# Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Looking for the ultimate autumnal feast? Pioneer this deliciously comforting dish, teaming with the tang of apples and savory goodness of sausage.
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 50 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
## Why Make This Recipe
Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a freeform feast, showcasing the versatility of simple, humble ingredients. An homage to fall, it marries sweet and tart apples with succulent sausage, embodying the spirit of comfort and festivity.
## How to Make Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
## Ingredients
– 2 medium acorn squashes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 pound sausage (pork or turkey)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
## Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Halve the acorn squashes and excavate the seeds. Brush the insides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, place cut-side down on a baking sheet, and roast for 25 minutes.
3. Use a medium-heated skillet to brown the sausage. Once cooked, set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and apple until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. Re-introduce the sausage to the skillet and fold in thyme, sage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring a thorough mix.
6. After taking the squash from the oven, fill each half with the sausage concoction.
7. Pop them back into the oven, this time for 25 minutes, or until the squash is soft and the filling has a golden brown.
## How to Serve Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. This dish, hearty enough on its own, would also partner well with a side of mixed grains or a fresh, crisp salad.
## How to Store Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cool the squash, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
## Tips to Make Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
For an added layer of flavor, consider using spicy sausage. A sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon can also add warmth and complexity.
## Variations
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute sausage with quinoa or a mixture of other roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
## FAQs
1. **Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?** Yes. You can prepare and bake the squash, then refrigerate. The filling can also be made ahead of time and warmed up before stuffing the squash and baking.
2. **Can I use other types of squash?** Definitely. Butternut or delicata squash are good alternatives for this recipe.
3. **What kind of sausage can I use?** Any type of ground sausage—pork, chicken, turkey, or even spicy Italian—can be used.