Last Updated on September 23, 2026 by PorchLightReading
Easy apple stuffed acorn squash that is filled with cozy fall flavors. Made with apples, brown sugar, and nuts for a simple and delicious side dish.
There is nothing quite like the aroma of fall drifting through the kitchen, the smell of apples baking in the oven and dinner only a short time away. This apple stuffed acorn squash recipe is simple to make, lightly sweetened, and perfect as a side dish for a holiday dinner.
You only need a handful of ingredients and the oven does most of the work. Making it one of those set it and forget it recipes that’ll you’ll love all through the colder winter months.
Follow us on…
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- Table of contents: Apple stuffed acorn squash
- Ingredients
- How to make
- Helpful tips
- Variations and substitutions
- Jump to recipe
When you make a dinner that smells this delicious it’s easy to get a bit more help in the kitchen. The kids start asking for snacks but instead I put silverware in their hands to set the table.
And just like that we have the table beautifully set just as the oven timer goes off, declaring that dinner is ready. Pretty close to a dinner bell, if you ask me.
Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
This apple stuffed acorn squash was an instant hit in this house and had both kids saying that it reminded them of an apple pie. And I’d have to agree. This side dish is a bit more sweet than we normally have on a regular basis, but sometimes that makes it even more special.
The apples and brown sugar bake right into the center of the acorn squash and give a light, sweet flavor.
Recently created for you!
- Banana Snack Cake With Cream Cheese Greek Yogurt Frosting
- Freezer Breakfast Burritos For Work + Easy Make-Ahead Meal
- Krispie Treat Pumpkins + Easy Fall Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 apple, diced, Honeycrisp or Gala work great
- 1 TBS brown sugar
- 2 TBS nuts, walnuts or pecans
- 2 TBS butter (divided)
- pinch of salt
Baking Instructions
Prepare the squash- Preheat oven to 400℉. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halved cut side up in a baking dish.
Add a bit of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the squash while baking. Brush each half with 1 TBS of melted butter and lightly sprinkle with salt.
Make the apple filling- In a small bowl, mixed diced apple, brown sugar, nuts and the remaining 1 TBS of melted butter. Stir until the apples are well coated and the sugar starts to dissolve slightly.
Fill and bake- Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the center of each squash half. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
Bake 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the apples are caramelized. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let the tops brown slightly.
Serve and enjoy- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Choose an acorn that feels heavy for its size and has a fully, deep green skin.
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, drizzle with maple syrup before baking.
- For a more savory version, skip the sugar and add a sprinkle of cinnamon and rosemary.
Related Posts:
Variations and Substitutions
- Nuts- Swap walnuts or pecans for almonds or skip them for a nut free version.
- Apples- Honeycrisp are great in this recipe but you can also try pears for a softer, sweeter twist.
- Add-ins- Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or dried cranberries before baking for added flavor and color.
This apple stuffed acorn squash is one of those recipes that looks elegant but takes almost no effort. It’s warm, comforting, and filled with classic fall flavors.
It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell delicious and is perfect alongside roasted chicken or turkey. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our family does!
Recipe Card
Apple stuffed acorn squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 TBS brown sugar
- 2 TBS nuts, walnuts or pecans
- 2 TBS butter, divided
- salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halved cut side up in a baking dish.
- Add a bit of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the squash while baking. Brush each half with 1 TBS of melted butter and lightly sprinkle with salt.
- In a small bowl, mixed diced apple, brown sugar, nuts and the remaining 1 TBS of butter (melted).
- Stir until the apples are well coated and the sugar starts to dissolve slightly.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the center of each squash half. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
- Bake 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the apples are caramelized. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let the tops brown slightly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
You also might like…
Back to Family Recipes
Back to Home Page
Like this recipe idea? Save this post to Pinterest for later by clicking the Pin below!
