Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is the perfect cozy meal for fall and winter. With a flavorful, savory sausage filling that includes fresh spinach, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, this dish hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s easy to make and visually stunning, making it ideal for holiday dinners or any night you want to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender roasted acorn squash and spicy Italian sausage is a hearty, nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Acorn Squash:

• 2 medium acorn squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sausage Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 10 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped

Directions:

Step 1: Roast the Acorn Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the acorn squash by slicing off the top and bottom to create a stable flat base. Carefully cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh.
3. Place the squash halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it into the squash evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Turn the squash halves over so that the cut side faces down, and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling

1. While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
3. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully cooked through.
4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
5. Stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, mixing everything together well. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Acorn Squash

1. Once the acorn squash has finished roasting, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the squash halves cut-side up.
2. Evenly divide the sausage mixture among the four squash halves, filling them generously.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the stuffed squash to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Comforting & Satisfying: The combination of roasted acorn squash and a savory sausage filling makes this dish both hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for cold weather!
• Nutritious & Flavorful: Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach, cranberries, and pecans, this recipe is full of nutrients and textures.
• Festive & Elegant: The vibrant colors and unique presentation make this stuffed acorn squash perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.

Tips for Success:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff and bake the squash.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the sausage for a plant-based sausage or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Add Cheese: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed squash before the final bake.

These Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash halves are the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them a delightful meal for any night of the week. Serve them as a complete meal or alongside a simple salad for a delicious, well-rounded dinner. Enjoy!

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