Festive Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe | Easy Holiday Side Dish 🦃✨

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash

Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash

Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence, tradition, and gathering around the table with loved ones. This Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is here to elevate your holiday feast with its comforting flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a hearty side, this stuffed acorn squash recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table. With a delightful mix of leftover turkey, gluten-free stuffing, tangy cranberry relish, and roasted veggies, it’s a holiday squash dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

For those aged 40–65+, this recipe offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and creativity. It’s a gentle nod to classic Thanksgiving flavors, yet it’s simple enough to prepare even on a busy holiday. Picture the aroma of roasted squash filling your kitchen, the vibrant colors of the dish complementing your table, and the smiles of your guests as they take their first bite. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience.

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INTRODUCTION: THANKSGIVING STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Thanksgiving is all about celebrating abundance, and what better way to do that than with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying? This Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining seasonal ingredients with a touch of creativity. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this stuffed acorn squash recipe fits every occasion.

Acorn squash is a versatile fall vegetable that shines in this dish. Its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory stuffing, tangy cranberry relish, and hearty turkey. The addition of sautéed kale and roasted Brussels sprouts adds a burst of flavor and nutrition, making this a wholesome holiday squash dish that everyone can enjoy.

This recipe is also incredibly flexible. It’s a fantastic way to use Thanksgiving leftovers, but it can also be adapted for vegetarians or customized with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for guests with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a holiday novice, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

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ALTERNATE NAMES & VARIATIONS

If you’re searching for similar recipes, you might come across names like “stuffed winter squash,” “holiday stuffed squash,” or “roasted acorn squash with stuffing.” These variations often include different fillings, such as quinoa, wild rice, or even sausage. But no matter what you call it, this Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash remains a classic holiday squash dish that’s hard to beat.

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INGREDIENTS: THANKSGIVING STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

For the Squash:

– 3 acorn squashes or squash of choice, cut into halves
– 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or oil
– Pinch fine sea salt
– Pinch black pepper

Everything Else:

– 2 cups leftover turkey
– 2 cups gluten-free stuffing
– 1/2 cup cranberry spice relish
– 1 cup sautéed kale, or leftover veggies of choice
– 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, or leftover veggies of choice
– 1/4 teaspoon thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon sage
– 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
– Pinch fine sea salt
– Pinch black pepper
– Gravy, for drizzling

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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside of each half with butter, ghee, or oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, or until tender.

2. Prepare the Filling: While the squash is roasting, combine the leftover turkey, gluten-free stuffing, cranberry relish, sautéed kale, and roasted Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add the thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then mix well.

3. Stuff the Squash: Once the squash is done, flip the halves over so they’re cut-side up. Fill each half generously with the turkey and stuffing mixture.

4. Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle with warm gravy and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Chef’s Tip: For a vegetarian version, simply swap the turkey for cooked lentils or chickpeas.

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RECIPE CARD BLOCK

This Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook, making it a total of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It serves 6 people and has approximately 250 calories per serving.

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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS & EXPERT TIPS

This recipe works because it combines familiar holiday flavors in a fresh and exciting way. The roasted squash provides a naturally sweet base, while the turkey and stuffing add savory depth. The cranberry relish and roasted veggies bring a tangy, slightly smoky note that ties everything together.

Expert Tips:
– Roast the squash cut-side down first to ensure even cooking.
– Use high-quality gluten-free stuffing for the best texture and flavor.
– Feel free to experiment with other seasonal vegetables, like roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.

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STORAGE, FREEZING, AND REHEATING TIPS

Store leftover stuffed squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each stuffed squash half individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option.

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PEOPLE ALSO ASK: THANKSGIVING STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

How to stuff acorn squash for Thanksgiving?

To stuff acorn squash, start by roasting the halved squash until tender. Prepare your filling—this could include leftover turkey, gluten-free stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Once the squash is ready, fill each half with the mixture and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. Drizzle with gravy before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

What fillings work best for acorn squash?

Acorn squash pairs well with a variety of fillings, including turkey, stuffing, quinoa, wild rice, and roasted vegetables. For a vegetarian option, try lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. Adding cranberry relish or gravy enhances the flavor and ties everything together.

Can I make stuffed squash vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the turkey and replace it with plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. You can also add extra roasted vegetables or grains like quinoa or wild rice for a hearty vegetarian filling.

How long does acorn squash take to bake?

Acorn squash takes about 30–35 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C) when halved and roasted cut-side down. If stuffed, it will need an additional 10–15 minutes to heat through.

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CONCLUSION: THANKSGIVING STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

This Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for your holiday table. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their Thanksgiving feast. Don’t forget to share your results with us and let us know how it turned out!

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