Fall has arrived, and with it comes the allure of hearty, comforting dishes perfect for the season! One of the standout recipes for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings is the wonderfully delicious Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash. This dish offers a delightful combination of sweet roasted squash enveloping a savory filling of spicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table as it marries both taste and visual appeal, making it as enjoyable to eat as it is to present.
The Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a nutritious option for your meal. The various flavors balance beautifully—sweetness from the squash and cranberries melds perfectly with the hearty, meaty filling and the freshness of the spinach. This dish accommodates different dietary preferences, as you can easily swap ingredients or enjoy it as a vegetarian option by replacing the sausage with your favorite plant-based substitute.
This comforting, wholesome dish is not only easy to prepare but also leaves plenty of room for customization. Serve it as a main course or a vibrant side dish, and watch how your friends and family are drawn to it! Let’s explore the delightful aspects of this recipe and how you can make your own Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Flavor Profile: The sweet taste of roasted butternut squash combined with savory sausage provides a delicious contrast that appeals to everyone.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the squash, spinach, cranberries, and pecans, this dish is as beneficial as it is tasty.
- Customizable: Easily modify the recipe by changing the protein or adding your favorite vegetables for a unique spin.
- Perfect for Holidays: This dish embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving with its warm flavors, making it an ideal addition to festive meals.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into creating your Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting the squash.
For this recipe, you’ll need a sharp knife for cutting the squash, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup, and a skillet for sautéing the filling. A spoon or scoop will come in handy for removing the seeds from the squash and for hollowing out space for the filling once they are roasted. Finally, having measuring cups and spoons at your disposal will make assembling the ingredients seamless.
Ingredients
- 2 medium or large butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- ¼ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the filling)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 14 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Squash
Begin by thoroughly preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice your butternut squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Be cautious, as this can be a bit challenging due to the squash’s tough exterior. Once halved, scoop out the seeds and stringy bits in the center with a spoon, leaving a generous amount of squash flesh intact. Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with one tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, place the squash halves cut-side down on a lined baking sheet, and roast them in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until they feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the squash is roasting, it’s time to prepare the savory sausage filling. Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté it for approximately 2 minutes, or until it begins to soften and become translucent. Then, add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage to the skillet, along with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. When the sausage is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt—this should only take a moment.
Step 3: Mix in the Crunch
After the spinach has wilted, it’s time for the finishing touches! Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, mixing everything until well combined. Taste your filling at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed, whether that means adding a pinch more salt or pepper. Make sure the flavors meld together beautifully, setting the stage for your stuffed squash.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Once your squash is roasted and slightly cooled, carefully flip the halves over so that the cut sides are facing up. Using a spoon, scoop out a portion of the squash flesh from the center, creating a cavity to hold your savory filling while leaving about a one-inch border intact. This helps maintain the integrity of the squash while providing enough space to hold all those delicious ingredients. Reheat your sausage and spinach filling in the skillet if needed, before evenly spooning it into each squash half. For a touch of elegance, add fresh thyme and a sprinkle of black pepper on top before serving warm.
Variations
- Protein: Swap spicy Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Consider adding finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends such as cumin or smoked paprika to add another layer of flavor to your filling.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the squash is fresh and firm when purchased to avoid overly soft or spoiled spots.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven for easy serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a light green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
- Pair with cranberry sauce and cornbread for a classic Thanksgiving theme.
Tips
- For deeper flavors, consider roasting the pecans briefly before mixing them into the filling.
- Feel free to adjust the level of heat by using mild or sweet Italian sausage based on your preferences.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I prepare the squash in advance?
Yes! You can roast the squash a day ahead. Just reheat it in the oven before stuffing.
Can I use a different type of squash?
Absolutely! Acorn squash or pumpkin can also work well as substitutes for butternut squash.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze the stuffed squash?
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Wrap the stuffed halves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is a show-stopping dish that deserves a spot on your holiday table this season. With its blend of sweet and savory flavors, satisfying textures, and colorful presentation, it’s sure to keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for the perfect side dish to complement your traditional feast, this dish fits perfectly. Plus, the simplicity of preparation ensures you won’t miss out on any festive fun!
Be adventurous with your ingredients and don’t hesitate to explore variations that suit your flavor preferences. Once you’ve enjoyed this delightful recipe, feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts or modifications. Embrace the flavors of the season with this wonderful dish, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
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Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This dish offers a delightful combination of sweet roasted squash enveloping a savory filling of spicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 medium or large butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- ¼ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the filling)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 14 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice your butternut squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Be cautious, as this can be a bit challenging due to the squash’s tough exterior. Once halved, scoop out the seeds and stringy bits in the center with a spoon, leaving a generous amount of squash flesh intact. Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with one tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, place the squash halves cut-side down on a lined baking sheet, and roast them in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until they feel tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, it’s time to prepare the savory sausage filling. Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté it for approximately 2 minutes, or until it begins to soften and become translucent. Then, add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage to the skillet, along with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. When the sausage is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt—this should only take a moment.
- After the spinach has wilted, it’s time for the finishing touches! Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, mixing everything until well combined. Taste your filling at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed, whether that means adding a pinch more salt or pepper. Make sure the flavors meld together beautifully, setting the stage for your stuffed squash.
- Once your squash is roasted and slightly cooled, carefully flip the halves over so that the cut sides are facing up. Using a spoon, scoop out a portion of the squash flesh from the center, creating a cavity to hold your savory filling while leaving about a one-inch border intact. This helps maintain the integrity of the squash while providing enough space to hold all those delicious ingredients. Reheat your sausage and spinach filling in the skillet if needed, before evenly spooning it into each squash half. For a touch of elegance, add fresh thyme and a sprinkle of black pepper on top before serving warm.
Notes
Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven for easy serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 18 g