Perfect Christmas Stuffed Acorn Squash — The Vegetarian Centerpiece

Stuffed acorn squash is the vegetarian Christmas centerpiece. Halved squash; stuffed with quinoa; cranberries; pecans. Dramatic; flavorful; serves as main OR side.

The recipe (serves 4 as main; 8 as side)

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash (halved; seeded)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped)
• 1 small onion; diced
• 2 cloves garlic; minced
• Salt + pepper
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Optional: crumbled goat cheese

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Drizzle squash with olive oil; salt; pepper
3. Roast cut-side down 35-40 minutes until tender
4. Meanwhile; cook quinoa in broth (15 minutes)
5. Sauté onion + garlic until softened
6. Combine quinoa + onion + cranberries + pecans + sage + maple + salt + pepper
7. Flip squash; fill with quinoa mixture
8. Return to oven 10-15 more minutes
9. Top with goat cheese (optional); serve warm

Variations

• Wild rice + mushrooms instead of quinoa
• Curried quinoa with curry powder
• Bread-stuffing style with cubed bread

Cross-references

For vegetarian Christmas dinner and vegan Christmas dinner.

Perfect stuffed acorn squash is the dramatic vegetarian centerpiece. Make as main OR show-stopping side.