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Best Savory Sausage Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

Savory Sausage Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash - featured image

This Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash is a perfect fall dinner that feels fancy enough for company but comes together with simple ingredients. The sweetness of roasted squash pairs beautifully with savory sausage, tart apple, and melty sharp cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild pork, or spicy Italian/turkey)
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out seeds and stringy pulp.
  3. Brush cut sides and cavities with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on baking sheet. Roast 25-30 minutes until tender.
  4. While squash roasts, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Add breakfast sausage, breaking it up. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced apple and chopped sage. Cook 2-3 minutes until apple softens slightly. Remove from heat.
  7. Flip roasted squash halves cut-side up. Gently fluff flesh with a fork.
  8. Divide sausage-apple mixture evenly among squash halves. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Return to oven and bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra golden cheese, broil 1-2 minutes.
  10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip pre-roasting the squash – it ensures tender squash without burning the filling. For easier cutting, microwave whole squash for 2 minutes to soften. Use room temperature cheese for better melting. Can be assembled up to 2 days ahead and baked when ready. For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with black beans or lentils.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed acorn squash, sausage apple squash, fall dinner, gluten-free dinner, savory squash recipe, easy fall recipe