Acorn Squash with Pineapple
Delight your taste buds with the perfect harmony of sweet and savory in this Acorn Squash with Pineapple recipe—a delectable dish that's as comforting as it is vibrant. Tender, roasted acorn squash halves cradle a luscious pineapple filling enhanced with brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg for a spiced, tropical twist. A pat of butter melts into the filling as it bakes, creating a rich caramel-like glaze, while the splash of pepper and salt balances the sweetness beautifully. With just 15 minutes of prep and a stunning caramelized finish, this dish is ideal as a unique side for holiday feasts, a vegetarian main, or a cozy fall dinner. Perfectly easy, gluten-free, and brimming with wholesome flavors, it’s a warm, flavorful hug on a plate.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole acorn squash
- 1.5 cups pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (optional)
- 0.5 cups water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice each acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon.
Trim a small slice off the bottom of each half, if necessary, to allow them to sit flat.
Place the squash halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the pineapple chunks with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Spoon the pineapple mixture evenly into the hollows of each squash half.
Place a small pat of butter (about 1/2 tablespoon) on top of the pineapple mixture in each squash half.
Sprinkle each squash half with a pinch of salt and a light crack of black pepper, if desired.
Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the squash from drying out during baking.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges are lightly caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a light vegetarian entrée.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1457 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.4 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.4 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1267 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 326.9 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 81.6 g | 291% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.1 g | ||
| Protein | 21.6 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 855 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 11.5 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 7981 mg | 170% | |
*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.
