Devastatingly Delicious Stuffed Delicata Squash in Under 1H

Okay, friends, let’s talk fall! And not just any fall recipe, but one that’s gonna rock your weeknight dinner game: Stuffed Delicata Squash! Seriously, if you’re anything like me, you’re craving those cozy, comforting flavors right about now. And this recipe? It’s *easy*.

What I love most about delicata squash is that you can eat the skin! I mean, who has time to peel squash? Not me! I discovered it at a local farmer’s market years ago. I remember thinking, “What IS that gorgeous little thing?” One bite, and I was hooked. Now, I grab a bunch every fall and experiment with stuffing, roasting, you name it.

This Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe is my go-to because it’s packed with flavor, super simple to throw together, and makes the whole house smell amazing. Think sweet squash, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans… are you drooling yet? Trust me, this is one you’ll be making again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Delicata Squash Recipe

Simple and Quick to Make

Seriously, who has hours to spend in the kitchen on a busy weeknight? Not me! This recipe is ready in under an hour – perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to slave away.

Bursting with Fall Flavors

Oh my gosh, the flavors! Sweet delicata squash, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans… it’s like a fall party in your mouth! My favorite part is how the cinnamon just ties everything together.

Healthy and Vegetarian-Friendly

Want something that tastes amazing *and* is good for you? This is it! Packed with nutrients and totally vegetarian, you can feel good about serving this up to your family.

Perfect for a Weeknight Dinner

Forget boring dinners – this Stuffed Delicata Squash is a total game-changer! It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough to impress guests. Win-win!

Ingredients for Your Stuffed Delicata Squash

Key Ingredients for Stuffed Delicata Squash

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! This Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Don’t skimp – each one plays a starring role! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 Delicata Squash

Look for medium-sized squash, about 6-8 inches long. They should feel firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots!

1 cup Cooked Quinoa

I usually cook my quinoa ahead of time and let it cool. But if you’re in a hurry, warm quinoa works just fine! Just make sure it’s cooked according to package directions.

1/2 cup Dried Cranberries

I prefer using sweetened cranberries for that extra pop of sweetness, but unsweetened works too if you’re watching your sugar intake. Your call!

1/2 cup Chopped Pecans

Raw or toasted pecans both work great here. If you’re feeling fancy, toast them yourself for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

1/4 cup Maple Syrup

Real maple syrup is the way to go! I usually use Grade A dark amber for its rich flavor, but any grade will do.

2 tbsp Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness. It’s what I always have on hand!

1 tsp Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon, of course! It adds that warm, cozy flavor we all crave in the fall.

Salt and Pepper to taste

Freshly ground pepper is always my preference, but use whatever you have! Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavors of the squash and filling.

How to Make Stuffed Delicata Squash: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Delicata Squash

Preheat and Prep

Alright, let’s get started! First things first, crank that oven up to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot for roasting our squash. While the oven’s preheating, grab your delicata squash and give them a good wash. We’re eating the skin, remember?

Roasting the Squash

First Bake

Carefully halve each squash lengthwise. Now, scoop out those seeds! A spoon works great for this. Don’t worry about getting every single string – a few are fine. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Pop them face-up on a baking sheet and into the oven they go! Bake for 20 minutes. You want them slightly tender, but not mushy.

Making the Quinoa Filling for Stuffed Delicata Squash

While the squash is doing its thing in the oven, let’s whip up the filling. In a medium bowl, combine your cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Give it all a good stir until everything’s nicely mixed. Mmm, smells amazing already, right?

Stuffing and Baking

Second Bake

Okay, the squash should be ready to come out of the oven. Now for the fun part – stuffing! Spoon that delicious quinoa mixture evenly into each squash half, packing it in gently. Return the stuffed squash to the baking sheet and back into the oven for another 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the filling is nice and toasty. Keep an eye on them, you don’t want the pecans to burn!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Delicata Squash

Don’t Overcook the Squash

Trust me on this one, friends – mushy squash is *not* what we’re going for! You want it tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, but still holding its shape. Start checking it around that 20-minute mark and go from there.

Toast the Pecans

Okay, this is totally optional, but toasting those pecans beforehand really kicks up the flavor a notch. Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Careful, they burn easily!

Adjust the Sweetness

Not a huge fan of super-sweet dishes? No problem! Start with a little less maple syrup (maybe just 2 tablespoons) and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take away, right?

Season Generously

Seriously, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! It really brings out all the delicious flavors in this Stuffed Delicata Squash. A good pinch of each goes a long way!

Stuffed Delicata Squash Variations

Add Protein

Wanna make this Stuffed Delicata Squash even heartier? Toss in some cooked sausage or ground beef! I like using Italian sausage, but honestly, anything works. Just brown it up before you mix it with the quinoa.

Change the Nuts

Not a pecan person? No worries! Walnuts are a fantastic substitute. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try some toasted pumpkin seeds for a totally different vibe.

Use a Different Sweetener

Out of maple syrup? Honey or agave nectar will work in a pinch! Just keep in mind that honey has a stronger flavor, so you might want to use a little less.

Spice It Up

Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the quinoa filling will do the trick! It adds a subtle heat that balances out the sweetness perfectly. Wow!

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Delicata Squash

Side Salad

Keep it simple! A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the Stuffed Delicata Squash. I’m thinking mixed greens, some cherry tomatoes, maybe a few cucumber slices? Easy peasy!

Roasted Vegetables

Want to keep the roasted veggie theme going? Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus would be amazing alongside this dish! Just toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender. Yummy!

Crusty Bread

Oh, and don’t forget the crusty bread! A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices from the Stuffed Delicata Squash. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a drop!

Storing Leftover Stuffed Delicata Squash

How to Store

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Stuffed Delicata Squash cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. Easy peasy!

How to Reheat

Reheating is a breeze! You can either warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or zap it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Just watch it so it doesn’t get mushy! Oops!

Common Questions About Stuffed Delicata Squash

Can I make Stuffed Delicata Squash ahead of time?

Totally! You can prep the whole thing – roast the squash, make the filling, stuff it – and then just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through. This easy Stuffed Delicata Squash is perfect for meal prepping!

Is Stuffed Delicata Squash healthy?

You bet! Delicata squash is packed with vitamins and fiber, and the quinoa adds a good dose of protein. Plus, those cranberries and pecans are full of antioxidants. Just watch the maple syrup if you’re trying to keep the sugar down. It’s a pretty healthy Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe, as far as comfort food goes!

Can I freeze Stuffed Delicata Squash?

Freezing this recipe isn’t my *favorite* thing, just because the squash can get a little watery when it thaws. But, if you really want to, I’d recommend freezing the stuffed squash *before* baking it. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw it completely in the fridge before baking as directed.

What can I substitute for quinoa in Stuffed Delicata Squash?

Good question! If you’re not a quinoa fan (or just don’t have any on hand), you can easily swap it out for rice, couscous, or even farro. Just make sure it’s cooked before you mix it with the other filling ingredients. Honestly, any grain will work in this homemade Stuffed Delicata Squash!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Stuffed Delicata Squash

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (that’s about half a squash), but keep in mind it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 50mg

Just remember, this is an estimate! It’s always best to calculate the nutritional information based on the specific brands and amounts you’re using. But hey, at least it gives you a general idea!

Enjoy Your Delicious Stuffed Delicata Squash!

And there you have it – my super simple, super delicious Stuffed Delicata Squash! I really hope you give this one a try. It’s seriously my favorite fall dinner, and I think it’ll become one of yours too!

If you do make it, pretty please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating! It helps other folks find it. Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy cooking!

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