Valentine Dinner Stuffed Acorn Squash

Name: Valentine Dinner Stuffed Acorn Squash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium acorn squashes; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup cranberries, dried; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp thyme, dried; 2 tsp sage, dried; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Daily Meals

I absolutely adore preparing this Valentine's Dinner Stuffed Acorn Squash. It’s become a tradition in our home, and the vibrant colors and rich flavors never fail to impress my loved ones. The sweetness of the acorn squash combined with a savory filling makes it the perfect centerpiece for a romantic dinner. Each bite is a harmony of tastes and textures that create a truly special dining experience. Every time I make it, I feel the warmth and love surrounding the table, making it a cherished recipe worth sharing.

Created by

Theodora Blythe

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:37:34.718Z

When I first tried this stuffed acorn squash, I was blown away by how well the flavors complemented each other. The combination of quinoa, cranberries, and spices creates a filling that is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. I enjoyed experimenting with different herbs to enhance the taste, ultimately landing on a perfect blend of thyme and sage.

One specific tip I discovered is to roast the squash until it’s caramelized on the edges, which adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Each time I make this recipe, it brings back memories of cozy family dinners by candlelight.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously satisfying blend of sweet and savory
Perfectly roasted squash offers a warm, cozy feel
Healthy ingredients make for guilt-free indulgence

      

The Star Ingredient: Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is not only visually appealing with its unique shape and rich, green skin, but it's also packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness of the acorn squash balances beautifully with the savory quinoa filling, creating a dish that is both hearty and nourishing. When choosing acorn squashes, look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have a dull skin, indicating ripeness. This ensures a sweeter flavor and a tender texture after roasting.

While acorn squash is the star here, it serves as a vessel for fluffy quinoa that soaks up the flavors of the herbs and vegetables. Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. By cooking it in vegetable broth instead of water, you're adding depth to every bite, perfectly complementing the squash's inherent sweetness.

Flavor Enhancements and Adjustments

The combination of dried cranberries and walnuts brings a delightful contrast to the dish, both in flavor and texture. Cranberries add a tangy sweetness, while walnuts introduce a rich, nutty profile that enhances each bite. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider substituting cranberries with cherries or raisins for a different fruity twist. As for the walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts can also work beautifully and add their unique notes to the filling.

Using dried herbs like thyme and sage is essential as their concentrated flavors enrich the stuffed squash. If you prefer fresh herbs, you can substitute them, but remember to increase the quantity since dried herbs are more potent. For those watching their sodium intake, opt for low-sodium vegetable broth, which will still provide great flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions

This stuffed acorn squash can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal option for a romantic dinner. You can roast the acorn squash and prepare the filling a day ahead without compromising flavor. Just assemble and bake on the day of serving. If you're storing leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, allowing the filling to regain its moisture.

Presentation is key when serving this dish. Once baked, you can sprinkle the tops with fresh herbs or even a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor punch. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to complement the flavors. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or a rich, creamy soup, enhancing the cozy dinner experience.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a mouthwatering stuffed acorn squash:

For the stuffed acorn squash

2 medium acorn squashes
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cranberries, dried
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp thyme, dried
2 tsp sage, dried
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure everything is prepped and ready to start the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your beautifully stuffed acorn squash:

Prepare the Acorn Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the acorn squashes and scoop out the seeds. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Cook the Quinoa Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add dried cranberries, walnuts, thyme, and sage, and stir to combine.

Combine and Fill

Mix the cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Carefully fill each roasted acorn squash half with the quinoa filling, pressing gently to pack it in.

Final Bake

Return the stuffed squashes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the tops to become slightly crispy.

Serve

Remove from the oven and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your delightful and nutritious Valentine's Dinner Stuffed Acorn Squash!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different nuts or add some feta cheese for a tangy twist! For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your acorn squash doesn't feel tender after the suggested roasting time, it might benefit from an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushiness. The perfect acorn squash should be fork-tender but still hold its shape when filled.

When cooking quinoa, if you find it too soggy, it may have been cooked in excess liquid or for too long. To remedy this, use a fine mesh sieve to drain any excess water, then spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly before mixing it with the vegetables.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. If you want to serve more people, simply increase the number of acorn squashes and adjust the volume of the filling accordingly. Each squash serves about two, so plan on about half a squash per person, depending on what else is being served.

For a smaller gathering or a romantic dinner for two, you can prepare just one acorn squash and save half of the filling for another meal. The quinoa filling keeps well and can be added to salads, stuffed into peppers, or enjoyed as a side dish with any number of proteins.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the quinoa filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the squash.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for extra color and nutrition.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This stuffed acorn squash is entirely vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting any cheese toppings.

→ How do I know when the acorn squash is done?

The squash is done when it is tender all the way through and can be easily pierced with a fork. The edges should be caramelized.