Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming meal that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of seasonal goodness. It brings together sweet apples, savory sausage, and nutty pecans, all nestled in tender butternut squash. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting family for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to prepare. You’ll find that each step is straightforward, making it an accessible choice for cooks of any skill level. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that will make your taste buds dance. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Cozy: The combination of sweet and savory flavors warms you up from the inside out.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness of the apples and the fun of digging into their own stuffed squash!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the filling ahead of time and assemble before baking for a quick dinner solution.
• Nutritious Goodness: Packed with veggies, protein, and healthy fats—this meal checks all the boxes.
• Gorgeous Presentation: Serve these beautiful stuffed squashes as a stunning centerpiece for any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you can easily find at any grocery store. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors in your Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash.

For the Squash

• 2 ½ pound butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Filling

• ½ pound Italian sausage
• ½ onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups (lightly packed) baby spinach
• 1 apple (cored and diced)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
• ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup pecans (roughly chopped)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! The beauty of stuffed butternut squash lies in its flexibility. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds work beautifully too!
• Season differently: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley to customize the flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Step 1: Slice the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice your butternut squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. If you find it tough to cut through, try microwaving it for 2 minutes first; this softens it up just enough to make slicing easier!

Step 2: Prep the Squash

Scoop out those seeds using a spoon—this will create space for our tasty filling. Drizzle some olive oil over the cut sides and season generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures every bite is flavorful!

Step 3: Bake the Squash

Place your squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet or dish. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until they’re tender. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness—a key element in this dish!

Step 4: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

While your squash bakes, heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add your sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks until browned. Next, toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and baby spinach, stirring until everything wilts together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Rest

To this savory mixture, add cored and diced apple along with sage and rosemary. Cook for another few minutes until the apple softens slightly—it adds such a lovely sweetness! Finally, stir in cranberries and pecans for texture.

Step 6: Remove Some Flesh

When your butternut squash is cooked through, carefully take it out of the oven. Flip each half over and scoop out some flesh from the center—leave enough so you still have sweet squash to enjoy! You can save this flesh to mash later; nothing goes to waste here!

Step 7: Stuff the Squash

Now comes the fun part! Fill each half of your butternut squash with that delicious apple sausage filling you just made. Turn on your oven’s broiler and pop those stuffed squashes back in for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown on top.

And there you have it—the perfect Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash ready to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you can make your stuffed butternut squash even more scrumptious!

• Choose ripe squash: Selecting a ripe butternut squash that feels heavy for its size will ensure it’s sweet and flavorful, making your dish all the more delicious.
• Cook sausage thoroughly: Make sure the sausage is browned and cooked through to enhance the flavor of your filling. This adds depth and richness to the overall taste.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to swap out the veggies or nuts based on what you have on hand! Adding different vegetables or using walnuts instead of pecans can provide new flavors and textures.
• Don’t discard the flesh: The butternut squash flesh you remove can be mashed with a bit of seasoning to create a tasty side dish. It’s a great way to minimize waste while adding extra flavor!
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage and rosemary elevate the dish with their aromatic qualities. If you have them on hand, they will make your filling burst with freshness!

How to Serve Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Presenting this beautiful dish is just as important as preparing it! The vibrant colors of the stuffed butternut squash will impress your family and friends at any dinner table.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each serving.
• Crumbled feta cheese: For those who enjoy a little tanginess, crumbling some feta on top can complement the sweetness of the apples perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm stuffed squash.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned simply with salt and olive oil bring out the nutty flavors in the meal.
• Garlic bread: A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from your stuffed squash, adding comfort to your dinner.
• Simple green salad: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp texture that balances out the heartiness of the stuffed squash.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll turn your apple sausage stuffed butternut squash into an unforgettable dining experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy, hearty meals throughout the week. With a little planning, you can easily store leftovers or even prepare the dish ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed butternut squash to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover stuffed squash in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the stuffed butternut squash cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped squash in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffed squash in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the stuffed squash halves on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I make Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and increase the amount of vegetables and nuts for added flavor and texture.

What type of apple works best for Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash?

A tart apple like Granny Smith adds a nice contrast to the savory sausage. However, feel free to use your favorite variety!

How do I store leftovers of Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze as instructed above.

Can I prepare Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to stuffing the squash and store it separately until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is not just a delicious meal; it’s a warm hug from your kitchen that captures all the flavors of fall! I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s create something wonderful together!