acorn squash sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best acorn squash sausage recipe

I’m so excited to share this acorn squash sausage recipe with you. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the tender squash and the flavorful sausage is just perfect.

I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy, thanks to the lean protein and nutritious squash.

I’ve even started serving it at family gatherings, and everyone loves it. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.

Just toss the ingredients in a skillet and cook until the squash is tender and the sausage is browned. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to serve it with a side of crusty bread or over rice.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they’re always eager to dig in once it’s done. The smell of sizzling sausage and roasting squash is just heavenly, and it fills our entire house with warmth and comfort. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage

4.7 from 1999 votes

This hearty dish features roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of sausage, apples, and herbs. It is a perfect autumn meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Squash

2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, diced
1 apple, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
4While the squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and apple to the skillet.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic, dried sage, and dried thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked sausage, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and cooked quinoa or rice.
11Mix until well combined.
12Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
13Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and carefully flip each half over.
14Spoon the filling evenly into the cavities, pressing down gently.
15Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the filling is heated through and the tops are lightly golden.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 7g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before the final bake for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage Works

This acorn squash sausage recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so easy to make and always impresses my family. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish for company.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as is, or add your favorite toppings such as sour cream or shredded cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage

Q: What type of sausage should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of sausage you like, but I prefer to use sweet Italian sausage for its mild flavor and meaty texture.

Q: Can I use other types of winter squash instead of acorn squash?

A: Yes, you can use other types of winter squash such as butternut or hubbard squash, but keep in mind that they may have slightly different cooking times and textures.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: No, this recipe includes sausage, which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the sausage with roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by cooking the squash and sausage separately and then assembling everything together just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftover acorn squash sausage?

A: You can store leftover acorn squash sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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