Autumn Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Cranberries

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that autumnal feeling? You know, crisp air, crunchy leaves? This stuffed acorn squash recipe is pure fall on a plate! Honestly, the sweet and savory mix will make your taste buds sing.

Brief Overview

The acorn squash recipe is a classic American autumn dish. Think Thanksgiving with a twist. It's relatively simple and should take about an hour, give or take.

This recipe will yield enough for 2 hungry people or 4 smaller servings.

Main Benefits

This stuffed winter squash is packed with fibre and vitamins. Plus, it's a crowd pleaser! Make it for a cozy family dinner or impress your mates at a potluck.

What makes this sausage stuffed acorn squash so special? That cranberry pecan stuffing is just divine! The touch of maple sage acorn squash adds warmth and coziness.

Let's Talk Squash

First, we need those cute little acorn squash . Two medium sized ones should do the trick. About 1.5 pounds each. Don't be tempted by the giant ones. They'll take ages to cook!

The Filling is Key

We will use one pound of Italian sausage, but feel free to use whatever your heart desires. I once tried chorizo and oh my gosh, it was amazing.

One diced yellow onion adds sweetness. And minced garlic. You can't go wrong with garlic, right?

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, so you're ready to make stuffed acorn squash ? Fantastic! Let's talk about what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not rocket science.

We're going for comfort food here, not molecular gastronomy! This acorn squash recipe is super flexible, so don't sweat if you need to make a few swaps.

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 lbs/680g each) - Look for squash that are heavy for their size and have a dull, not shiny, rind. A little bit of orange is okay!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml )
• 1/2 teaspoon salt ( 3g )
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1g )
• 1 pound (454g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot) - Get good quality sausage! It makes a difference. Seriously!
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth - Low sodium is your friend!
• 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries - The tartness is key.
• 1/2 cup (55g) pecan pieces, toasted - Trust me, toasting is worth it.
• 1/4 cup (5g) fresh sage, chopped - Fresh is best, but dried will work in a pinch.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup - The real stuff is always better!
• Salt and pepper to taste - Always!

Seasoning Notes

Sage and maple syrup? Seriously, that combo is autumn in a mouthful. We’re going for that perfect maple sage acorn squash vibe, you know? Salt and pepper are essential.

Don’t be shy with them. Red pepper flakes? Add a pinch if you want some heat. For those on a vegetarian stuffed acorn squash mission, skip the sausage and throw in some mushrooms and lentils.

Honestly, that works so well! Think about it as your go-to recipe for amazing fall recipes and autumn squash recipes .

Equipment Needed

Okay, equipment time! Don’t panic. You probably have most of this stuff.

• Baking sheet - You need this for the roasted acorn squash .
• Large skillet - For cooking the sausage and veggies.
• Sharp knife - Be careful!
• Spoon or ice cream scoop - For scooping out the squash seeds.

You can use a roasting pan, but a baking sheet is easier to clean. And if you don’t have a super fancy knife, that’s cool too.

As long as it's sharp ish, you’re good to go. Let's make some amazing holiday acorn squash recipe . I guarantee this sausage stuffed acorn squash will be the star.

Autumn Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Cranberries

Honestly, who doesn't love a good fall recipe ? This sausage stuffed acorn squash recipe is just that. It's autumn on a plate.

Imagine tender roasted acorn squash filled with savory sausage, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It's proper comfort food.

This recipe combines the sweet, savory, and earthy flavors of autumn squash recipes . It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering.

The cranberry pecan stuffing makes it extra special. You can even call it a holiday acorn squash recipe if you like!.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First things first, let's get organised. Dice your onion, mince your garlic, chop your sage, and measure out all your ingredients.

Having everything ready to go makes cooking so much smoother. Also, halve the acorn squash and scoop out the seeds.

Trust me, you don't want to bite into those. Safety first, make sure your knife is sharp!.

step-by-step: Stuffed Acorn Squash Magic

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the squash cut-side up for 40- 50 minutes , or until tender. You should be able to pierce it with a fork easily.
4. While the squash roasts, brown the sausage in a large skillet. Drain any grease.
5. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the chicken broth, cranberries, pecans, sage, and maple syrup. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes , until the liquid reduces slightly.
7. Spoon the sausage filling into the roasted squash cavities.
8. (Optional) Bake for another 5- 10 minutes to heat through. Serve warm and garnish with extra sage.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Squash Game

Want to really nail this dish? Here are a few tips. Toast your pecans before adding them to the filling.

It brings out their nutty flavor. Also, be careful not to overfill the squash. You want to leave a little room for the filling to expand.

One of the common mistakes to avoid is over cooking the pecan. If you are a vegetarian, substitute the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage for a delicious vegetarian stuffed acorn squash .

You can also try a maple sage acorn squash version for extra flavor. Stuffed winter squash never disappoints. The stuffed acorn squash will be good for any season!

Recipe Notes for the Best Stuffed Acorn Squash

Right, so you're about to tackle this amazing autumn squash recipe . Let’s chat about some stuff I've learned along the way making this stuffed acorn squash ! Honestly, it’s more like friendly advice from your mate than a lecture.

This recipe is a proper hug in a bowl, especially when the weather's doing its usual British thing and chucking it down!

Serving it Up Right!

Presentation matters, you know? Don't just slop it on a plate! For the best plating, consider serving each roasted acorn squash half on a bed of colourful greens like spinach or rocket.

A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans and fresh sage? Chef's kiss . Pair it with a simple side salad. Roasted Brussels sprouts would work a treat.

Fancy a drink? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavours beautifully. Or maybe a hard cider? Lovely!

Storing Like a Pro

Got leftovers? No worries! Let the sausage stuffed acorn squash cool completely. Then, bung it in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze it too, but the texture might change a bit. To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy!) or pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Don't forget to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to stop the filling from drying out.

Remixing the Classics: Variations on the Stuffed Acorn Squash Theme

Fancy a change? Sorted! Want a vegetarian stuffed acorn squash ? Swap the sausage for mushrooms and lentils. Works a treat! Or, if you're feeling spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.

Ooh, and for a seasonal swap, butternut squash can replace acorn squash no problem. Plus, cranberry pecan stuffing is very popular, but consider using walnuts or almonds if you don't have pecans.

Play around with it and do your own ting.

Nutrition Lowdown

Let's keep it simple. Each serving of this stuffed winter squash packs a good punch of vitamins and minerals. Squash is full of vitamin A.

Sausage gives you protein. Cranberries have antioxidants. All good stuff! Just remember these are rough estimates. And, of course, it will vary based on exactly what you put in your holiday acorn squash recipe .

There you have it! A few little tips to help you nail this maple sage acorn squash recipe. Don’t be scared to experiment.

Get stuck in and enjoy the process. You've got this!.