Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
Why Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. When grilled, it develops a smoky, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements its natural sweetness. Stuffing the squash with a savory filling adds even more depth of flavor, making this dish a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Plus, grilling the squash gives it a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful stuffing inside.
Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 1/2 pound ground sausage (or ground turkey or beef)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
Preparing the Acorn Squash
Start by prepping your acorn squash. Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This helps the squash caramelize and adds flavor as it grills.
Making the Stuffing
While the grill is heating up, let’s prepare the stuffing. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If you’re using ground turkey or beef, you may need to add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the cooked quinoa or rice, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Stuffing the Acorn Squash
Spoon the stuffing mixture into each acorn squash half, packing it in tightly and mounding it slightly. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the stuffing for a delicious, melted topping.
Prepping Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A medium heat ensures that the squash cooks through evenly without burning.
Grilling the Stuffed Acorn Squash
Place the stuffed squash halves directly on the grates or in a Adjustable grill basket without a lid or a Heavy Duty Grill Basket (Optional) to hold them securely. Place the basket on the grill and close the lid. Grill the squash for about 30-35 minutes, until the squash is tender and the stuffing is heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Grilled stuffed acorn squash is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how the smoky flavor from the grill added a whole new dimension to the squash. The savory stuffing is the perfect complement, making this dish a go-to for cozy fall dinners and holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Once the squash is grilled to perfection, carefully remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the stuffed squash halves on a platter, garnished with additional fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor. These Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash halves make a great main dish on their own, or you can serve them alongside a simple salad or a slice of crusty bread for a more filling meal.
Essential Grilling Tools
While you can definitely grill these squash halves directly on the grates, using a grill basket can be a great option if you want a little extra security. An Adjustable grill basket without a lid or a Heavy Duty Grill Basket can keep everything in place and ensure even cooking. It’s not necessary, but it’s a handy tool to have on hand to make flipping and moving the squash around a bit simpler.
With a basket, you don’t have to worry about any delicious stuffing spilling out—just a suggestion if you want to keep things tidy on the grill!
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
- Yes! Butternut squash or small pumpkins would also work well and add a slightly different flavor and texture.
-
What can I use as a vegetarian substitute for sausage?
- You can use plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or just add more vegetables and beans to make a hearty vegetarian stuffing.
-
How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?
- The squash is done when it’s tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. The stuffing should also be hot and slightly crispy on top.
-
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can make the stuffing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the squash and grill them when you’re ready to eat.
-
What other ingredients can I add to the stuffing?
- Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even a bit of cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious grilled dish?
Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Fire up the grill and give this Grilled Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us on social media @CookingWithBraize. We’d love to see how you make this dish your own!