Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash: A Cozy Fall Recipe
Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for warm, comforting, and delicious recipes featuring seasonal ingredients. Butternut squash is a quintessential fall vegetable, and stuffing it with savory sausage elevates it to a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe for Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is not only packed with flavor but also relatively easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creating this culinary masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavorful and Savory:** The combination of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and flavorful cheese creates a symphony of tastes that will delight your taste buds.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This recipe is a complete meal in itself, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of the butternut squash and the stuffing make this dish a feast for the eyes.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by using different types of sausage, cheese, or vegetables.
* **Perfect for Fall:** Butternut squash is in season during the fall, making this recipe a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Here’s a comprehensive list:
* **Butternut Squash:** 2 medium-sized butternut squash, about 2-3 pounds each
* **Sausage:** 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced
* **Apple:** 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
* **Dried Cranberries:** ½ cup dried cranberries
* **Pecans or Walnuts:** ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
* **Fresh Sage:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or 2 teaspoons dried)
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
* **Chicken Broth:** ½ cup chicken broth
* **Parmesan Cheese:** ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
* **Sausage:** You can use any type of sausage you like, such as chorizo, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage.
* **Apple:** Pear works well as a substitute for apple.
* **Nuts:** Feel free to use other nuts, such as almonds or pine nuts. You can also omit the nuts if you have allergies.
* **Cheese:** Use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, or Asiago instead of Parmesan.
* **Herbs:** Use a mix of other fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the sausage with cooked quinoa or lentils and add some diced mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Sheet:** To roast the butternut squash.
* **Large Skillet:** To cook the sausage and vegetables.
* **Large Spoon:** To scoop out the butternut squash and mix the stuffing.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and herbs.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect outcome.
**Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Wash the butternut squash thoroughly. Carefully cut each squash in half lengthwise, from stem to bottom.
3. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each squash half. Discard the seeds and fibers.
4. Brush the cut sides of the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the butternut squash halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork. The roasting time will depend on the size of your squash.
**Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Stuffing**
1. While the butternut squash is roasting, prepare the sausage stuffing. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat.
**Step 3: Scoop and Mix the Squash Pulp**
1. Once the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh from each squash half, leaving about a ½-inch border. Be careful not to puncture the skin.
2. Add the scooped-out butternut squash flesh to the skillet with the sausage stuffing. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the stuffing.
**Step 4: Stuff the Butternut Squash**
1. Spoon the sausage stuffing mixture back into the hollowed-out butternut squash halves, mounding it generously. Ensure each half is filled evenly.
2. Sprinkle the stuffed butternut squash halves with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
**Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Squash (Optional)**
1. If you want the cheese to melt and the stuffing to be heated through even more, return the stuffed butternut squash to the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Carefully remove the Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash from the oven.
2. Let it cool slightly before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as sage or thyme, if desired.
4. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and comforting fall meal!
Tips and Tricks for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Squash:** Overcooked squash will become mushy and lose its shape. Check for doneness by piercing it with a fork. It should be tender but still hold its shape.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the pecans or walnuts before adding them to the stuffing will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch. To toast them, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the stuffing and squash with salt and pepper. This will bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Use High-Quality Sausage:** The quality of the sausage will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a high-quality Italian sausage that you enjoy.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Make Ahead:** You can roast the squash and prepare the stuffing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply stuff the squash and bake.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side dish or two to round out the meal. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the squash.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli would be great accompaniments.
* **Quinoa or Rice:** Serve with a side of quinoa or wild rice to add some extra whole grains to the meal.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Soup:** A cup of creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup would be a great starter.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stuffed squash in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skin may become a bit soggy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 8-10g
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
This Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is a delicious and comforting fall recipe that’s sure to impress. With its flavorful combination of sweet and savory ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of fall!
FAQ
**Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?**
A: While fresh butternut squash is ideal, you can use frozen butternut squash cubes if you’re short on time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the stuffing.
**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can roast the squash and prepare the stuffing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply stuff the squash and bake.
**Q: Can I freeze the stuffed butternut squash?**
A: It’s not recommended to freeze the stuffed butternut squash, as the texture of the squash may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the stuffing separately and use it to stuff fresh squash later.
**Q: How do I know when the butternut squash is done roasting?**
A: The butternut squash is done roasting when it’s tender and easily pierced with a fork. The flesh should be soft and slightly caramelized.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
**Q: What kind of cheese can I use?**
A: Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. For a creamier texture, you can add a bit of ricotta cheese to the stuffing.
**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the sausage with cooked quinoa or lentils and adding some diced mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.