Ingredients (12)
- 3 medium acorn squash (about 1 1/2 pounds each), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups cooked wild rice mix
- 2/3 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
- Calories367
- Fat14.37g
- Saturated fat4.46g
- Trans fat0.23g
- Carbs60.52g
- Fiber8.88g
- Sugar8.7g
- Protein6.85g
- Cholesterol15.27mg
- Sodium355.77mg
- Nutritional Analysis per serving (6 servings) Powered by
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Fall’s quintessential vegetable, roasted acorn squash can do double duty when filled with a hearty mixture of wild rice, pecans, and cranberries. It can stand in as a substantial side, or star at the center of the plate. For pointers on safely splitting open hard squash, check out this video tip. The wild rice mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead; keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. And you can assemble the filling up to 6 hours ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge till you’re ready to stuff.
This recipe was featured as part of our Fall Ingredients photo gallery.
For more winter squash inspiration, check out our Basic Roasted Acorn Squash, Roasted Spaghetti Squash, and Roasted Butternut Squash and Pears.
Tips for Christmas
Instructions
- 1Heat the oven to 450°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
- 2Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet, brush 1 tablespoon of the melted butter over the tops and insides of the squash halves, sprinkle with the brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until just fork tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- 3Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon of the melted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When it foams, add the onion, shallots, and celery, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the thyme and cook until just fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4Remove from the heat and stir in the rice, pecans, cranberries, and measured salt and pepper.
- 5Divide the rice filling among the roasted squash halves (about 1/2 cup for each) and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of butter over top. Continue roasting until the squash is completely fork tender, the edges have started to brown, and the filling is heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes.
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