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Savory Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries

Savory Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries - featured image
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A comforting weeknight meal featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with savory Italian sausage, sweet cranberries, and melted cheese. It balances sweet and savory flavors for a dish that feels fancy but is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • ½ cup grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage or thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Wash the squash. If hard, microwave for 2 minutes to soften. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and pulp.
  3. Brush cut sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down in the baking dish and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
  4. While squash roasts, cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft (3 minutes). Add garlic and herbs in the last minute.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in dried cranberries, cranberry sauce, and half of the cheese. Mix well.
  7. Flip roasted squash halves cut-side up. Spoon the sausage mixture into each cavity, packing it in. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  8. Return to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Par-roasting the squash is essential to ensure it is tender before adding the stuffing. If the stuffing is too wet, drain excess fat from the sausage or squeeze moisture from cranberries. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set. For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with lentils or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, stuffed squash, sausage recipe, cranberry recipe, fall dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://mandydishes.com/savory-sausage-stuffed-acorn-squash-with-cranberries-5-easy-steps/