Vegan and Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash is filled a delicious stuffing made with farro, mushrooms, cranberries, walnuts, and a variety of tasty spices and herbs. This dish is pretty enough to be the star of your holiday or Thanksgiving table but easy enough to make for a cozy fall dinner.
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipes
I wanted to create some fresh new ideas for Thanksgiving this year and am starting with my classic Vegan - Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash. This is a tasty and savory main dish recipe that could work well for vegans and vegetarians. I personally am content eating all the sides and calling it a meal, but I know some folks want more of a "star" or main dish on their plates. This Stuffed Acorn Squash is the shiniest star you'll see on any holiday plate.
This stuffed squash is actually totally vegan too and is sure to please just about anyone at your table regardless at your diet. This could even double as a side dish for everyone else.
I mean.... LOOOOOOKKKKKIE! Don't they look soooo good? This is a beautiful, easy and ultra delicious!
Why you'll love this Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash...
The flavors and textures work so well together in this Vegan - Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash and it's very filling and hearty for us veg-heads. The chewy farro, meaty mushroom, and crunchy walnuts pair together just perfectly. And the cranberries give it just enough festivity to make it ideal for the holiday table.
If you are making this for Thanksgiving itself you could prepare the stuffing ahead of time and then roast and stuff the squash just before mealtime.
So I'm the first to admit, I shy away from dishes like this that may require a bunch of steps, BUT this one is worth it. These gorgeous stuffed squash taste AND look delicious. This is a winter squash dish at it's finest!
Ingredients:
Here's what you will need to make this Stuffed Acorn Squash.
- Acorn squash: Acorn squash is perfect for this recipe as it's one of the easiest squashes to prepare and it tastes so good. Look for one that is firm and small so each half can be a single serving of stuffed squash.
- Olive oil: Olive Oil pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables and is a healthy fat.
- Farro: I love the chewy texture that farro adds, but you could also substitute it for gluten-free options like quinoa or buckwheat. You could even just use wild rice!
- Vegetable broth: If you aren't vegetarian or vegan you can use chicken broth instead.
- Sweet onion: Adds a nice, mildly sweet flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic pairs perfectly with the sweet, nutty flavor of the acorn squash.
- Mushrooms: Hearty Portobello mushrooms add a meaty texture and rich flavor that you don’t find in other mushrooms.
- Thyme, sage, red pepper: I like using dried herbs in this recipe as the flavor is spread more evenly. If you have fresh herbs on hand though for the holidays, you can make the swap.
- Salt and pepper
- Walnuts: Adds a nice crunch to the stuffed squash.
- Cranberries: Adds a touch of sweetness and gives the squash a "festive" look.
How to Make Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash:
- Brush the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake until the flesh is fork-tender. Once cooked, remove from the oven and set aside.
- While the squash is cooking, cook the farro according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, sauté the onion in a sauté pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the mushrooms, sage, and thyme to the pan. Cook until tender. Season with additional salt and pepper. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Push the mixture to the side and add the walnuts, toasting for just a minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked farro and dried cranberries.
- Stuff the farro mixture into the acorn squash.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Plate the dish with pretty sage leaves for a wonderful presentation or just serve in your buffet. I'm sure everyone will want a taste of these beauties.
For those of you who are gluten-free, you can sub a gluten-free grain like quinoa or buckwheat. I like the chewiness of the farro in this, but that's an easy swap if you do have that dietary restriction.
And now that I'm thinking about it, this has lots of traditional Thanksgiving flavors but it really would be wonderful anytime in the fall when acorn squash is at its peak.
Variations & Pro Tips
- If you are just vegetarian and not vegan you could add a sprinkle of cheese like feta on top of this stuffed squash.
- Crumbled vegan sausage would be a nice addition if you are looking for more of a traditional stuffing taste.
- Feel free to substitute any grain for the farro including wild rice, quinoa, or even wheatberries.
- If you are having trouble cutting your acorn squash, follow my tips below.
Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?
Sure you can! Roasting the squash will soften the skin so that it's tender enough to eat. You can also skip eating the skin and just scoop the sweet squash out of the bowl-shaped shell.
How do you soften acorn squash before cutting?
One of the best tricks for softening acorn squash, or any squash, is by placing the whole squash in the microwave. Pierce the squash a few times with a fork and microwave it for 3 minutes. This should allow you to easily slice the squash in half.
To cut the squash in half use a very sharp knife. Start by cutting the squash in the center and work your way to the stem. Scoop out the seeds before baking it.
You will then have the two squash halves to make the stuffed acorn squash.
Can I make acorn squash ahead of time?
Obviously, acorn squash is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge and reheated before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
The entire Stuffed Acorn Squash will not freeze well but you could make the stuffing ahead of time and freeze it. You'd then just need to thaw it out, stuff the squash and bake it according to the directions.
This Vegan and Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash the kind of dish folks will remember for a long time!
Also try...
- Healthy & Easy Roasted Acron Squash
- The Best Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe
- 4 Ingredient Maple Rosemary Delicata Squash
- Sweet Potato, Lentil, and Feta Salad
And don't forget to try my BEST Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu which includes this recipe!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces portobello mushrooms, diced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- pinch red pepper, optional
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Cut the acorn squash in half. If they are too hard to cut, pierce with a knife and microwave for a minute or two until they are soft enough to work with.
- Brush the squash with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes or until the flesh is fork tender. When cooked, remove from the oven and set aside flesh side up.
- While the squash is cooking, cook the farro according to package instructions subbing the broth for the amount of water it calls for. Salt and pepper to taste.
- While both of those things are cooking, bring a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Saute the onion in the rest of the olive oil 3-5 minutes or until translucent. Season with a pinch of the salt and pepper.
- Add the mushrooms, sage, thyme and cook until tender 2-3 minutes. Season with another good pinch of salt and pepper. Add the garlic and allow to cook for only 15 seconds before mixing it in with the rest. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the optional pinch of red pepper.
- Push the mixture to the side and add the walnuts, toasting for just a minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked farro and dried cranberries.
- Stuff the farro mixture into the acorn squash. Pile them high like the photos.
- Put them back into the oven for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve these Stuffed Acorn Squash as a vegan or vegetarian main course or side dish.
- One of the best tricks for softening acorn squash, or any squash, is by placing the whole squash in the microwave. Pierce the squash a few times with a fork and microwave it for 3 minutes. This should allow you to easily slice the squash in half.
- Obviously, acorn squash is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
Pin for later!
Laura G says
Just found your recipe & made it tonight for dinner. This was wonderful! I'm not a vegetarian but try to eat healthy, utilizing seasonal fruits and veggies. I added a small bag of fresh baby spinach to the mix. I also used a pinch of Aleppo pepper. This is a keeper for sure! Thank you.
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious says
I love acorn squash and these look simple and delicious for a Thanksgiving appetizer!
Chef Dennis says
I love butternut squash, and your stuffing sounds really delicious. I love the addition of the farro to the stuffing and can't wait to try it!
Jacqueline Debono says
What a fab holiday vegan/vegetarian dish. I love stuffing acorn squash and your stuffing sounds so tasty. Love the cranberries in it. On my to make list!
Gail Montero says
Love all the many textures and flavors in your stuffed acorn squash! I agree this would be such a huge hit at any thanksgiving table!
Lesli Schwartz says
Acorn squash makes the perfect vessel for stuffing! This vegetarian stuffing looks delish! Will be trying soon...
Stine Mari says
This stuffed acorn squash is perfect as a vegan main for Thanksgiving! Love the color pop from the cranberries.
Amy Liu Dong says
Oh I love this dish, it so easy, delicious and healthy deserves to receive a 5 star ratings. Yum!
Leslie says
Your stuffed acorn squash recipe looks like what fall recipe dreams are made of! You used the best flavor combinations for this!
Sondra Barker says
The perfect recipe with the holidays coming up! Looks amazing and fresh. Thanks for sharing.
Jere Cassidy says
This is good timing as I want to make stuffed squash for Thanksgiving. I haven't used farro yet, and I do love the addition of cranberries. Can't wait to try your recipe.
Marta says
I've been searching for new ways to use farro and this was a great recipe. The acorn squash served as the perfect (edible) bowl!
Mona J Yoder says
yes it would be, once my friend gave me lecture about modesty it was amazing and heart touching.
Paul @Diet Blog Pro says
oh Wow great ! all ingredients vegan vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe.i made it and share with my friends.
Veronica says
I love the addition of cranberries to this recipe, super healthy and delicious this recipe has it all.
pillsa says
YUM-O!!! i just love this receipe.... these Farro, Mushroom, Cranberry & Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash look so good.. thanks for sharing the beautiful concept..
Robin Hamilton @Wellness Wires says
I had a similar acorn squash at a restaurant recently and found myself craving it and wondering if I could recreate it today.
Bella Hardy says
This is so Instagrammable and adorable! Legit speechless, this acorn squash recipe looks unreal!!
Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky says
Definitely your vegan vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe is awesomeness! This is a great recipe Julie, as you know I made it a short while ago and it was lovely, in fact have made it again since. Thanks for sharing!
Rachel says
I love stuffed acorn squash and I'm getting a little tired of my tried-and-true recipes. Thanks for linking up, especially now that I have something else to stuff my squash with! 🙂
JulieWunder says
yay! Hope you enjoy it!
Courtney says
I need more acorn squash in my life. This looks absolutely mouthwatering! 🙂
JulieWunder says
You totally do!!!
Kimmythevegan says
Yes, they look good girl! They look amazing! They are so pretty!!! These would make any other Thanksgiving main wither of jealousy 😉 I will definitely try making this. Since I can't have farro (darned delicious gluten!), I think I would actually love to try this with wild rice.
Thank you so much for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays. I'm pinning & sharing (and totally bookmarking for later!). Hope you're having a great week Julie =)
JulieWunder says
That would be wonderful!!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Always love acorn squash! Thanks for linking up today
JulieWunder says
Me too! Squash is da bomb!
Annmarie says
Love stuffed acorn squash! This looks so pretty and delicious!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Annmarie!!
Farrah says
I loveeeee stuffed squash! <3! I was planning on doing that next after my stuffed kabocha but I scored a ton of free food yesterday to last me hopefully through next week, so I will likely do it...after that, haha. 😀 This looks amazing! <3
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
This looks absolutely scrumptious! I think I will make this over Thanksgiving weekend. With my sis being a vegetarian and me being a health nut, it's perfect. Thank you for sharing!
JulieWunder says
Yay! Hope you enjoy it.
Liz says
These looks so festive, and delicious of course! I love the sweet and savory taste you can enjoy this time of year with the sweet squash!
JulieWunder says
I know! Such a good combo! Thanks, Liz!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Ooooh! I am always looking for new side dishes and this looks perfect! Yum!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kristy! Hope you enjoy it.
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
I don't really mind just eating the sides too much either (many times they're the most tasty!) but this stuffed acorn squash looks simply beautiful! A perfect main dish for Thanksgiving. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mary Ellen! Hope you had a good Thanksgiving.
Sonali - The Foodie Physician says
Acorn squash is one of my favorites. And I love that you added cranberries. This would be a perfect Thanksgiving side dish!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Sorry for the misclick! This is definitely a 5 star recipe!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sonali! It's so good!
Kerri Olkjer says
I LOVE acorn squash. OK, I love all squash. The addition of dried cranberries is brilliant. YUM.
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! I've never met a squash I don't like!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
This looks so good and reminds me of a stuffed acorn squash I had at a restaurant this past weekend that was so good I have to recreate it to have it again. Love everything you have packed in there!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sarah!!!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Ooh this looks so perfect for Thanksgiving! There's nothing that feels more decadent than having an entire stuffed veggie all to yourself 😀
JulieWunder says
I soooo agree! Thanks Becca!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
What a brilliant Thanksgiving recipe idea! It really is a stand alone vegetarian meal or a wonderful side to share. I LOVE that you used farro, too - I have some of that on hand!
JulieWunder says
Isn't it so good! Hope you enjoy it.
Lindsay Cotter says
This will be a great side for the holiday table! Looks so delicious!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lindsay! Hope you get a chance to try it!
Blane Sherer says
They have a nice Holiday look.
Should be some good choices for folks.
Jenn says
What a beautiful dish for the holiday table! I love acorn squash - so good!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Jenn!!!
Laura says
This is FALLtastic! Love it! But I have never tried acorn squash (I know I know)!
JulieWunder says
OHHHHH! Time to change that!
Choclette says
Like you, I'm happy eating all the sides, but I think I might just be happier with one of these too. They sound wonderful.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! They are good!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
This reminds me that I haven't bought acorn squash at all this year! I love having it as a side for dinner.
JulieWunder says
It really is good!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Stuffed acorn squash is always a favorite. I simply adore it!
But I do love my turkey.... The struggle is realllll
JulieWunder says
Me too! So good! You can have BOTH!