Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
This Caramelized Onion Gruyere Acorn Squash recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet caramelized onions, nutty Gruyere cheese, and tender roasted acorn squash. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian main dish or a flavorful side, it combines slow-cooked onions with a touch of balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs for an elevated, savory-sweet experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Acorn Squash
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Season and Roast Squash: Brush the cut sides of the halved acorn squash with olive oil. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and easily pierced by a fork.
- Caramelize Onions: While the squash roasts, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with kosher salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 35 minutes until the onions are soft and have turned a deep golden brown color. Add granulated sugar halfway through to encourage caramelization.
- Finish Onions with Vinegar and Thyme: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves to the caramelized onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance flavor, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Fill and Bake Squash: Carefully remove the roasted squash from the oven and turn the halves cut side up. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Evenly distribute the caramelized onion mixture into the cavity of each squash half, then top generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
- Bake Filled Squash: Return the filled squash to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Gruyere cheese has fully melted and developed a golden brown, bubbly crust on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the squash from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional thyme leaves as desired. Serve warm as a delicious main or side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat for the best caramelization and to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Gruyere cheese with another melting cheese like mozzarella or fontina if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider sprinkling toasted walnuts or pecans on top before serving.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Keywords: Caramelized onion squash recipe, roasted acorn squash, Gruyere cheese squash, vegetarian squash dish, fall vegetable recipes
