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Apple & Candied Bacon Stuffed Acorn Squash

A seasonal masterclass in textural reimagining. This dish utilizes the natural vessel of the acorn squash to hold a vibrant, sweet, and savory stuffing. By sautéing Granny Smith apples and turkey bacon in a cranberry juice reduction, we achieve a glistening candied glaze that anchors the fall table in abundant warmth.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Squash
  • 2 medium acorn squashes halved and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
The Candied Stuffing
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ pound turkey bacon finely chopped
  • 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup 100 percent cranberry juice
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese optional

Method
 

The Technical Prep
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Drizzle the cut side of each squash half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  3. Place the squash cut-side-down into a baking pan.
  4. Bake until the squash is fork-tender, approximately 20 minutes.
The Candied Reduction
  1. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it shimmers.
  2. Add the brown sugar and cranberry juice, whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the diced apples and turkey bacon to the reduction.
  4. Cook until the fruit is soft and the bacon is brown and slightly caramelized, approximately 8 minutes.
The Layered Assembly
  1. Season the stuffing with an additional teaspoon of cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Remove the baking dish from the oven and turn the squash so they are cut-side-up.
  3. Spoon the apple and bacon mixture generously into the hollowed squash centers.
  4. Utilize any remaining cranberry-bacon syrup from the skillet to drizzle over the top of each portion.
The Thermal Finish
  1. If opting for the decadent version, scatter the sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the stuffing.
  2. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is completely molten and bubbling, approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Garnish each squash with a dollop of cool sour cream before serving.