Acorn Squash With Cheese Spinach Stuffing Recipes

CHEESY RICE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

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.

ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH STUFFING

Steps:

• Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of 1/2 in. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes., Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute celery and onions in oil until tender. Add the spinach and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. , In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, pecans and remaining salt. Drain water from baking pan. Turn squash cut side up. Stuff with spinach mixture; sprinkle crumb mixture over top. Dot with butter. Bake 15 minutes longer or until the squash is tender.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH AND GRUYERE

Steps:

• Rinse the squash and cut each in half lenghthwise: scoop out and discard seeds; Place squash halves, cut side down, in a 10-by-15 inch pan.
• Bake in a 400 degree regular or convection oven until squash is just tender when pierced, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, squeeze moisture from spinach; in a bowl, mix spinach, 3/4 cup cheese and walnuts; season to taste with salt and pepper.
• With tongs or a spatula, turn squash halves over and spoon spinach mixture equally into cavities of squash; Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
• Return squash to oven and bake until cheese melts and filling is hot in the center, 15 to 20 minutes, Serve.

ACORN SQUASH WITH LEFTOVER STUFFING

Steps:

• Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place cut side down in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; add 1/2 in. hot water. Bake, uncovered, at 400° until tender, about 30 minutes. , When squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out flesh, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (flesh will measure about 3 cups). Drain water from pan; place squash shells cut side up in pan and set aside. , In a large bowl, combine the flesh, egg, salt and pepper. Dissolve bouillon in boiling water; add to squash mixture. Add stuffing; spoon into squash shells. If desired, top with cheese. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 400° until heated through, 20-25 minutes. If desired, top with chopped parsley.