Baked Butternut Squash Stuffed With Apples and Sausage
🕒 Cook Time: 50 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 1 hour
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
🥘 Description:
This is the ultimate comfort food, as we turn the corner into fall and cooler weather. It’s simple and fills the house with great smells and the tummy with a nourishing, delicious meal. Enjoy!
🍽️ Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
🔍 Keywords: Potato, Apple, Fruit, Vegetable, Native American, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | bulk sausage |
| 1 | apple |
| 8 tbsp | butter |
| 2 | pecans |
| 2 tbsp | brown sugar |
| 1/2 tsp | ground sage |
| 1 | butternut squash |
| 1/4 tsp | salt |
| To taste | pepper |
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly oil baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the Squash:
- Halve the butternut squash lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Arrange the squash halves cut side up on the prepared baking dish.
- Brush them lightly with oil and cover with foil.
-
Bake the Squash:
- Place the squash in the preheated oven and bake until almost tender, approximately 30-40 minutes.
- Keep the oven on as we’ll need it later.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, crumble the sausage and cook over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the diced apple and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
- Let the sausage-apple mixture cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Scoop out the cooked squash, leaving about 3/8 inch thick shells.
- Lightly mix the squash pulp into the sausage mixture, trying to break up the squash as little as possible.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, ground sage, salt, and pepper.
-
Stuff and Bake:
- Pile the prepared stuffing into the squash halves, distributing evenly.
- Dot the tops with bits of butter and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake the stuffed squash uncovered until piping hot and brown/crusty on top, approximately 20-25 minutes.
-
Serve:
- Allow the baked butternut squash to cool for several minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy fall evening or a special weeknight dinner. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic sage makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Let the aroma fill your kitchen and your taste buds dance with joy!
