Acorn squash is a perfect fall and winter vegetable for the holiday. Choose either oven or slow-cooker method for this easy, beginner-friendly recipe.
If you’re looking for a holiday meal that’s different from the traditional options, I have the perfect recipe for you.
Introducing: Acorn Squash Stuffed with Dried Fruit and Nuts.
Acorn squash is a winter squash that can swing either savory or sweet depending on how you prepare it.
This dish is subtly sweet from the orange juice and dried fruit. It’s nicely balanced with a bit of tang from these ingredients. Try it hot or cold – or even enjoy it for a less-sweet dessert on occasion!
Ingredients for Acorn Squash Stuffed with Dried Fruit and Nuts
Because I usually serve this recipe for holidays, it makes quite a bit. Feel free to cut this recipe in half if you’re only serving a few people!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 Medium acorn squash
- 1/2 cup Dried apricots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Walnuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Pecans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1 cup Orange juice
You can certainly substitute other types of nuts, specifically almonds, in place of these options. I’ve tried different types of juice, but orange is my favorite because of the slight tang it provides.
How to Make Acorn Squash Stuffed with Dried Fruit and Nuts
Choose Oven or Slow-Cooker Method for this Recipe
The original recipe for this dish takes 90 minutes to bake. If you don’t have that much time, you can speed up the process by microwaving the squash for about 10 minutes before adding the filling and baking.
If you decide to do the oven-baked method, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees before starting.
Because I often cooking lots of other foods in the oven during the holidays, I created an option to use the slow-cooker to make this recipe instead. Choose the option which is most convenient for you!
Prepare Acorn Squash
Prepare two medium acorn squash by cutting stem and base from squash, then cutting in half lengthwise. If squash is too tough to cut, stab with a fork several times, then microwave 5-7 minutes until squash begins to soften.
Use a spoon to scrape out seeds and stringy innards. Discard seeds or save to make Savory Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (which can be made with the seeds from any type of winter squash).
Arrange the squash halves in a baking dish OR in a large slow-cooker with cavities facing up.
Prepare Filling
Coarsely chop apricots, walnuts, and pecans. Add with raisins to the empty cavities of the squash. Pour orange juice over fruit and nut mixture to fill the squash cavity.
Oven-Bake Method
Cover pans loosely with foil and bake for 75-90 minutes until squash is cooked through. When cooked, squash will be soft enough to easily poke with a fork.
Note: if needed you can speed up the process by microwaving the squash for about 10 minutes before adding the filling and baking.
Slow-Cooker Method
Pour a small amount of water in slow cooker and cook on high 4-6 hours or on low 8-10 hours until squash is cooked through.
When cooked, squash will be soft enough to easily poke with a fork.
Scoop out Acorn Squash Flesh and Serve
Use a spoon to scoop squash flesh out of peel and transfer to a serving bowl along with fruits and nuts filling. Mix to combine juice and filling with squash. Discard tough skin.
Serve hot immediately or refrigerate several hours to serve cold.
How to Store Leftovers
The leftovers of this dish might be even better than it is first thing out of the oven.
To store, scoop out squash from shell and discard shell. Refrigerate squash and filling in airtight container up to 5 days.
Serve leftovers cold or reheat if desired.
Enjoy this Easy and Delicious Fall and Winter Dish!
This Acorn Squash recipe is a great example of the seasonal recipes I include in the weekly menus for the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides meal planning app.
I always include special holiday menus. You can even find more ideas by using the “holiday” filter in the recipe tab of the app to find over 60 options! Use these to substitute in your weekly meal guide to make it personalized just for you.
If you’d like to make mealtime easier, you can start a free trial of the app.
You’ll get immediate access to this week’s menu, over 800 recipes, AND a made-for-you grocery list!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does.
Happy holidays!
Dietitian Ann
Seasonal Eating & Holiday Menus
Let us take meal planning off your plate this holiday season! Start a free trial of the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides and we’ll take care of the menu, recipes, and shopping list.
You can spend more time with your loved ones instead of worrying about what’s for dinner!
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-S.E., member of the Peas & Hoppy Meal Guides
