Delicious and Nutritious Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

Savor the flavors of fall with this comforting and hearty apple and sausage stuffed acorn squash recipe. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients creates a delightful balance of tastes, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe pairs the natural sweetness of acorn squash with flavorful sausage, tender apples, and aromatic herbs, creating a delicious blend of textures and flavors. It's an easy and healthy dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 pound sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds.
3. Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
7. Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until they soften slightly.
8. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, dried thyme, dried sage, and nutmeg. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined.
9. Remove the roasted squash from the oven and flip each half over. Divide the sausage stuffing mixture evenly among the squash halves, filling each one generously.
10. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy.
11. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the apple and sausage stuffed acorn squash as a delicious main course or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

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