baked acorn squash

I was inspired to buy an acorn squash at the supermarket a few days ago, after seeing a baked stuffed one on the menu in a restaurant.  It should be noted here that neither Mr Weiss or I ordered it, but I at least thought I’d take a crack at cooking one myself.  This ended up being the classic case of whatever we had left in the fridge was going to be the stuffing, so feel free to do the same when foraging at the bottom of your cold box for scraps!

Baked Acorn Squash

1 acorn squash, split in half seeds removed

1 onion chopped

2 cups baby spinach

2 cloves garlic chopped

2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1 tbsp chopped parsley

3 tbsp panko (japanese breadcrumbs, but regular is also fine)

1/3 cup grated hard cheese (parmesan, romano, asiago)

1/3 cup grated mozz

1/4 tsp paprika, salt & pepper

scoffed

finished

cooked squash

mixing stuffing ingreds

saute spinach & onions

squash on pan in water

Place squash cut side down on rimmed baking sheet, add water to make about an inch up sides of pan.  Bake 350 for 30 mins.

Saute onion and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden brown, add spinach, wilt.  Remove from skillet to bowl add the rest of the ingredients and stir.  Scoop out flesh from squash, add to bowl, combine ingredients,  then spoon back into squash cavity.  Place back on baking sheet (without water), bake another 30 mins, until golden on top.