3 Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipes to Try This Fall

The Squash Is the Star

By
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
A journalist, writer, and author, Lizz Schumer has 10+ years of experience covering food and drink for a wide variety of well-known print and online publications.
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Published on 11/30/20
Serve and enjoy

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

When autumnal squash starts showing up at the farmer's market, the roadside stands, and grocery store produce aisle, the race is on to use it in as many delicious recipes as possible. Acorn squash, so named because it's shaped like a large green acorn, is technically the same family as summer squash like zucchini, but usually appears in late fall through early winter. Choose one that weighs about one to three pounds; any larger, and they can get dry and stringy. It should feel heavy for its size and have smooth dull skin with no soft spots. A ripe squash should have a good balance of green and orange skin; too much orange may mean it's overripe. Store it in a cool, dark cellar for up to a month or about two weeks in the fridge. Grab a few and try these lovely stuffed acorn squash recipes for an easy, self-contained main dish.

  • 01 of 03

    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cornbread

    Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cornbread Stuffing

    The Spruce/Victoria Heydt

    With lots of fragrant fall herbs, these cornbread stuffing-filled acorn squash halves make a great vegan main dish or a Thanksgiving substitute for those who don't eat turkey. This recipe starts with a vegan cornbread mix, but you can crumble up your own, too.

  • 02 of 03

    Barley Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Vegetarian Barley Stuffed Squash

    Jolinda Hackett

    Pearl barley has a nutty, hearty texture that makes a delicious stuffing for acorn squash, especially when combined with chopped carrot, celery, onion, and veggie broth. For a vegan dish, swap out margarine for vegan margarine instead.

  • 03 of 03

    Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash with Beef and Tomatoes

    Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash With Beef and Tomatoes

    Diana Rattray

    For a savory take on acorn squash, try this tomato and beef dish. The stuffing gets its flavor from tomatoes, green and red peppers, and just a little cinnamon that will warm you from the inside out. Serve it with a rice or potato side for a well-rounded meal.