Cozy Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe

Warm autumn evenings call for comfort dishes that blend savory sausage stuffed butternut squash with vibrant greens.

The rich combination of sweet squash and spicy sausage creates a flavor explosion that delights every sense.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this hearty meal, offering a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Tender butternut squash becomes a delicious vessel for seasoned sausage and fresh spinach.

Earthy herbs and robust spices elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Making Sausage & Spinach Squash, Start to Finish

• Prepare the Squash

Slice butternut squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Place cut-side up on baking sheet and roast in preheated oven until tender and golden.

• Create Savory Filling

Brown sausage in skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Mix in herbs and spices for extra flavor.

• Combine and Stuff

Carefully carve out some squash flesh and mix into sausage mixture. Blend ingredients thoroughly. Generously fill roasted squash halves with sausage-spinach blend, pressing mixture firmly into cavities.

• Final Bake

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over stuffed squash. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and top turns crispy golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

• Plate and Enjoy

Transfer stuffed squash to serving plates.

Flavor Variations to Try with Stuffed Squash

• Experiment with different sausage varieties like spicy Italian, chicken, or plant-based sausage to match your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare the stuffed squash in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the final baking time.
• Replace breadcrumbs with finely chopped nuts like almonds or pine nuts for added texture and reduced carbohydrates.
• Substitute sausage with crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms seasoned with herbs and spices for a meat-free version that's equally delicious.
• For dairy-free diets, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitutes that melt well and provide a similar savory flavor profile.

Serving Stuffed Butternut Squash with Confidence

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Transform this stuffed butternut squash into a stunning main dish that draws everyone around the table with its hearty, colorful presentation.
• Cozy Autumn Lunch Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp mixed green salad and crusty sourdough bread to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
• Wine and Dine Elegance: Complement the rich flavors with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a buttery Chardonnay to elevate the dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or basil on top just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the golden-brown stuffed squash.

Store Sausage-Stuffed Squash Without Sacrificing Flavor

• Prepare multiple stuffed squash halves at once and store them individually in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals during busy weeks.
• Cooked stuffed butternut squash stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven at 350F to maintain the crispy top and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cooled stuffed squash halves separately in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Assemble the stuffed squash up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating before the final baking step. This technique helps develop deeper flavors and saves time during meal preparation.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives. Choose a variety that complements the squash’s sweetness and provides good flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.

• How do I know when the butternut squash is fully roasted?

The squash is ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork and the flesh feels tender. The edges should also look slightly caramelized and golden brown.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can roast the squash and prepare the sausage mixture in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Sausage-Stuffed Squash Shine

• Butternut Squash: Select firm, heavy squash with smooth skin and no soft spots for best flavor and texture. Choose squash with deep orange color indicating full ripeness.
• Olive Oil: Enhances roasting and adds rich, smooth flavor to the squash. Use extra virgin for best taste.

• Italian Sausage: Provides robust, savory flavor and hearty protein. Choose fresh, high-quality sausage with balanced spice profile.
• Onion: Delivers sweet, aromatic base to the filling. Select firm, heavy onions without bruises.
• Garlic: Adds deep, pungent undertone to the dish. Pick firm cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Spinach: Introduces fresh, earthy green element with nutritional boost. Choose crisp, bright green leaves without wilting.

• Thyme: Contributes woodsy, slightly minty herb note. Use fresh for most vibrant flavor.
• Sage: Offers warm, peppery undertone complementing sausage. Select bright green, perky leaves.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings optional subtle heat and complexity. Adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crispy texture in filling. Use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty finishing touch. Select freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings enhancing overall taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

Helpful Tools for This Stuffed Squash Dish

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting butternut squash and creating a flat, even cooking surface.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and cooking the sausage mixture.
• Fork: Helps check squash tenderness during roasting.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping and preparing vegetables.
• Spoon: Useful for breaking up sausage and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps accurately measure olive oil.

Hearty Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash blends rich Italian sausage with creamy roasted squash and tender spinach. Herb-infused flavors and rustic textures create a satisfying meal that brings comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or chicken sausage)
• 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach
• 2 tbsps olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried sage
• ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (optional)
• ½ cup (50g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Squash Preparation: Slice butternut squash lengthwise, placing halves on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for uniform coating.
2. Roasting Stage: Bake in preheated 400F (200C) oven for 40-45 minutes until flesh becomes tender and caramelized, creating a soft foundational base.
3. Sausage Mixture Development: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic. Introduce sausage, breaking into crumbly pieces and browning completely.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Fold fresh spinach into sausage mixture, allowing leaves to wilt. Integrate thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate taste complexity.
5. Filling Composition: Incorporate breadcrumbs and half the Parmesan cheese into sausage mixture, creating a textured and binding filling. Gently mash roasted squash interior into mixture for added richness.
6. Final Assembly: Stuff squash halves generously with sausage mixture, pressing firmly to compact filling. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top for golden, crispy finish.
7. Finishing Bake: Return stuffed squash to 400F (200C) oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown. Rest briefly before serving, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Squash: Select a butternut squash with smooth, unblemished skin and heavy for its size, indicating optimal ripeness and moisture.
• Control Moisture: Avoid oversaturating the squash during roasting to prevent soggy texture; use minimal olive oil and pat dry before seasoning.
• Balance Sausage Flavor: Use mild Italian sausage for balanced spiciness, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option.
• Customize Filling: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for varied nutrition, or add pine nuts for extra crunch and nutty dimension.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg