Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries And Pecans

This Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries And Pecans is a festive and flavorful dish that brings together the best tastes of fall. Savory ground turkey, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and gooey mozzarella cheese make every bite delicious. Perfect as a cozy dinner or a stunning holiday side, this easy recipe is both healthy and satisfying!

Looking for a dish that represents all the best flavors of fall and winter? Look no further, this Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Pecans is incredible.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries And Pecans

• Perfect balance of flavors – The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delicious contrast in every bite. The melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy touch that ties everything together.
• Easy to make – With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish is perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks. The oven does most of the work, making it a stress-free meal.
• Healthy and nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this dish is a wholesome option for any meal. It’s also gluten-free and can be modified to fit low-carb or paleo diets.
• Great for meal prep – This stuffed acorn squash stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal planning. Prepare it in advance for a quick and delicious meal later in the week.
• Festive and beautiful presentation – With its vibrant colors and elegant appearance, this dish looks stunning on any dinner table. It’s an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

Bringing together turkey, dried cranberries, pecans, mozzarella, and acorn squash, this recipe is a must when it comes to holiday cooking. A perfect one-dish dinner recipe, this Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Pecans is festive, delicious, and healthy. You can’t beat that! It has great color and looks stunning with all the ingredients combined in half an acorn squash.

Ingredients For Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries And Pecans

• Acorn squash – The perfect vessel for stuffing, with a naturally sweet and nutty flavor.
• Ground turkey – A lean and protein-packed filling that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
• Onion – Adds a savory depth of flavor to the turkey mixture.
• Olive oil – Used for roasting the squash and sautéing the filling, adding richness.
• Dried cranberries – A touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory turkey.
• Pecans – Provide a crunchy texture and a hint of nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the stuffed squash, adding a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Salt & black pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

For many home cooks, acorn squash can be a puzzling ingredient – aside from roasting in cubes, what can you do with it? This recipe provides the answer! If you have never tried stuffing an acorn squash before, this is your chance to try something new and delicious.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries And Pecans

• Non-stick baking sheet – Holds the acorn squash halves while they roast in the oven.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Knife – Used to cut the acorn squash in half. A sharp, sturdy knife works best.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for cutting and prepping ingredients.
• Large non-stick frying pan – Cooks the turkey and stuffing ingredients evenly.
• Spatula – Helps stir and break up the ground turkey while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions for the best results.

This recipe for Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Pecans is a perfect way to serve up those gorgeous fall squash that you have been dying to try. The preparation is quite easy, then the oven does most of the work.

How To Make Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries And Pecans

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice each acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and remove the stems.
• Place the squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
• Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
• While the squash is baking, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Add the ground turkey, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
• Mix in the pecans, dried cranberries, and most of the shredded mozzarella. Stir to combine.
• Remove the roasted squash from the oven and fill each half with the turkey mixture.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven for 10 more minutes.
• Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the oven and serve hot.

Start by preheating the oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment. Cut each acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and remove the stem.  Put the squash on a baking sheet, cut sides up and brush with a tablespoon olive oil. Bake the acorn squash for forty minutes until it is tender. While the squash cooks, make the stuffing. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil then add in onion and cook, stirring occasionally. Add in ground turkey, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is thoroughly cooked before adding the pecans, cranberries, and mozzarella to combine. If you like a sweet squash, sprinkle some brown sugar before you add the stuffing. Remove the acorn squash from the oven and add the turkey filling to the halves. To finish off your Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Pecans, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top before returning the baking sheets to the oven for an additional ten minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it on its own for a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. A simple Healthy Broccoli Apple Salad pairs well for extra freshness.
• Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots, or Garlic Butter Sautéed Green Beans make a delicious and colorful addition.
• Serve with Instant Pot Quinoa, Fluffy Instant Pot White Rice, or Homemade Cauliflower Rice for a heartier meal.
• A Crisp Spinach Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts complements the flavors beautifully.
• This recipe looks stunning on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table next to Best Thanksgiving Roast Turkey, Classic Meatloaf with Stove Top Stuffing, and Homemade Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Berries.

This Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Pecans is one of my favorite fall recipes. It is full of flavor, looks impressive, and tastes amazing. It makes a great holiday side dish that is festive and is sure to impress any dinner guest! Best of all, it is healthy in addition to delicious!  Click to view all my squash recipes.

Tips For Success

• Choose the right acorn squash – Look for squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, unblemished skin. This ensures better texture and flavor when roasted.
• Use a sharp knife for cutting – Acorn squash can be tough to slice, so use a sturdy, sharp knife and cut carefully. If it’s too hard, microwave it for 1-2 minutes to soften slightly before cutting.
• Don’t overcook the squash – You want it tender but still firm enough to hold the filling. Test it with a fork around the 35-minute mark to avoid over-roasting.
• Brown the turkey well – Cooking the turkey until slightly golden enhances its flavor and adds depth to the stuffing. Stir occasionally but let it develop some color before mixing.
• Toast the pecans for extra crunch – Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the stuffing brings out their natural oils and makes them extra crunchy.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste – If you prefer a sweeter dish, sprinkle a little brown sugar on the squash before roasting. For a lower-carb option, swap dried cranberries for unsweetened ones or fresh cranberries.
• Don’t skip the cheese topping – Melting mozzarella on top adds a creamy, savory finish that ties all the flavors together. If you prefer a sharper flavor, try using white cheddar or Parmesan instead.
• Let it rest before serving – Allow the stuffed squash to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
• Make it ahead for easy meals – Roast the squash and cook the filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. It’s a great meal-prep option!

Variations And Substitutions

• Protein swaps – Instead of ground turkey, you can use ground chicken, beef, or even sausage for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap the turkey for lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu.
• Cheese options – While mozzarella adds a mild, creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar, gouda, feta, or Parmesan all work well and bring unique flavors to the dish.
• Nut alternatives – Pecans add a nice crunch, but you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor.
• Different dried fruit – Cranberries add a tart sweetness, but you can also try dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates for a slightly different taste. If you prefer fresh fruit, pomegranate seeds make a great topping.
• Make it dairy-free – Simply omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
• Add extra vegetables – For more color and nutrition, stir in chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the turkey mixture before stuffing the squash. Mushrooms also add a nice umami flavor.
• Try a different squash – If you don’t have acorn squash, you can use butternut squash, delicata squash, or even spaghetti squash for a unique twist. Each has its own slightly different texture and sweetness.
• Spice it up – Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor. A dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky kick.
• Low-carb modifications – To reduce carbs, omit the dried cranberries or use unsweetened ones. You can also swap the pecans for chopped roasted cauliflower to keep it lower in fat and carbs.
• Make it heartier – For a more filling meal, mix in cooked quinoa, wild rice, or farro into the turkey stuffing before filling the squash. This adds more texture and nutrients.

Storage And Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the squash cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Freezing – For longer storage, freeze the stuffed squash in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag.
• Reheating in the oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the squash from drying out.
• Reheating in the microwave – Place a squash half on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm. Check and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.
• Reheating from frozen – For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the acorn squash and prepare the turkey filling in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, fill the squash halves, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until heated through.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

What other cheeses can I use?

Mozzarella is mild and melty, but you can use other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, feta, or Parmesan. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh cranberries add a tart bite to the dish. You may want to cook them with the turkey filling for a couple of minutes to soften them slightly.

What’s the best way to cut an acorn squash?

Acorn squash can be tough to cut. Use a sharp, sturdy knife and carefully slice through the center from stem to tip. If it’s too hard to cut, microwave the squash for 1-2 minutes to soften it slightly before slicing.

How do I make this dish sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter squash, sprinkle a little brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the squash before roasting. You can also use candied pecans instead of regular pecans for extra sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast over the stuffing for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

What should I serve with this dish?

This stuffed squash is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of wild rice. For a holiday meal, serve it alongside turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Also, check out these amazing holiday recipes:

• Cranberry Bruschetta
• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Best Ever Pecan Pie

If you like this turkey stuffed acorn squash, you will also love these easy recipes:

• Instant Pot Acorn Squash – if you own an Instant Pot, you can save some time by cooking acorn squash halves in the Instant Pot, then stuffing it with turkey and finishing in the oven!
• Turkey Stuffed Zucchini – use hollowed-out zucchini halves instead of acorn squash for another awesome take on this recipe!
• Baby Spinach Salad With Cranberries, Candied Pecans, Oranges, Avocado and Feta – this salad is so festive and colorful, I make it for every Thanksgiving!
• Foolproof Turkey Recipe In A Brown Paper Bag – this is THE only way I’ll ever make Thanksgiving turkey! That’s a truly no-fail method!
• Easy Golden Fluffy Cornbread – super easy from-scratch cornbread, yum!

Browse all my Thanksgiving recipes >>