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Kid-Approved Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple

kid-approved sausage-stuffed acorn squash with apple - featured image
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A quick and easy fall dinner featuring tender roasted acorn squash stuffed with savory sausage, sweet apple, and aromatic herbs. This kid-friendly recipe comes together in about 45 minutes with only 10 minutes of hands-on prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
  • 1 pound ground pork sausage
  • 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if sausage is salty)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out seeds and stringy fibers. Place squash halves cut-side up on prepared baking sheet. Brush cut surfaces and cavities with 1 tablespoon olive oil. If using maple syrup, brush it on now.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork sausage, diced apple, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt (if using). Mix with hands until just combined.
  4. Divide sausage mixture evenly among the four squash halves, pressing gently into cavities. Do not pack too tightly.
  5. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until squash is tender when pierced with a fork and sausage is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C). If tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for last 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, with extra maple syrup drizzled on top if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking. Don’t skip the maple syrup for a caramelized finish. Dice apple into uniform 1/4-inch cubes. Use a meat thermometer to check sausage doneness. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed acorn squash, sausage and apple, fall dinner, kid-friendly, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/kid-approved-sausage-stuffed-acorn-squash-with-apple/