Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is the perfect fall or winter meal that combines sweet and savory flavors in one beautiful dish. Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a hearty, flavorful sausage stuffing made with Italian sausage, spinach, pecans, dried cranberries, and warm seasonings. It’s a comforting and wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.

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 (or regular Italian sausage if you prefer less heat)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Acorn Squash:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice and clean the squash: Carefully cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each half.
3. Season the squash: Drizzle the insides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

2. Prepare the Sausage Filling:

1. Cook the sausage and onion: While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the sausage: Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another 1-2 minutesuntil fragrant.
4. Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in cranberries and pecans: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, mixing everything together well.

3. Stuff the Squash:

1. Fill the roasted squash: Once the acorn squash is tender and fully roasted, remove it from the oven and turn the halves cut-side up.
2. Add the filling: Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each squash half, filling them generously.

4. Serve:

1. Optional second bake: If you prefer a slightly crispy top on your stuffed squash, return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
2. Serve warm: Serve the Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Sweet and Savory: The natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash pairs beautifully with the savory sausage, earthy spinach, and the sweet-tart cranberries, creating a well-balanced dish.
2. Wholesome Ingredients: This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, squash, cranberries, and pecans, making it a healthy, hearty meal.
3. Great for Fall and Winter: With its cozy flavors and seasonal ingredients, this dish is perfect for autumn and winter meals or holiday gatherings.
4. Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences, such as using turkey sausage for a lighter option or adding different vegetables to the filling.

Tips for Success:

1. Don’t Overcook the Squash: Be sure to check the squash after 30 minutes to ensure it doesn’t get too soft. You want the squash to be tender but still able to hold its shape.
2. Toast the Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the filling.
3. Add Cheese: If you’d like, sprinkle the stuffed squash with Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta before serving for an added cheesy flavor.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Different Fillings: You can experiment with different filling ingredients like quinoa or wild rice for a heartier, grain-based stuffing.
• Sausage Variations: Swap the spicy Italian sausage for mild Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage to suit your taste.

This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in one dish. With roasted acorn squash as the base and a filling of sausage, spinach, cranberries, and pecans, this dish is perfect for fall and winter meals. It’s easy to prepare and makes for an impressive yet wholesome dish to serve your family or guests. Enjoy this cozy, comforting meal during the colder months!