to the bottom.
4
Microwave on high, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Once cooked, carefully drain the water and set aside to cool slightly.
5
In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced Fuji apple and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to soften.
6
Stir in the orange juice, apple pie spice, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the orange juice is mostly evaporated, stirring continuously.
7
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the orange zest for added brightness.
8
Spoon the apple-cranberry mixture evenly into each squash half, then drizzle with maple syrup.
9
Transfer the stuffed squash to the broiler, placing it on the top rack. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and caramelized.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maple-Glazed Apple and Cranberry Acorn Squash?
It is a sweet and savory dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with Fuji apples, dried cranberries, and pecans, finished with a maple syrup glaze.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 2 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 190 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian.
What type of squash is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses one medium acorn squash.
How do I prepare the acorn squash before cooking?
Carefully cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before cooking.
How long should I microwave the squash?
Microwave the squash halves cut side down in 1/2 inch of water for 10 to 12 minutes until tender.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium Fuji apple, cored and finely diced.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling is flavored with 1/4 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
Can I use a different type of nut?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans, but you could substitute other nuts like walnuts if preferred.
Is the orange juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe recommends using 3-4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
When do I add the orange zest?
Mix in the orange zest after removing the skillet from the heat for maximum brightness.
How do I cook the apple mixture?
Sauté the diced apple in butter for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the juice, spice, cranberries, and pecans for another 1-2 minutes.
How long does the squash need to broil?
Broil the stuffed squash on the top rack for 3 to 5 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
Should I let the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the dish stand for 5 minutes after broiling to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This recipe provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply replace the 2 teaspoons of butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
What kind of syrup should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup for drizzling over the squash.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe doesn't specify peeling, but finely dicing them after coring is essential.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey would work as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Is the squash cooked in the oven or microwave?
The initial softening is done in the microwave for speed, and the final caramelization is done under the broiler.
What if I don't have apple pie spice?
You can use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice as a substitute.
Is this a side dish or a main?
It can be served as a hearty side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
How much orange zest is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest.
Should the microwave dish be covered?
The recipe specifies microwaving the squash uncovered.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can sauté the filling in advance, but it is best to broil and serve fresh for the best texture.
How do I know when the apple mixture is ready?
Cook it until the orange juice is mostly evaporated while stirring continuously.
What makes this a 'fall recipe'?
The use of seasonal ingredients like acorn squash, apples, cranberries, and maple syrup makes it perfect for autumn.