Our Table 4•2 by Pam Werley

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Squash boats flavor guide and stuffing recipes

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Are you looking to try making some new stuffed squash recipes? Check out this Squash boats flavor guide and stuffing recipes chart to discover some unique and amazing flavor and ingredient combinations.

Cover image for the Winter Squash Stuffed Flavor Pairing Guide showing ingredients of Acorn squash, whole onion, english muffin, butter, maple syrup, parmesan cheese resting on grater all on a wood table.

As you can see from the photo below, I really stuff this thing. That's because when all said and done, I take a half, put it on a plate, and eat it for dinner. No extra sides or anything-it's perfectly filling on its own. And quite honestly, it's a great meal to have with a glass of wine while you get cozy on the couch watching the latest Season of The Crown.  Because that's just how you're supposed to spend the fall season, in my eyes.

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stuffed acorn squash with sausage, dried cranberries, apples, onion and a sour dough bread crumb topping

When it comes to winter squash, we all have favorite flavors and ingredient combinations. Roasted Squash rubbed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper?  Yup.  Roasted Squash with Maple Syrup?  Yum!

But, when you start to think about what you can stuff inside a squash, you discover some amazing flavor combinations. And when I'm playing around in the kitchen, I love to shop my pantry to try and find unique flavor pairings without running out to the store.

After picking up my latest CSA (community supported agriculture) fall vegetable share, I like to think about what spices and flavors might pair well with acorn squash. Often, the best pairings can be a bit unexpected, and to me, that's what makes cooking and baking so exciting!

All that being said, to help you out with stuffing your winter squash, I've created this Squash boats flavor guide and stuffing recipe chart.

You can adapt to whatever you have on hand and pull together a hearty and healthy-ish meal.

How to use the squash boats chart

This dinner for two comes together superfast since we softened acorn squash in the microwave and fully cook stuffing on the stovetop.   In the chart below you will see a list of ingredients you can use to rub the cut sides and cavity to enhance the squash flavor. 

My favorite combination is butter and maple syrup in the cavity then rub the cut sides with olive oil, sprinkle with some salt and pepper and microwave until soft, about 15 minutes.

Time to choose your stuffing ingredients, we are targeting 2-3 cups of stuffing to fill the squash halves.   Start by choosing the protein, then read across to decide which vegetables, grains, nuts, herbs and cheese you want to combine. 

Squash boats stuffing ratio tips

The squash boats flavor guide and stuffing recipes chart gives guidance on which flavors pair well with your choice of protein.  A stuffing formula that has worked best for me, includes:

  • ½ to 1 cup protein - sausage, chicken, pork, tempeh, tofu or beans
  • ½ to 1 cup vegetables - onions, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, greens
  • ½ to 1 cup cooked grains and/or nuts - barley, quinoa, rice, farro, walnuts, almonds, pecans
  • 1 to 3 Tablespoons of Herbs and/or spices
  • ½ to 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

And if you can't find the ingredient you're looking for, let me know in the comments below-I will routinely update this chart to make sure it's as helpful as possible for you!

Squash boats flavor guide

Chart of different ingredients to pair together.

Do this before you stuff: Bake the squash using one or more of the following

  • Olive oil,
  • butter,
  • brown sugar,
  • maple syrup,
  • salt and pepper

I hope this chart empowers you to make even more delicious meals for two in your kitchen!

Favorite squash boats stuffing recipes

  1. Sausage Boats with Sausage + apples + leeks + sage + dried cranberries + sourdough bread cubes
  2. Ground Chicken + black beans + chili powder + red pepper flakes + fontina
  3. Baked Tofu + mushrooms + spinach + garlic + scallions
  4. Vegetarian Boats with Quinoa + dried cranberries + apples + pine nuts + green onions + spinach, parmesan cheese + goat cheese

Squash boats to get you started

Here are some recipes that I hope will inspire your next squash boats:

How about you?

Quinoa stuffed acorn squash with leeks, apples, goat cheese, pine nuts. Garnished with chives

I'd love to know-what flavor combinations do you like to use in your recipes? Let me know in the comments below!

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