Savory Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Hey there, fellow food lovers!

Are you in the mood for some comfort food? I’ve got a recipe that’s perfect for that!

Today, we’re diving into a delicious dish: sausage stuffed butternut squash.

It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s great for impressing your friends or just treating yourself.

Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one! Let’s get started!

sausage stuffed butternut squash
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Possible Ingredient Alternatives

For those seeking a vegetarian or vegan option, spicy Italian sausage can be replaced with plant-based sausage alternatives or crumbled firm tofu seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes. This substitution maintains the protein content and spicy flavor profile of the dish. Pecans can be swapped with walnuts or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, offering a similar crunchy texture and nutritional benefits. For a lower-carb version, dried cranberries can be substituted with diced fresh apple or pomegranate seeds, which provide a similar tangy sweetness with less sugar. Adjust quantities as needed to maintain the overall balance of flavors in the stuffing mixture.

Preparation Time 15-25 minutes
Cooking Time 40-50 minutes
Total Time 55-75 minutes
Level of Difficulty Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 1200-1400
  • Protein: 60-70 g
  • Fat: 80-90 g
  • Carbohydrates: 130-150 g

Ingredients

  • 2 medium to large butternut squashes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 14 oz spicy italian sausage, crumbled
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon italian herbs
  • 4 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup cranberries, dried
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Take each butternut squash and slice it in half lengthwise.

Ensure you keep your fingers away from the knife to prevent any accidents.

Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any fleshy strands mixed with them.

Place the squash halves cut sides up on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and rub it into the squash, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Flip the squash halves over so they are cut sides down on the baking sheet.

For easy clean-up, you may line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling

While the squash is roasting, prepare the sausage filling.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until they are cooked and slightly charred.

Next, crumble the sausage into the skillet and add minced garlic along with Italian seasoning.

Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the sausage is completely cooked through.

Add fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes on medium heat until the spinach has wilted.

Step 3: Finish the Sausage Mixture

Once the spinach has wilted, incorporate dried cranberries and chopped pecans into the mixture.

Stir everything well and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Often, the sausage will provide sufficient seasoning, especially if using a savory variety.

Step 4: Prepare Roasted Squash for Stuffing

After roasting the butternut squash for 30 to 40 minutes, remove them from the oven and carefully turn the cooked squash halves cut sides up.

Allow them to cool slightly before handling.

Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from each half, leaving about a 1-inch border along the sides to maintain structural integrity.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Reheat the sausage mixture slightly in the skillet if it has cooled.

Divide the sausage filling amongst the four squash halves, stuffing them until the mixture is level with the edges or mounded slightly higher.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and fresh thyme.

Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously stuffed butternut squash!

sausage stuffed butternut squash
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

sausage stuffed butternut squash
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

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