Stuffed Acorn Squash

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There’s nothing quite like vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash during colder months. Filled with vegan sausages, vegetables, wild rice, and apples, every bite of this filling and hearty dinner makes you feel so cozy!

overhead view of stuffed acorn squash baked on a sheet pan

A bowl of Vegan Chili or a few Cabbage Rolls always warms me up when it’s cold outside but when the holidays or fall rolls around, I always pick Stuffed Acorn Squash over anything else. Flexible, filling, and so delicious, this simple recipe is absolutely bursting with so much good stuff!

Vegan roasted and stuffed acorn squash is always the right choice for dinner because it’s:

Filled with hearty vegan sausages, wild rice, and savory herbs and seasonings
Easy to make ahead of time and freezer-friendly
Naturally gluten free
Packed with protein and nutrients

Whether you choose to serve your vegetarian stuffed acorn squash for a fall-themed dinner or during the holidays, you can always count on each bite to warm you up and make you feel great. The recipe is done and ready to enjoy after a few simple steps!

Jump to:

Sausage stuffed acorn squash ingredients
How to cut and prepare acorn squash
How to make stuffed acorn squash
Tips for success
What to serve with vegan stuffed acorn squash
Frequently asked questions
Looking for more healthy vegan main dishes?
Stuffed Acorn Squash

close up of a stuffed acorn squash that's been baked

Sausage stuffed acorn squash ingredients

Acorn squash - This delicious winter squash becomes so tender and nutty when baked. When you’re out shopping, look for acorn squash with dark green skin that has an orange or yellow-ish patch. It should also feel heavy for its size and be free of any blemishes or soft spots on the outside.

Wild rice blend - I recommend cooking the wild rice in vegetable broth for more flavor.

Vegan sausages - Beyond Meat sausages are my favorite to use here but you could use vegan ground beef, leftover seitan, vegan Italian sausages, or another variety or brand you love instead.

Vegetables - A mix of onion, garlic, celery, red peppers, and mushrooms are cooked and added to the filling.

Apples - Chopped apples add a delightful sweetness to the filling. Use an apple that will hold its shape, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady.

Dried cranberries - For a hint of tartness.

Herbs and seasonings - You’ll need poultry seasoning, fresh rosemary, ground fennel, and fresh or dried parsley.

filling ingredients for acorn squash frying in a skillet

How to cut and prepare acorn squash

Lay the squash on its side and push a sharp chef’s knife in until you feel the hollow center. Move the knife down to the bottom of the squash, around, and back to up to the stem.

Scoop and discard the flesh and seeds from each squash half. Brush some olive oil inside, add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and they’re ready to bake!

3 acorn squash cut in half and seeded on a baking sheet

How to make stuffed acorn squash

Ready for the most tender and filling roasted acorn squash? The acorn squash is steamed and roasted in the oven while you prepare the filling on the stove. It’s so easy to assemble:

Roast the squash: Fill a baking dish with some water and place it on the bottom rack in your oven. Place the oiled and seasoned acorn squash halves cut side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast until they’re completely soft and cooked through.
Cook the rice: Prepare the wild rice according to the package directions. Cook it in vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor.
Make the filling: Saute the onions in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Next, add the garlic and vegan sausages. Once the sausage is cooked through, add the rest of the filling ingredients.
Assembly: Stir the cooked wild rice and a splash of broth (if needed) into the filling and take it off the heat. Scoop some filling into each squash half, then serve and enjoy! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below

step by step photos how to make stuffed acorn squash

six stuffed acorn squash on a baking sheet ready to serve

Tips for success

The baking dish filled with water will help steam the squash as it roasts in the oven and keeps it very moist.
Make as many adjustments to the filling as you like. Add in chickpeas or beans, quinoa instead of rice, vegan ground beef or vegan chicken instead of sausage, etc. The options are endless!
Top each stuffed squash with chopped nuts or seeds, a squeeze of lemon juice, vegan gravy, or fresh parsley.
Shred some vegan cheese over top of each stuffed squash and place them under the broiler for a few minutes to melt.

What to serve with vegan stuffed acorn squash

Stuffed acorn squash with sausage makes for a filling, nutritious, and delicious vegan main dish for the holidays or during fall. It’s like traditional holiday stuffing but taken up a notch! Roasted squash is best served with hearty, fall-themed sides, like mashed potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, more roasted vegetables, and salad.

Frequently asked questions

What does acorn squash taste like?

Acorn squash is a little sweet, nutty, and earthy. Its flavor isn’t quite as strong as butternut squash or spaghetti squash, making it the perfect fit for a flavorful and hearty stuffing.

Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?

Yes! Acorn squash skin is totally edible once roasted. This also means there’s no need to peel the squash before it goes in the oven.

Can you make the filling ahead of time?

You can prepare the wild rice stuffing 1 day ahead of time. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a skillet before you’re ready to eat.

How do you store acorn squash?

The roasted and stuffed squash halves can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to eat, preheat the oven to 350ºF and reheat in a baking dish with a small amount of water on the bottom for about 15 minutes or until hot.

Can you freeze acorn squash?

Yes! To freeze stuffed acorn squash, transfer the cooled and stuffed squash halves to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, place them on a baking dish and reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 40 to 50 minutes.

Looking for more healthy vegan main dishes?

Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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