Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage

Stuffed acorn squash with sausage and apples is a sweet yet savory fall dish that everyone will love. Baked with all the fall flavors and spices, stuffed acorn squash is a healthy family meal that is simple to make.

Baked acorn squash pairs perfectly with spicy sausage and sweet apples. Stuffed with vegetables and topped with cheese, this fall meal is healthy and delicious.

Stuffed acorn squash ranks pretty high on my favorite fall meals list; not only is it tasty, but it is also pretty. Most of the time, I am all about quick and easy in the kitchen and don’t worry about presentation.

Acorn squash is a beautiful vegetable on its own and when cut open and baked, it isn’t hard to make this meal have a nice presentation. I love how healthy it is and my kids think it is pretty cool to eat straight out of the squash.

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HOW TO CUT ACORN SQUASH

Squash can be intimidating because they are hard to cut and most people are unsure how to cook them. Acorn squash is no exception! They look more like a fall decoration than an edible.

Cutting acorn squash can be difficult, but with a few simple tips, you will be a pro in no time!

1. Place the acorn squash on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the stem and point off of the bottom.
2. Stand the acorn squash up on one of the flat ends.
3. Cut the acorn squash down the middle, splitting it in half.
4. Scoop out the seeds and discard. If you have backyard chickens, they love the insides, or you can add them to a compost pile.

HOW TO COOK ACORN SQUASH

Acorn squash can be roasted in the oven, boiled in water, or made in the instant pot. In this recipe, we will be roasting it.

Roasted acorn squash has a naturally sweet and buttery taste. It pairs perfectly with the spicy sausage and sweet apples.

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Rub the inside of the squash with a little oil and sprinkle with salt. I use avocado oil.
3. Place the squash halves upside down (flesh down) in a baking dish.
4. Roast until tender, about 40 minutes.

OTHER WAYS TO COOK ACORN SQUASH

• Sauteed
• Grilled
• Steamed
• Broiled

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

• Pick medium to large acorn squash to make stuffing them easier.
• Don’t overcook them. You want them to be tender, but not mushy.
• Acorn squash pairs well with sausage, but you can use whatever meat you prefer. Beef, turkey, or pork are all great options.
• Leave the meat out if you want to make them vegetarian. Add more veggies or grain to fill them.
• Rice, quinoa, or beans are delicious to add to your acorn squash.
• Add in something sweet: the mild sweet yet buttery taste of acorn squash pairs well with apples, cranberries, or pineapple.

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• Acorn squash, cut in half
• Sausage
• Apple
• Onion
• Celery
• Jalapeno, optional
• Sharp cheddar cheese, to sprinkle on top
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
2. Drizzle acorn squash with oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Place squash upside down in a baking dish and roast for 45 minutes in a preheated oven.
4. While squash is roasting, prepare the filling.
5. Dice apple, onion, celery, and jalapeno.
6. Add avocado oil to a skillet and add in diced vegetables and fruit.
7. Add in sausage and brown.
8. Once the acorn squash is tender, remove from the oven and scoop the filling into the squash.
9. Sprinkle with cheese and put back in the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
10. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SAUSAGE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground pork (You can also use beef or turkey.)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 2 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the meat to a medium-size skillet.
2. Sprinkle with the spices and cook until done.

BENEFITS OF ACORN SQUASH

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well as being delicious, acorn squash is a sure healthy meal to make on those cool fall nights.

• High in fiber
• Good source of vitamin C
• Rich in potassium and magnesium
• Promote overall health
• Low in calories
• Zero grams of sugar per cup

EASY SQUASH RECIPES

I love adding all types of squash into our diets because it is so healthy and filling. From healthy pumpkin pie to pumpkin pancakes, during the fall, you will find a lot of variations of squash on our table.

Check out these healthy pumpkin recipes:

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Granola 

Pumpkin Muffins