Description
This Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe combines the sweetness of apple with savory sausage stuffing, all nestled in roasted butternut squash halves. A perfect fall dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Squash:
- 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pork or chicken sausages (about 8 ounces), casings removed
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the squash by drizzling the cut sides with olive oil, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and roasting cut-side down for 35–40 minutes.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a skillet, melt butter and cook onion until softened. Add garlic, sausage, apple, thyme, sage, cinnamon, and cook until browned. Stir in nuts, cranberries, and cheese if using.
- Stuff the Squash: Fill the roasted squash halves with the sausage mixture and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to stuff.
- For a vegetarian version, swap sausage for lentils or a grain-based filling like quinoa.
