Roasted Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

These little roasted honeynut squash are so cute, perfectly portioned, and practically begging to be stuffed with this amazing Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf. Honeynut squash is so sweet, and pairs wonderfully with nutty and aromatic cranberry rice pilaf. Or make either one on its own for simple side dishes for any Fall meal.

What does honeynut squash taste like and is it healthy?

Oh boy are you in for a treat with these babies! Honeynut squash may look like miniature butternut squash, but the flavor is amplified! The flesh is more orange – more like that of a sweet potato, and the honeynut squash is even sweeter.

I suppose that’s why they named it HONEYnut. And when you roast it up, like in this recipe, it takes on a caramelly warmth that is practically irresistible!

In terms of healthfulness, it’s along the lines of a butternut squash, but BETTER! The honeynut contains more beta carotene than butternut – about twice the amount. Plus, it’s a good source of B vitamins, and fiber, and even has some calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc! Impressive for such a cutie, and an excellent addition to your heart healthy diet!

How to cook honeynut squash

Honeynut squash is easy to prepare. First, cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. You can toss them, or save them and roast them like pumpkin seeds (just roast for less time because they are smaller)!

Then, just cook the honeynut squash just like you would any other squash. If you cook it whole, like in this stuffed honeynut squash recipe, it will take less time than, say, butternut squash, because it’s much smaller.

And do you need to peel honeynut squash? Some people say the peel is perfectly edible, but I prefer not to eat it. And while you can peel it, I like to just cook it right in the peel, which makes a nice little “bowl” to eat it out of when it’s done!

Of course stuffed honeynut squash is delicious! The variety of textures and flavors are amazing. The gluten free wild rice pilaf recipe is the perfect savory and nutty complement to the sweet squash. But honeynut squash is delicious all on it’s own with a little sprinkle of salt and pepper! Or cinnamon!

Or try pureeing it up and using it instead of mashed potatoes. No butter or milk needed for that!

Here are the best cooking methods to use for honeynut squash:

• Roasting whole at 400 degrees F for about 40 minutes
• Roasting in cubes (peel, dice large, oil, roast) at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes
• Boiled (peel, dice large, cover with water, simmer until soft) for about 10 minutes

FAQs and Substitutions

Here are some other Autumn inspired dishes that would go great with this recipe:

• Healthy Mushroom Soup
• Easy Skilled Tempeh with Caramelized Onions and Grapes
• Cauliflower Salad with Apricots and Toasted Hazelnuts
• Roasted Kale Salad with Apple Maple Vinaigrette
• Instant Pot Baked Apples

If you try Roasted Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf, let me know how you like it in the comments!

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Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

These little honeynut squash are so cute, perfectly portioned, and practically begging to be stuffed with this amazing Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf. Whether for a holiday, or any day, your taste buds will sing for more.

Course Holiday, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet GlutenFreeDiet, LowFatDiet, LowLactoseDiet, LowSaltDiet, VeganDiet, VegetarianDiet

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 1

Calories 243 kcal

Author Laura Yautz

Ingredients

• 4 Honeynut Squash halved lengthwise, seeds removed
• 1 cup Apple Cider
• 1 cup Water
• ½ cup Wild Rice
• 4 Sprigs of Thyme, divided
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• ½ medium Onion, chopped
• 1 small Carrot, chopped
• ¾ cup Brown Rice
• 1 ½ cup Homemade Vegetable Broth
• ⅓ cup Dried Cranberries
• ⅓ cup Toasted Pistachios, no salt added, roughly chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Place squash halves, cut side down, on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until very soft.
3. Meanwhile, combine apple cider, water, wild rice, and 2 thyme sprigs in a pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to simmer for about 35 minutes, until the rice is soft. Drain, but don’t rinse.
4. In another pot, heat oil over medium heat, and add the onion and carrot and 2 remaining thyme sprigs. Saute for about 5 minutes, until starting to soften.
5. Add the brown rice, stir, and saute another minute more.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is done (read the package instructions – mine cooks in just 20 minutes).
7. When both rices are done, combine the drained wild rice with the brown rice/vegetable mixture, and add the dried cranberries and pistachios. As you stir, find and remove the 4 sprigs of thyme (which will now have no leaves on them).
8. Taste the pilaf, and add freshly ground pepper to taste, and a little salt only if needed.

To serve:

1. Gently flip over the squash halves, using a pancake turner if needed.
2. Fill the hole in each squash with the pilaf, and continue to mound it over the top.
3. Serve hot, sprinkled with additional fresh thyme leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

Amount Per Serving

Calories 243 Calories from Fat 39

% Daily Value*

Fat 4.3g7%

Saturated Fat 0.6g4%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g

Monounsaturated Fat 2.2g

Sodium 20.6mg1%

Potassium 687.7mg20%

Carbohydrates 49.4g16%

Fiber 5.2g22%

Sugar 12.9g14%

Protein 5.4g11%

Vitamin A 799IU16%

Vitamin C 31.3mg38%

Calcium 86.5mg9%

Iron 1.8mg10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.