Print

Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring roasted butternut squash stuffed with a savory mixture of sausage, sweet apples, onions, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces Italian sausage (pork or chicken), casing removed
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Brush the cut sides of the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until tender.
  3. While the squash is roasting, heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in diced apple and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic, sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  6. Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. When the squash is tender, remove from oven, flip over, and carefully scoop out a bit of flesh to make room for the filling. Stir the scooped squash into the stuffing mixture.
  8. Fill each squash half with the sausage-apple mixture. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until heated through and golden on top.
  9. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your taste preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken.
  • Add chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Nutrition