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Cozy Stuffed Acorn Squash: 3-Ingredient Easy Dinner

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A comforting autumn meal featuring tender acorn squash halves filled with savory sausage, sweet caramelized apples, and sage. This simple, forgiving recipe delivers gourmet flavor with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squashes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage or mild pork sausage
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and pulp.
  2. Brush squash insides with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down in a baking dish.
  3. Add 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the dish. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. While squash roasts, brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  5. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent (3 minutes). Add garlic and sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add diced apples to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in breadcrumbs and cheese (if using).
  7. Spoon the filling mixture into the roasted squash halves. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with nuts.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until filling is heated through and apples are tender.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure you add water to the bottom of the baking dish to create steam for tender squash. Toast nuts in a dry pan for extra flavor. Do not overstuff the squash to prevent overflow. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, stuffed squash, sausage and apples, fall recipes, comfort food, easy dinner, vegetarian options, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/cozy-stuffed-acorn-squash-3-ingredient-easy-dinner/