Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice, Pecans & Cranberries

Looking for a delicious way to enjoy seasonal squash? This stuffed acorn squash with wild rice brings together tender roasted squash, savory herbs, toasted pecans, and sweet dried cranberries for a comforting fall dish. A touch of maple syrup enhances the squash’s natural sweetness, while the hearty wild rice stuffing adds plenty of texture and flavor.

This vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe makes a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. It’s simple to prepare, full of seasonal ingredients, and can easily be made vegan with plant-based butter.

Why You’ll Love This Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a favorite fall vegetable thanks to its naturally sweet flavor and tender texture when roasted. Its hollow center also makes it perfect for filling with hearty grains, vegetables, and herbs.

This recipe combines several classic autumn ingredients:

  • Acorn squash: Roasted until tender and lightly caramelized.
  • Wild rice: Adds a hearty, pleasantly chewy texture to the stuffing.
  • Pecans: Bring a rich, nutty crunch.
  • Dried cranberries: Add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
  • Sage and thyme: Give the dish its warm, familiar holiday flavors.
  • Maple syrup: Complements the squash’s natural sweetness.

Ingredients for Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • 3 acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted, or vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 cups cooked wild rice mix (1 cup uncooked*)
  • 2/3 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice

1. Roast the Acorn Squash

Preheat your oven to 450°F.

Place the halved and seeded acorn squash cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush the tops and insides with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, drizzle with maple syrup, and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.

2. Prepare the Wild Rice Stuffing

While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and celery, along with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Stir in the dried thyme and sage, cooking for another minute to release their flavor.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked wild rice, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and remaining seasonings.

3. Stuff the Roasted Acorn Squash

Once the squash is tender, divide the wild rice stuffing evenly among the six roasted squash halves.

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the stuffed squash.

4. Bake Until Golden and Tender

Return the stuffed acorn squash to the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, until the squash is completely tender, the edges begin to brown, and the wild rice filling is heated through.

Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Cook Wild Rice

If starting with uncooked wild rice, combine 1 cup wild rice with 4 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Drain any remaining water before adding the rice to your stuffing.

Note: Cooking times may vary for wild rice blends. Follow package instructions when needed.

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Acorn Squash

Choose squash of similar size. This helps the squash halves roast evenly and finish cooking at approximately the same time.

Toast the pecans. Toasting brings out their natural nutty flavor and adds extra crunch to the wild rice stuffing.

Cook the wild rice ahead of time. Preparing the rice in advance makes assembling this recipe easier, especially when cooking for a holiday gathering.

Make it vegan. Simply substitute vegan butter for traditional butter to create a fully plant-based stuffed acorn squash recipe.

Don’t skip the maple syrup. A small drizzle helps balance the savory herbs and brings out the squash’s natural sweetness.

What to Serve with Stuffed Acorn Squash

This wild rice stuffed acorn squash works beautifully as a vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish.

For a fall dinner, pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed seasonal vegetables.

Planning a holiday meal? Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, and your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

The combination of wild rice, cranberries, pecans, and herbs makes this recipe especially fitting for a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Eat the Skin of Acorn Squash?

Yes! Acorn squash skin is edible and becomes softer when roasted. You can enjoy it along with the tender squash flesh or simply scoop out the filling and squash with a fork.

Can You Make Stuffed Acorn Squash Ahead of Time?

Yes. Cook the wild rice and prepare the stuffing in advance, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, roast the squash, add the prepared filling, and finish baking according to the recipe instructions.

Is Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash Vegan?

This recipe is vegetarian as written and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based butter. The wild rice, vegetables, pecans, cranberries, maple syrup, and herbs are all plant-based ingredients.

Can You Use a Different Type of Rice?

Yes. Brown rice or another hearty whole-grain rice blend can work as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different from traditional wild rice.

Is Stuffed Acorn Squash a Main Dish or Side Dish?

Both! Each stuffed squash half makes a beautiful individual serving. Enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish or serve smaller portions alongside other seasonal favorites.

Keep Cookin’ with Oryana

Bring a little seasonal flavor to your table! Find acorn squash, wild rice, pecans, dried cranberries, and everything else you need for this recipe at both Oryana locations in Traverse City. Looking for more recipes, seasonal cooking inspiration, and co-op news? Sign up for Oryana’s newsletter to get fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Interested in learning something new in the kitchen? Explore our upcoming cooking classes and community events to keep the inspiration g