Best Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipes

When the weather finally cools down, and I’m bundling up in my favorite cozy sweater, my brain instantly switches to all things comfort food.

There’s just something about the crisp air that makes me want to head straight to the kitchen and whip up meals that feel like a warm hug.

As a mom, I’m all about recipes that bring the family together, especially the kind that make your house smell amazing while they bake.

Stuffed acorn squash?

Total fall vibe and one of my absolute faves.

It’s super easy to make (which is a win when you’ve got little ones asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”), tastes incredible, and has that “I tried really hard” look—except you really didn’t. Whether you’re into savory, sweet, or a little mix of both, this dish checks all the boxes for cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners.

Trust me, once you try it, stuffed squash will be your fall go-to too!

Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipes

Stuffed acorn squash is fall comfort food at its finest—warm, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re in the mood for savory sausage stuffing or a sweet cranberry-pecan mix, these recipes take cozy to a whole new level.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish!

Here’s my favorite recipe for a super simple stuffed acorn:

Ingredients:

2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
1 lb ground sausage (or your choice of protein)
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced apple
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
While the squash is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and apple until soft. Add the quinoa (or rice), cranberries, pecans, cooked sausage, sage, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
Remove the squash from the oven and evenly divide the stuffing among the squash halves.
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are slightly crispy.
Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors!

What I love most about stuffed acorn squash is that the possibilities are endless! Here are some more delicious acorn squash recipes you need to try:

Acorn Squash Recipes

It doesn’t take much to transform your acorn squash into something delicious and unique. Check out these amazing ideas:

8. Maple Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Mix chopped pecans with a drizzle of maple syrup, dried cranberries, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Spoon into roasted squash halves and bake until caramelized.

9. Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Acorn Squash

Crisp up chopped bacon and mix with shredded cheddar and cooked rice or quinoa.Fill the roasted squash and bake until the cheese is gooey and bubbling.

10. Chickpea and Tahini Stuffed Acorn Squash

Mash chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of paprika. Spread the creamy mixture into roasted squash halves and bake until warmed through.

11. Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash

Fill roasted squash halves with your favorite homemade chili (or use leftovers!). Top with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

Cook quinoa and mix with dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Spoon the mixture into roasted squash halves and bake until heated through.

13. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sauté fresh spinach with garlic, then mix with crumbled feta cheese and cooked rice. Fill the roasted squash halves and bake until the cheese is slightly melted.

14. Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash

Cook wild rice and toss with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme for an earthy, rich filling. Scoop into the roasted squash halves and bake until the flavors meld.

15. Ground Turkey and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Brown ground turkey and mix with breadcrumbs, sage, and a touch of parmesan. Stuff the roasted squash halves and bake until the top is golden and slightly crisp

16. Lentil and Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

Simmer lentils with diced carrots, celery, and tomatoes for a protein-packed, hearty filling. Fill the roasted squash halves and bake until bubbling.

17. Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Combine cooked sausage with diced apples, sautéed onions, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a savory-sweet stuffing. Roast the squash until tender, fill with the sausage mixture, and bake until golden.