RecipesAcorn Squash (Pumpkin) › Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice

Halved acorn squash roasted until tender are filled with a savory wild rice pilaf studded with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs for a showstopping autumn main or side dish. The nutty rice soaks up the sweet juices of the squash while it bakes, tying the whole dish together beautifully.

1 h 15 min (20 min prep, 55 min cook)Serves 4mediumMainsvegetarian · gluten-free · dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 medium acorn squash, halved through the stem, seeds removed
  • 1 cup wild rice blend, cooked according to package directions
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberriesDried cherries or raisins
  • ⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped and toastedWalnuts
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Contains: celery, nuts.

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 0.5 tsp salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes until tender.About 37 min
  2. While squash roasts, heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery for 5 minutes. Add garlic and sage, cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in cooked wild rice, cranberries, pecans, broth, remaining salt.About 10 min
  3. Flip squash cut-side up. Mound filling generously into each cavity, pressing gently. Return to oven for 15-20 minutes until filling is heated through and the squash edges are lightly caramelized.About 20 min
  4. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve each half as a portion, garnished with extra fresh sage if desired.About 5 min

Tips

  • Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each squash half so it sits flat during the second bake.
  • Cook the wild rice ahead of time to make this recipe faster on a weeknight.
  • The squash is done roasting when a fork slides in easily through the skin.

Ring the changes

  • Stir in crumbled goat cheese or feta into the rice filling for a creamy, tangy element.
  • Add ground turkey or sausage to the filling for a non-vegetarian version.

Keeping it

Keeps in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

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Tony C Smith
Tony C Smith

Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 6 April 2026.