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Stuffed Delicata Squash with Savory Sausage

stuffed delicata squash - featured image

A cozy and flavorful dish featuring roasted delicata squash filled with a savory sausage mixture, perfect for quick and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash, halved and seeded
  • 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (pork or turkey)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or sweet)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (red or orange)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, use gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry the delicata squash, slice each in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds and stringy bits.
  3. Lightly brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Place squash halves cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until tender but still holding shape.
  5. While squash roasts, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  8. Stir in fresh sage and thyme for the last minute to release aroma.
  9. Return cooked sausage to skillet with veggies. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  10. Remove squash from oven and flip cut side up. Spoon sausage mixture evenly into each squash half, packing slightly.
  11. Return stuffed squash to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes at 400°F until filling is heated through and top is golden and slightly crispy.
  12. Let squash cool a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If the sausage filling looks dry while baking, add a splash of chicken broth or water before the second bake to keep it moist. Roast squash cut side down first to caramelize edges. Do not overcook squash to avoid mushiness. Use room temperature sausage for even browning. Adjust seasoning as you go. Breadcrumbs help bind filling without making it dense. Pack filling gently to allow crisping on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed delicata squash, savory sausage, cozy dinner, roasted squash, easy recipe, fall recipe, weeknight meal