If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Roasted acorn squash lends a naturally sweet, tender base that’s perfectly complemented by the savory sausage filling, fresh apples, and a hint of thyme. It’s a satisfying meal that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Comforting and hearty: This dish combines tender roasted squash with a rich sausage filling, creating a meal that feels cozy and indulgent.
Perfect for seasonal flavors: The addition of apples, kale, and cranberries captures the essence of fall in every bite.
Impressive yet simple: Despite the beautiful presentation and complex flavors, the recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Nutritious and balanced: This dish marries protein, veggies, and natural sweetness for a well-rounded meal that delights both the eyes and palate.

The image shows two halves of roasted acorn squash filled with a mix of browned ground meat, small diced light yellow and orange vegetables, dark red cranberries, and fresh green herbs on top. The acorn squash is dark green on the outside and soft orange on the inside with a slightly charred edge. The stuffed squash pieces sit on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there are additional cut squash pieces and a tomato, with a light gray cloth partially visible on the right side. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the textures and colors of the food photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash, stuffed acorn squash with sausage, savory stuffed squash recipes, fall comfort food recipes, baked acorn squash filling

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe uses uncomplicated ingredients that each bring a unique texture and flavor to the table, from the tender squash to the savory sausage and juicy apples. Whether you want to stick with the traditional or swap some elements, these ingredients form the heart and soul of this dish.

Flat lay of halved acorn squash with deep orange flesh, bright red Italian sausage links, chopped red onion pieces, green bell pepper chunks, diced crisp Honeycrisp apple cubes, fresh thyme sprigs, vibrant dark green kale leaves, scattered dried cranberries, and sprigs of fresh parsley, all beautifully arranged to show their colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash, stuffed acorn squash with sausage, savory stuffed squash recipes, fall comfort food recipes, baked acorn squash filling

Acorn Squash: Acts as a sweet, tender vessel; if unavailable, small butternut squash works well too.
Italian Sausage: Adds savory depth—feel free to choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
Apples: I love using Honeycrisp for a crisp sweetness, but Gala or Fuji are also great.
Kale and Bell Peppers: Bring fresh color and nutrients—spinach or Swiss chard would be excellent alternatives.
Dried Cranberries: Give a tart contrast that perks up the filling; raisins or chopped dried cherries can work here too.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Acorn Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Cut your acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds (don’t toss those — they roast up nicely!). Drizzle the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle them with sea salt and black pepper. Place them face down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender and sweetly caramelized on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, set the sausage aside but keep the flavorful fat in the pan. Then add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook just long enough to release its aroma—about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Filling

Next, stir in the diced apple and fresh thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Let everything cook together for about a minute so the apples start to soften but still keep a little bite. Add chopped kale and dried cranberries, cooking for a few more minutes to marry the flavors and slightly wilt the greens. Finally, return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir everything to combine thoroughly.

Step 4: Stuff, Broil, and Garnish

Bring the oven temperature up to a broil. Carefully spoon the sausage and apple mixture into each roasted acorn squash half, dividing the filling evenly. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the top starts to get a lovely golden finish. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and your dish is ready to serve!

How to Serve Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

The image shows two halves of a dark green acorn squash, each filled with a layered mixture. The base layer is the roasted, slightly golden-orange flesh of the squash, soft with some browning edges. On top, there is a chunky filling made of browned ground meat mixed with small pieces of light orange fruit or vegetable, dark red dried cranberries, and green herb leaves, creating a mix of brown, orange, red, and green colors. The squash halves sit on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash, stuffed acorn squash with sausage, savory stuffed squash recipes, fall comfort food recipes, baked acorn squash filling

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding a fresh herbal note that balances the sweetness of the squash and apples. For a bit of extra texture, toasted pumpkin seeds or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can be delightful finishes.

Side Dishes

This hearty entrée pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting touch. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple quinoa salad also complement the savory-sweet flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving half an acorn squash per person for stunning individual portions. For a rustic, family-style twist, arrange the stuffed halves on a large wooden board and garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme and scattered cranberries. You might also spoon the filling onto polenta or hearty grains for a fun variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stuffed acorn squash in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making for even more delicious leftovers!

Freezing

This dish freezes well—wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch, but reheating slowly in the oven helps preserve that delightful roasted texture.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still provide plenty of savory flavor. Just adjust the seasoning if your turkey sausage is milder than traditional Italian sausage.
How do I safely cut acorn squash?

Acorn squash can be tough to cut raw. To make it easier, microwave the squash for 2-3 minutes to soften it slightly, then use a sharp knife to halve it carefully on a stable surface.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sausage and apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, reheat it slightly before stuffing the roasted squash and broiling.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

To make it vegetarian, swap the sausage for cooked lentils or a plant-based sausage alternative. The roasted squash and fruit will still shine with these substitutions.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe enough — it’s a beautiful combination of autumnal flavors, textures, and colors that come together effortlessly. Perfect for cozy weeknights or as a stunning centerpiece for special occasions. Give it a try, and you’ll want to make it a regular in your seasonal recipe rotation!

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe