Best 7 Wild Rice Cherries Apricots And Cheesy Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipes

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Embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing dish that harmoniously blends the earthy flavors of wild rice, the tangy sweetness of cherries and apricots, and the rich, nutty flavors of cheesy stuffed acorn squash. This delectable dish is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. The fluffy wild rice provides a hearty base, while the plump cherries and apricots burst with juicy goodness, adding a burst of vibrant color and sweetness. The cheesy stuffed acorn squash steals the show with its creamy filling, perfectly complemented by the crispy-tender squash exterior. Whether you're seeking a hearty main course or an impressive side dish, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, it's sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Also included in this article are recipes for a comforting Tuscan sausage and kale soup, a refreshing strawberry salad with goat cheese and candied pecans, and a decadent chocolate mousse with whipped cream.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEESY RICE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 small acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces), plus more for topping
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

Steps:

  • Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 425 degrees F. Put the squash, cut-side up, in a large microwave-safe dish with 1 tablespoon water; dot with 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce with a knife to vent. Microwave until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese, stirring to melt. Add the nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir in the rice and spinach.
  • Transfer the squash to a rimmed baking sheet and fill with the rice mixture. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Top with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 526 calorie, Fat 25 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Cholesterol 78 milligrams, Sodium 727 milligrams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 20 grams

WILD RICE, CHERRIES, APRICOTS AND CHEESY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Wild Rice, Cherries, Apricots and Cheesy Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Easy nice comfort food. Acorn squash stuffed with wild rice, cherries, pecans and a creamy cheesy topping. I prefer a blend of wild and white for this, but you can really use any rice if you don't like wild rice. And hey, this is the time to take advantage of the boxed rice. Uncle Bens is what I use, but there are many brands available, and I just use the quick cooking kind, but any will work. My favorite is to serve this with roast chicken, but if you want something lighter ... serve with a fresh green salad topped with roasted pears.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Rice

Time 55m

Yield 4 Squash halves, 4-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
1 (6 ounce) box white and wild rice
1/4 cup dried cherries, rough chopped
1/4 cup dried apricot, rough chopped
1/2 cup pecans, rough chopped
1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (monterey jack or white cheddar will also work)
2 scallions, fine chopped
2 shallots, very fine chopped (you can also use a small onion)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Squash -- Drizzle the olive oil the inside of the squash and sprinkle with sald and pepper. Place flesh side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or even foil in a 400 degree oven, middle shelf for about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the squash. Just poke with a knife and it should be tender but no falling apart. Remove from the oven so you can add the stuffing.
  • Rice -- As the squash is baking, cook the rice according to the package directions. But as the rice cooks, add if your garlic and shallots, so it will cook right along with the rice. TIP: I always cook my rice in broth rather than water, so if you want to add some more flavor, rather than water, use chicken or vegetable broth.
  • Finishing -- Once the rice is done, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, scallions, cherries, apricots and nuts. Then stuff the squash! I fill each squash half way, and then add a little cheese, add the rest of the rice and top with the remainder of the cheese.
  • Bake -- 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. This will reheat the squash, rice, and melt the cheese.
  • Serve -- ENJOY! 1 squash half per person is healthy and filling. As I mentioned, roast chicken is great with this or go lighter with a salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 588.1, Fat 30.4, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 34.2, Sodium 333, Carbohydrate 67, Fiber 8.2, Sugar 6.4, Protein 18.9

BLACK WILD RICE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Black Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 acorn squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
3 1/2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts only)
2 cups chopped kale
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups cooked forbidden rice or black wild rice (I like to substitute vegetable broth for water in cooking the rice to add more flavor)
1/4 cup dried currants
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the lined baking sheet and bake until tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Leave the oven on at 400 degrees F.
  • Heat the butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until the butter is melted. Add the breadcrumbs, increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs begin to turn golden brown. Stir in the parsley and garlic salt. Transfer to a dish.
  • Wipe the skillet clean. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Saute the mushrooms and leeks until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the kale and garlic and cook until the kale wilts, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice, currants, soy sauce, honey and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Scoop some of the mixture into the cavity of each acorn squash half and top with the reserved breadcrumbs. Bake until heated through, 25 to 30 minutes.

WILD RICE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash image

A filling vegetarian main course dish, squash stuffed with stuffing and rice!

Provided by sherry

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Acorn Squash Side Dish Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1 (6 ounce) package dry corn bread stuffing mix
2 teaspoons butter
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1 cup long grain and wild rice mix
2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
2 cups vegetable stock

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 2 baking pans, and place the cleaned-out squash, cut sides down, into the pans. Bake in the preheated oven until barely soft to the touch, about 25 minutes.
  • Make the stuffing mix as instructed on the package, and set aside.
  • Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, and cook and stir the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, and cook and stir until they give up their juice, about 5 more minutes. Add the rice mix and sage, and cook and stir the rice and vegetables until the vegetables begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Pour in the vegetable stock, stir to combine, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer the rice mixture until tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Lightly mix the cooked rice mixture with the stuffing in a bowl, and pile the mixture into the centers of the squash without packing it. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake until the squash are tender and the stuffing is hot, about 15 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 calories, Carbohydrate 39.2 g, Cholesterol 2.8 mg, Fat 2.1 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 637.2 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

WILD-RICE STUFFED SQUASH



Wild-Rice Stuffed Squash image

Grace vegetarians at the Thanksgiving table (and beyond) with stuffed baked squash, flecked with crunchy pecans and sweet dried cherries.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Rice Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 acorn squashes (1 1/2 pounds each), halved lengthwise, seeds removed
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 box (6 ounces) wild-rice blend (seasoning packet discarded)
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, arrange squash cut side down; cover sheet tightly with aluminum foil. Roast until tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, about 40 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add shallot, garlic, and sage; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rice and 1 3/4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until tender, without stirring, about 25 minutes.
  • Remove rice from heat, and stir in cherries and pecans; season stuffing with salt and pepper. Season the inside of each squash half with salt and pepper. Dividing evenly, mound stuffing into halves, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 463 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 8 g, Protein 10 g

WILD RICE STUFFED SQUASH



Wild Rice Stuffed Squash image

I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. -Robin Thompson, Roseville, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 medium acorn squash (about 22 ounces each)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 package (6 ounces) long grain and wild rice mix
2-1/3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecan halves, toasted
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Cut each squash crosswise in half; remove and discard seeds. Cut a thin slice from bottom of each half to allow each to lie flat. Place on baking sheets, hollow side up; brush tops with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bake until almost tender, 30-35 minutes., In a large saucepan, combine rice with contents of seasoning mix, broth, sage and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is almost absorbed, 23-25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute celery and onion in remaining oil until tender. Stir in cranberries, pecans and parsley. Remove from heat. Stir in rice mixture., Fill each squash half with about 1/2 cup rice mixture. Return to oven, uncovered, until rice is heated through and squash is tender, 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 593mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

BROWN RICE & VEGGIE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH



Brown Rice & Veggie-Stuffed Acorn Squash image

Feel free to vary the veggies, depending on what you have in the fridge. Can't remember where I got this; it's delicious in the Fall or for a side for Thanksgiving! (Time does not include cooking rice)

Provided by Caroline Cooks

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 medium acorn squash
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup carrot, chopped
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cup long grain brown rice, cooked without salt
3/4 cup lowfat mozzarella cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Cut each squash in half crosswise.
  • Scoop out and discard seeds and strings. I.
  • f necessary, trim bottom for squash to set level, and place on a rimmed baking sheet with cut side up.
  • Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 teas. nutmeg.
  • Cover with foil and bake squash just until moist and tender about 45- 50 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
  • When heated, add onion and garlic, if using, and celery.
  • Cook 2 minutes and add carrots.
  • Cover and cook 3 minutes.
  • Add cranberries, sage, thyme, chopped pecans, and 1/2 teas. salt.
  • Add cooked brown rice and mix well.
  • Remove from heat and fill center of each acorn squash half.
  • Return foil over top and return to oven for 15 minutes.
  • Remove and top each filled squash half with Mozzarella.
  • Return uncovered to oven and bake 5 more minutes.
  • Top with chopped fresh parsley, to serve.

Tips:

  • Choose acorn squashes with deep green and orange coloring, as this indicates ripeness. Avoid squashes with blemishes or soft spots.
  • To easily remove the squash seeds, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  • To prevent the squash from drying out during baking, place a small bowl of water in the oven along with the squash.
  • If you don't have wild rice, you can substitute brown rice or quinoa.
  • For a sweeter stuffing, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wild rice mixture.
  • If you don't have dried cherries or apricots, you can substitute raisins or cranberries.
  • To make the recipe vegan, use a plant-based cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
  • Serve the stuffed acorn squash with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Conclusion:

Wild rice, cherries, apricots, and cheesy stuffed acorn squash is a delicious and wholesome dish that is perfect for a fall meal. The squash is roasted until tender and then stuffed with a flavorful mixture of wild rice, dried cherries, apricots, and cheddar cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, and it is also a great way to use up leftover wild rice.

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