Sausage Parmesan Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
Why You’ll Love It
Sausage Parmesan Stuffed Acorn Squash is an incredibly flavorful and comforting fall meal. It combines savory Italian sausage with nutty Parmesan and roasted squash for a satisfying dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed (can substitute with turkey sausage for leaner version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use vegan Parmesan for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice (rice can be substituted with couscous or farro)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle acorn squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
- While the squash roasts, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked quinoa or rice, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to the sausage mixture.
- Turn the squash halves cut-side up, then spoon the sausage mixture evenly into the cavities.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the filling is hot and golden on top.
Expert Tips
- Use a fork to test the squash for doneness; it should be tender but not mushy.
- To save time, use pre-cooked grains or leftover rice/quinoa.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top before the final bake.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the stuffed squash (wrapped well) for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations
- Vegan: Use plant-based sausage and vegan Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure sausage is gluten-free and use quinoa or rice.
- Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan or use dairy-free alternative.
- Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe naturally contains no refined sugar.
FAQ
- Can I prepare sausage parmesan stuffed acorn squash ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling and pre-roast the squash ahead. Assemble and bake when ready.
- What type of sausage works best?
- Italian pork sausage adds great flavor, but turkey or plant-based sausage can be used.
- Can I use a different squash?
- Yes, but acorn squash’s shape makes it ideal for stuffing.
- How do I know when the acorn squash is cooked?
- It’s ready when a knife easily pierces the flesh and it feels tender but not mushy.
Call to Action
Give this Sausage Parmesan Stuffed Acorn Squash a try and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate and save this recipe for your cozy fall meals! Explore more hearty dishes in our Easy Weeknight Dinners collection.
For flavor inspiration, check out Food Network and other great cooking resources.
