Perfect Smoked Acorn Squash (Sweet and Savory) Recipe

Smoked Acorn Squash : the Perfect Sweet and Savory Delight — Are you ready to take your acorn squash game to the next level? Look no further! In this blog post, we’re diving into the art of smoking acorn squash to create a culinary delight that is both sweet and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a beginner looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered. From choosing the right equipment to selecting the perfect flavor profile, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our step-by-step recipes for smoked acorn squash with brown sugar and butter, as well as smoked sausage stuffed acorn squash. So, grab your Masterbuilt smoker, pick your wood chips, and let’s get smoking!

The Art of Smoking Acorn Squash: A Culinary Delight

Acorn squash, a bountiful winter vegetable, transforms into a culinary delight when smoked. Its sweet flavor, enhanced by the smoking process, and its texture, softer than pumpkin, make it an exceptional choice for a heartwarming meal. To achieve perfection, timing is crucial. Acorn squash reaches its peak at 75 to 100 days after planting, and once harvested, it can be stored for weeks in a cool, dark space, preserving its freshness and flavor.

Choosing the Right Equipment: Masterbuilt Smoker

The Masterbuilt Smoker is a top choice for smoking acorn squash. Its consistent temperature and smoke distribution coax out the natural sweetness and infuse a rich flavor into the squash. As with any good recipe, the right equipment is key to achieving the perfect smoked acorn squash.

Preparing Your Acorn Squash for Smoking

Before embarking on your smoking journey, it’s important to properly prepare the acorn squash. This involves halving the squash and removing the seeds and fibrous strands—a crucial step to ensure even smoking and flavor absorption. Seasoning comes next, and smoking the squash halves at a temperature range of 250° to 300°F for 1-1/2 hours sets the stage for a delicious outcome.

Choosing Your Flavor Profile: Sweet or Savory

The beauty of acorn squash lies in its versatility. You can opt for a sweet cavity filling—using a mixture of brown sugar or maple syrup and butter—or a savory pre-cooked sausage stuffing. After filling, the squash halves are smoked for an additional 30 minutes until the flesh becomes irresistibly soft.

Sweet Smoked Acorn Squash with Butter and Sugar

For those with a sweet tooth, the combination of butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup, enhanced with a touch of cinnamon, elevates the squash to dessert status. This sweet filling is not only delectable but also a spectacle for the senses as it caramelizes under the heat of the smoker.

Savory Smoked Acorn Squash with Sausage Stuffing

Conversely, the savory route takes you on a different, yet equally tantalizing path. A stuffing of Italian pork sausage, onions, and celery, enriched with asiago cheese and panko bread crumbs, offers a hearty and robust flavor that complements the squash’s natural sweetness.

Wood Chip Selection: Apple or Pecan

The choice of wood chips is paramount in smoking. Apple or pecan wood chips are recommended for their mild and fruity or sweet and nutty undertones, respectively. These wood varieties do not overpower the acorn squash’s flavor but rather enhance it, resulting in a harmonious melding of smoke and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter Recipe

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your Masterbuilt Smoker to 275°F. Fill the water bowl halfway and place your chosen wood chips in the side tray, ready to impart their delicate smokiness.
2. Squash Prep: Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise, carefully removing the seeds and fibrous strands. Then, brush or rub the inside of each squash half with avocado or walnut oil for a subtle added flavor.
3. Smoking Process: Place the squash in the smoker and let it absorb the smoky flavors for 1-1/2 hours, replenishing water and wood chips as necessary to maintain a consistent smoke.
4. Sweet Filling: When the smoking time reaches 1 hour and 15 minutes, prepare the sweet filling by melting together butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then stirring in maple syrup to create a symphony of flavors.
5. Final Touch: At the 1 hour and 30-minute mark, lovingly spoon the butter mixture into the squash halves. Continue to smoke for another 30 minutes or until the flesh is soft and inviting.
6. Serving Suggestion: Garnish the smoked squash with dried cranberries, raisins, or pecans for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition Information: Each serving is a guilt-free pleasure at 106 calories, containing 3g total fat, 20g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 5g sugar, and 1g protein.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoked Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

1. Preparation: Set your Masterbuilt Smoker to a cozy 300°F. Fill the water bowl halfway and add your wood chips to the side tray to start the smoke infusion process.
2. Squash Prep: Halve each acorn squash and remove the seeds and strands. Anoint each half with extra virgin olive oil for a hint of Mediterranean richness.
3. Smoking Process: Smoke the squash for 1-1/2 hours, being vigilant about replenishing the water and wood chips to maintain a steady smoke.
4. Sausage Stuffing: One hour into smoking, prepare the stuffing by sautéing onion, celery, and sausage. Let it cool slightly before combining it with beaten egg, chicken broth, bread crumbs, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
5. Stuffing the Squash: After smoking for 1 hour and 30 minutes, generously fill the squash halves with the sausage mixture and sprinkle with grated asiago cheese.
6. Final Stretch: Continue to smoke for an additional 30 minutes or until the squash welcomes you with a soft texture and the cheese has melted into a golden crown.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present the stuffed squash as a main course alongside a refreshing green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Information: This hearty dish packs a punch with 535 calories per serving, including 38g total fat, 30g carbohydrates, 6g fiber, 3g sugar, and a solid 21g protein.

In Conclusion

Smoking acorn squash is an adventure in flavor and texture. Whether you prefer the sweet caress of maple and butter or the savory embrace of sausage and asiago, the Masterbuilt Smoker is your ally in creating a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. By following these detailed steps and choosing your preferred recipe, you’re sure to impress both your palate and your guests with the perfect smoked acorn squash.

FAQ & Common Questions

Q: Can I smoke acorn squash slices instead of halves?
A: While it is possible to smoke acorn squash slices, it is recommended to smoke squash halves for better flavor and even smoke circulation.

Q: How do I prepare the acorn squash for smoking?
A: To prepare the acorn squash for smoking, slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands. You can discard the seeds or toast/dehydrate them with sea salt for a snack.

Q: Can I place the acorn squash directly on the smoker racks?
A: Yes, the ridged outer skin of acorn squash allows you to nestle the halves directly onto the smoker racks, ensuring even smoke circulation. Alternatively, you can place them on a sheet pan if needed.

Q: How long should I smoke the acorn squash?
A: Smoke the acorn squash for approximately 1-1/2 hours. Replenish the water and wood chips as needed, usually around the 45-minute mark.

Q: When should I add the sweet filling to the smoked acorn squash?
A: At around 1 hour and 30 minutes of smoking, prepare a sweet filling by melting butter, sugar, and cinnamon together in a small saucepot over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup and spoon the mixture into the squash halves. Continue smoking for another 30 minutes or until the flesh is soft when pierced with a sharp paring knife.