Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash: Sausage & Sage (Print Version)

Easy Stuffed Acorn Squash: a comforting meal with savory sausage, sweet apples & fragrant sage. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner youll love!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Omnivore

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 medium acorn squash
02 - 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
03 - 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
04 - 1 medium onion, chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
07 - 1/2 cup chicken broth

→ Finishing Touches

08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs

→ Pantry Staples

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those squash ready! Carefully slice each acorn squash in half lengthwise. This can be a bit tricky, so make sure your knife is sharp and you're on a stable surface. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits—a spoon works perfectly for this. Place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil inside each cavity, sprinkle with salt and pepper. I usually forget the salt at this stage, so don't be like me! Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they're just tender. You want them cooked enough to scoop easily, but not mushy.
02 - While the squash is doing its thing, let's get the stuffing going. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain any excess fat—I usually just tilt the pan and use a spoon to hold the sausage back. Then, toss in your chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, a hint of what's to come for your Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, but don't let it burn!
03 - Now for the good stuff! Add your diced apple and fresh chopped sage to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the apple starts to soften slightly. The sage really comes alive here, releasing its wonderful aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, letting it simmer for a few minutes to absorb all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial for deepening the flavor of your Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash filling. Season with a pinch more salt and pepper to taste; remember, you can always add more later, but you can't take it away!
04 - Once your squash halves are tender from their initial bake, pull them out of the oven. Now, carefully scoop out some of the cooked squash flesh from the center, leaving about a half-inch border. Don't go too deep, we still want a sturdy 'bowl'! Dice up the scooped-out squash and add it directly to your skillet with the sausage mixture. Mix everything thoroughly. This adds another layer of squashy goodness to the filling. Spoon this hearty mixture generously into each acorn squash half, mounding it up nicely. It should look plump and inviting!
05 - Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of Panko breadcrumbs over the top of each stuffed squash. This is where we get that lovely golden, crispy crust! Return the baking sheet with your Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the squash is completely tender. I sometimes put it under the broiler for a minute or two at the very end to get that extra crisp, but watch it like a hawk, things can burn fast!
06 - Carefully remove the Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash from the oven. Let them rest for just a few minutes before serving—they'll be piping hot! The house will smell incredible, a mix of sweet apple, savory sausage, and earthy sage. Serve these beauties warm, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the tender squash to the hearty, seasoned stuffing. Honestly, it's so satisfying, a truly comforting meal.

# Notes:

01 - Always pre-roast the squash halves until tender before stuffing; I learned the hard way that uncooked squash is no fun!
02 - Don't overcrowd your skillet when browning the sausage; it steams instead of browns, and you miss out on flavor.
03 - Fresh sage really makes this Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash sing; if you can get it, use it!
04 - For a little extra sweetness, drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup inside the squash before the first bake.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - large skillet
03 - sharp knife
04 - spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 25g

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