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Cozy Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apples

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash - featured image
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A hearty and comforting weeknight dinner featuring roasted acorn squash halves stuffed with savory Italian sausage, caramelized apples, onions, and sage. This dish balances sweet and savory flavors for a cozy fall meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 2 large apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Wash squash and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and pulp. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down in the baking dish.
  3. Roast squash for 20-25 minutes until tender but holding shape. Remove from oven and flip cut-side up.
  4. While squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease, leaving a little for flavor. Remove sausage and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Return sausage to the skillet. Add diced apples and cook for 2-3 minutes until apples start to soften. Stir in maple syrup and adjust seasoning. Add breadcrumbs if using.
  7. Spoon the sausage and apple mixture into the hollowed-out centers of the roasted squash halves.
  8. Return stuffed squash to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes to heat the filling through.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh sage if desired.

Notes

If the squash is hard to cut, microwave the whole squash for 2 minutes to soften the skin. Ensure apples are firm to prevent them from turning into applesauce. For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. This dish does not freeze well as the squash becomes watery upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, stuffed squash, sausage recipe, fall dinner, cozy meals, healthy dinner, gluten-free option, vegetarian adaptation

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/cozy-sausage-stuffed-acorn-squash-with-apples-easy-dinner/