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Cozy Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash - featured image
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A comforting winter dinner featuring tender acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, cranberries, walnuts, and herbs. This easy-to-make dish balances sweet and savory flavors for a hearty, family-approved meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and pulp. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  3. While squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add diced onion to the skillet with sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, sage, and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cranberries, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Mix until combined.
  6. Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up. Divide sausage mixture evenly among the four halves, packing gently.
  7. Return stuffed squash to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until filling is heated through and edges are golden.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Microwave squash for 2-3 minutes before cutting if it is too hard to slice. Ensure squash is tender before stuffing to ensure it cooks through properly. For a gluten-free version, use GF breadcrumbs or quinoa. For a vegetarian version, swap sausage for lentils or plant-based meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, stuffed squash, sausage recipe, winter dinner, comfort food, healthy dinner, gluten-free option, vegetarian option

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