Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash

Introduction

Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash is the kind of hearty, seasonal dish that’s sure to earn rave reviews at any fall or winter gathering. The combination of sweet roasted squash, savory sausage, and tart apple creates a wonderfully balanced main course that works equally well for family dinners or festive holidays. Simple enough for weeknights yet impressive on the table, this recipe makes wholesome comfort food feel gourmet.

Why Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash Stands Out

The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Roasted butternut squash becomes the perfect edible bowl for a stuffing of juicy sausage, crisp apples, sweet onions, and aromatic herbs. Each forkful delivers a satisfying mix of flavors—sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice—making it a crowd pleaser for all ages.

Building the Perfect Stuffing

The secret to an irresistible stuffing is balance. Choose a flavorful sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey all work) and pair it with a tart, firm apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Sauté everything until the sausage browns and onions caramelize, then toss in fresh herbs for a punch of flavor. The squash delivers natural sweetness, while the apples add a juicy bite and a touch of acidity to keep the dish vibrant.

How to Assemble and Bake

Once your squash halves are beautifully roasted and tender, generously pile in the warm sausage and apple filling. Press down slightly so the stuffing is compact and doesn’t spill over in the oven. A final sprinkle of cheese (optional) adds a melty, golden finish. Bake until bubbling and serve hot—each squash half is a beautiful, ready-to-serve meal.

Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Meal

Pair these stuffed squash halves with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to round out the meal. For festive occasions, consider serving with wild rice or rustic bread to soak up the delicious juices from the stuffing. If you have leftovers, the filling makes an excellent breakfast hash—just reheat and top with a fried egg.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings (each person gets a stuffed half). Each serving contains roughly 430 calories, with a good balance of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Using lean sausage and less cheese can reduce the calorie count if desired.

Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash (Recap)

This dish blends the rich, warming flavors of sausage and apple with the satisfying texture of roasted butternut squash. It’s a visually stunning and complete meal that’s as healthy as it is comforting—perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings.

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush cut sides of butternut squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash halves cut side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes or until tender.
2. While squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add diced onion and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in apple and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until apples begin to soften.
4. Mix in sage and thyme. Remove from heat. Taste and add salt/pepper as needed.
5. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to gently scoop out some flesh, creating a cavity in each half (leave about 1/2-inch border). Chop extra squash and mix into the stuffing if desired.
6. Spoon sausage and apple mixture into the roasted squash halves, packing it in firmly. Top with cheese if using.
7. Return filled squash halves to the oven. Bake 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is ideal for meal prepping ahead and scheduling smart, satisfying dinners throughout your week. Save and schedule this recipe to your CookifyAI meal planner. When you do, you can:

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• Plan out busy weeks with nutritious, home-cooked meals

Pro tip: When planning multiple recipes, schedule them in CookifyAI to combine overlapping ingredients (like onions or herbs), streamline your list, and cut down on food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes