Easy Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cinnamon Oat Crumble

Discover the perfect marriage of sweet apples and tender acorn squash in this comforting fall recipe, designed to warm you from the inside out. This Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious blend of seasonal ingredients that bring both sweetness and warmth to your table.

With tender roasted acorn squash filled with spiced apples and a crunchy oat-nut crumble, this dish is satisfying and nutritious. Plus, at only 270 calories per serving, it fits well into most healthy eating plans, even counting as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and three Extras on Nutrisystem.

A Nutrient-Rich Dish for Fall

One of the best things about acorn squash is its wealth of health benefits. This beautiful, green-ridged squash is low in calories yet packed with nutrients.

Acorn squash is rich in fiber, which helps support digestive health and keeps you feeling full, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. It also provides vitamin C for immune support, potassium for heart health, and a good amount of vitamin A to help maintain eye health.

The filling in this recipe is equally nutritious. The combination of apples, oats, nuts and spices creates a deliciously sweet, spiced filling that’s rich in fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. Apples offer a dose of vitamin C and fiber, while oats add additional fiber to support heart health.

The nuts—whether you choose walnuts, pecans or another favorite—bring a crunch that complements the softness of the squash and provide healthy fats.

How to Make Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

This recipe may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Here’s a quick look at the process:

1. Prep and Roast the Squash: After halving and cleaning out the seeds from your acorn squash, brush each half with olive oil. Placing them cut-side down on a baking sheet allows the squash to roast evenly and come out tender in about 30 to 40 minutes. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and softens it, making it perfect for stuffing.
2. Prepare the Filling: While the squash is baking, prepare the oat and nut crumble. A quick pulse in the food processor brings together oats, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg and coconut sugar, creating a crumbly mixture that’s ready to be enhanced with melted butter. The butter helps bind everything together and adds a richness to the crumble.
3. Assemble and Bake Again: After the initial roast, you’ll fill each squash half with diced apples and top it with the oat crumble mixture. Covering it with foil and baking it again ensures that the apples soften, and the flavors meld beautifully. A final uncovered bake crisps up the oat topping for an irresistible crunch.
4. Let it Cool and Serve: Give your stuffed squash a few minutes to cool before serving. This dish is excellent as a side or as a light vegetarian meal on its own.

Delicious Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains and sides. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin or turkey breast for a hearty and wholesome meal. You could also enjoy it with a green salad for a lighter lunch, as the warm, spiced flavors complement the freshness of leafy greens.

For a festive touch, drizzle a bit of maple syrup or honey over the top just before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and highlights the natural flavors of the squash and apples.

Customization Ideas for Stuffed Acorn Squash

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Change Up the Nuts: Try using almonds or hazelnuts in place of walnuts or pecans. Each nut type offers a unique flavor and nutritional profile.
• Add Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates can add an extra touch of sweetness and a chewy texture to the filling.
• Swap in Different Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can use maple syrup or honey in place of coconut sugar. Just drizzle a little into the oat mixture to taste.
• Make It Vegan: Use a vegan butter alternative instead of light butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the crumble mixture to create a bolder, more complex spice profile.
• Try it with Pears: Swap out the apples with pears for a completely different twist on this creative fall side dish!

Enjoy the Cozy Flavors of Fall

With just the right balance of sweet and savory, this Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fall flavors. It’s perfect for a family meal, a cozy dinner for two, or even as a unique addition to a holiday spread. This dish is not only beautiful on the table but also nutritious and satisfying, making it a recipe you’ll want to return to throughout the season.

Embrace the cozy tastes of fall with this easy and delightful dish. Enjoy!