Cozy Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe: A Fall Favorite

Sausage stuffed butternut squash changes an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that satisfies even the most discerning palate.

This rustic dish blends earthy and robust ingredients with surprising elegance and warmth.

Seasonal squash becomes a delectable vessel for rich, spiced sausage that promises incredible depth of flavor.

Each bite promises a harmonious marriage of sweet and savory elements that dance across your taste buds.

The tender squash softens and caramelizes, creating a delightful contrast with the hearty meat filling.

Unexpected textures and complex flavors merge seamlessly in this wholesome creation.

You’ll find yourself craving this comforting meal that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights.

How to Make Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Step 1: Prepare Butternut Squash for Roasting

Warm your oven to 400°F. Slice butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cook Savory Sausage Mixture

• Sausage
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning

Cook until sausage turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Add Greens and Nutty Extras

• Dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans

Mix ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Fill Roasted Squash

Carefully scoop out some squash flesh, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Generously stuff the squash cavities with the prepared sausage mixture.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Quickly reheat in the oven if needed. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with chopped thyme. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious stuffed butternut squash.

Tips for Perfect Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

• Choose Fresh Squash: Select a butternut squash with firm, unblemished skin and heavy for its size to ensure maximum flavor and optimal roasting.
• Optimize Roasting Technique: Flip the squash cut-side down to help caramelize the surface and prevent drying out during baking.
• Balance Meat Mixture: Use a mix of sweet and spicy Italian sausage for a more complex, layered flavor profile in the stuffing.
• Create Perfect Texture: Leave a thin border of squash when scooping to maintain structural integrity and prevent the filling from leaking.
• Enhance Presentation: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the stuffing to release their natural oils and deepen their nutty flavor, adding an extra layer of richness to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate stuffed butternut squash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Stored properly, these delicious stuffed squash will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Methods
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place stuffed squash in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The foil helps retain moisture and keep the sausage filling juicy.
• Microwave Option: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent edges from becoming tough. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

Pairing Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash with Sides

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Syrah or Zinfandel complements the rich, savory sausage filling and cuts through the squash's subtle sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with goat cheese and toasted walnuts to balance the hearty stuffed squash, adding freshness and texture to the meal.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious juices from the sausage and squash, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Accompany with Craft Beer: Choose a malty amber ale or Belgian-style wheat beer that echoes the nutty pecans and provides a smooth counterpoint to the spiced sausage mixture.

Fun Variations of Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace Italian sausage with lamb sausage, swap spinach for chopped kale, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings tangy Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Substitute pork sausage with spicy chorizo, use black beans instead of cranberries, incorporate roasted corn kernels, and sprinkle with cilantro for a zesty southwestern transformation.
• Apple Sage Comfort: Use breakfast sage sausage, fold in diced green apples, replace pecans with toasted walnuts, and add a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy, autumnal rendition that screams comfort food.
• Vegetarian Harvest: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles, mix in roasted mushrooms, add quinoa for protein, and incorporate smoked paprika for depth, creating a hearty vegetarian alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

• Transform Bland Squash: This recipe turns a simple butternut squash into a mouthwatering main dish by stuffing it with savory sausage, creating an exciting flavor explosion that elevates a basic vegetable.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Prep and cook in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families wanting a nutritious, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrient-Packed Power Meal: Combines protein-rich sausage with fiber-loaded squash, cranberries, and pecans, delivering a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every bite.
• Texture Symphony: Offers a delightful contrast between soft, roasted squash and crispy sausage, with crunchy pecans and tender spinach adding layers of exciting mouthfeel that keep each bite interesting.

Must-Have Ingredients for Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: A hearty and sweet winter squash that serves as the delicious vessel for the stuffing, providing a nutritious base for the dish.
• Italian Sausage: Flavorful ground meat that adds rich, savory depth to the stuffing, bringing classic Italian seasoning and protein to the recipe.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and caramelized flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the stuffing.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and pungent flavor that complements the sausage and squash.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings Mediterranean-inspired flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and a slight earthy flavor to the stuffing.
• Cranberries: Tart and sweet dried fruit that provides a burst of bright flavor and texture contrast.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that introduce a nutty richness and additional texture to the stuffing.
• Olive Oil: Helps with roasting the squash and sautéing ingredients, adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds a fresh, herbal garnish to finish the dish.

Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage stuffed butternut squash brings rustic Italian flavors to your autumn dinner table. Savory Italian sausage mingles with roasted squash, creating a comforting meal packed with robust seasonings and warm, satisfying textures.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 medium or large butternut squash
• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Protein and Nuts:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Seasonings and Dried Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (2 tablespoons for roasting, 1 tablespoon for filling)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Carefully slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise, removing the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle both halves with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 35-45 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
3. While the squash roasts, prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they develop a light golden caramelization.
4. Add ground sausage, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Break the sausage into small crumbles and cook until it turns completely brown and releases its rich flavors.
5. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, stirring until they wilt and integrate with the sausage mixture. Fold in dried cranberries and roughly chopped pecans for added texture and sweetness.
6. Remove the roasted squash from the oven. Using a spoon, carefully create a slightly hollowed center, leaving a 1-inch border of squash flesh to maintain the structure.
7. Generously fill each squash half with the prepared sausage mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
8. Return the stuffed squash to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and delicate thyme leaves before serving.

Notes

• Master the art of perfectly roasted butternut squash by ensuring even olive oil coating and strategic seasoning.
• Create a flavor-packed sausage mixture that combines the richness of meat with the brightness of spinach and sweet-tart cranberries.
• Customize your dish by adjusting the sausage type or experimenting with different nuts for added crunch and depth.
• Maximize texture contrast between the creamy squash interior and the hearty, crisp sausage filling.
• Transform a simple autumn vegetable into an impressive, restaurant-quality main course that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and black pepper for a professional finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg