Juicy sausage, sweet apples, and tender roasted squash come together in a truly irresistible autumn main dish: Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash. This cozy recipe packs a medley of flavors and textures—savory, sweet, herby, crunchy, and creamy—all nestled into beautifully caramelized squash boats. It’s as gorgeous as it is satisfying, perfect for crisp evenings or as the star at your holiday table.

Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is in the simple, colorful ingredients—each element shines, adding its own special character. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient counts:

Butternut squash: Roasting these gives you a naturally sweet base that soaks up all the savory flavors of the filling.
Olive oil: Helps the squash caramelize and adds a hint of fruitiness to every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skip seasoning at each step!
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the onion and sausage mixture.
Onion: Gives the filling a sweet-savory backbone as it softens and caramelizes.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant pop that melds right into the juicy sausage.
Pork or chicken sausage: The heart of the filling—use your favorite (mild or spicy!) for a protein-packed punch.
Apple: Provides a crisp burst of sweetness and balances out the rich sausage.
Dried thyme: Lends an earthy, woodsy note that screams autumn.
Ground sage: Sage is classic with both squash and sausage—a little goes a long way.
Cinnamon: A touch of warmth that makes all the apple flavors pop.
Walnuts or pecans (optional): Toasty nuts add crunch and a buttery backdrop—so satisfying!
Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart jewels that add zing and color to the mix.
Parmesan or mozzarella (optional): A sprinkle of cheese ties everything together and adds meltiness or a salty bite.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brings a last-minute freshness and a burst of green for serving.

How to Make Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out those seeds (a spoon works perfectly!). Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then place them cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the flesh is luxuriously tender and easily pierced with a fork. Roasting like this concentrates the natural sweetness and gives the squash a beautiful golden edge.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While your squash roasts to perfection, get started on the hearty, flavorful filling. Melt butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the diced onion, letting it sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t brown too quickly. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—it’s the foundation for that mouthwatering savory aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle away until browned and cooked through—this is where it gets its signature savory depth. Make sure to use your favorite pork or chicken sausage; both work beautifully in Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash, and you can even go a little spicy if that’s your vibe.

Step 4: Add Apples, Herbs, and Mix-Ins

Once the sausage is just right, stir in the diced apple, thyme, sage, cinnamon, and an extra pinch of salt. Let it all cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes—the apples will soften slightly and release their sweet juices, blending perfectly with the sausage and cozy spices. Next, fold in the nuts (if using), the tangy cranberries, and your chosen cheese. Everything melds into a colorful, tempting filling that’s full of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake Again

Remove the squash from the oven and gently turn them cut-side up. Using a spoon, fill each cavity generously with your savory apple-sausage mixture. Don’t be shy—pile it high! Return the stuffed squash to the oven for about 10 more minutes. This final bake warms everything through and melts the cheese into gooey goodness, making the dish look and smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is bubbling and golden, take it out of the oven and shower each squash half with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This fresh herb gives a lovely contrast and ensures every serving looks as wonderful as it tastes. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Garnishes

The finishing touches really make this dish sing. I love a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness, but you can also add a quick dusting of extra Parmesan for extra savoriness. For extra flair, try a little drizzle of good quality olive oil or a handful of toasted pecans for crunch just before serving.

Side Dishes

A hearty, comforting main like Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans tossed in lemon, or fluffy quinoa for soaking up all those lovely juices. Around the holidays, serve it alongside simple roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy cranberry relish to amp up the festive mood.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is all about the stunning presentation—each squash half is its own natural bowl! For gatherings, slice halves crosswise into pretty crescent shapes, or serve individual halves as a main on large plates with extra filling spooned over the top. For a party-friendly version, use small squash and serve as elegant “boats” for guests to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash (lucky you!), let everything cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers. It will happily keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. When storing, keep any garnish separate to maintain that vibrant freshness at serving time.

Freezing

These stuffed squash halves freeze surprisingly well. Cool the baked squash completely, then wrap tightly in foil and slip into freezer bags. They’ll be at their best for about 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for an easy make-ahead meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stuffed squash halves in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can microwave in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps the filling its best texture. Freshen up with a new sprinkle of parsley before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the sausage for lentils or a hearty grain filling like quinoa. Saute extra veggies (think mushrooms or carrots) for added savoriness—you’ll still get all those cozy flavors without the meat.

What kind of sausage works best in this recipe?

Both pork and chicken sausage work beautifully in Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash. Choose mild, spicy, or even apple-flavored sausage depending on your preferences! Just be sure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled before stuffing the squash.

Can I prep this dish ahead for entertaining?

Yes! You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge, then stuff and bake the squash just before serving. It’s a lifesaver for busy holidays and dinner parties.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Certainly—just skip the cheese in the filling and opt for a dairy-free butter or olive oil in the skillet. The dish is still packed with flavor and doesn’t miss a beat!

How do I select the best butternut squash for this recipe?

Look for squash that feels heavy for its size, with matte, unblemished skin. Medium squashes (about 2 pounds each) are perfect for even roasting and make the ideal serving size for Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way sweet squash, savory sausage, and bright apples mingle in every bite of Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash. It’s a recipe that’s sure to warm up your kitchen, impress your family and friends, and make you crave seconds. Give it a try and experience your new favorite fall comfort food!

Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and flavorful recipe for Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is a perfect dish for autumn dinners. Roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a savory mixture of sausage, apples, nuts, and cranberries, creating a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Squash:

2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 pork or chicken sausages (about 8 ounces), casings removed
1 apple, peeled and diced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down for 35–40 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a skillet, sauté onion in butter until soft. Add garlic, sausage, apple, herbs, and seasoning. Stir in nuts, cranberries, and cheese if using.
Stuff the squash: Fill the roasted squash halves with the sausage mixture and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to stuff.
For a vegetarian version, swap sausage for lentils or a grain-based filling like quinoa.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American