Elevate your fall dining experience with this Acorn Squash with Dried Fruit and Granola Compote recipe, a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors perfect for a cozy meal or holiday gathering. Tender, oven-roasted acorn squash halves are brushed with brown sugar and cinnamon, then filled with a warm, fragrant mixture of dried cranberries, apricots, raisins, and crunchy granola, accented by buttery pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. This easy-to-make dish combines the caramelized richness of roasted squash with a satisfying medley of textures in the filling, making it a standout side dish or even a light dessert. Ready in just over an hour, it's a seasonal showstopper that celebrates the best flavors of autumn.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
Brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the compote. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Stir in the dried cranberries, raisins, dried apricots, granola, pecans, remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warm and fragrant.
Add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt to the skillet and toss the mixture to combine. Remove from heat.
Once the squash has finished roasting, flip the halves over and fill each cavity with a generous scoop of the dried fruit and granola compote.
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the compote is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a sweet and savory side dish or a light dessert!
Calories |
648 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.0 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 307 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.8 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 105 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 1004 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.