Savory Sausage & Pecan-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple Delight
Indulge in this hearty Savory Sausage & Pecan-Stuffed Acorn Squash, a comforting dish that combines savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. Adapted to suit low-carb diets, this recipe features succulent pork sausage, crunchy pecans, and tender apples, all nestled in sweetly roasted acorn squash. Perfect for gatherings, this dish not only makes for an impressive presentation but also tantalizes the taste buds with its delightful mix of textures and flavors. Serve it as a main dish or as a delightful side?you'll have everyone coming back for seconds! Feel free to experiment with butternut squash for a different twist!
N/A
Servings
420
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
2 (halved and seeded)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon
maple syrup
1 teaspoon
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
pork sausage
1/2 pound
olive oil
1 tablespoon (optional)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
celery rib
1 (finely chopped)
pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
apple
1 (peeled, cored, and chopped)
ground sage
1/4 teaspoon
ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
almond meal
1/2 cup
egg
1 (beaten)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the acorn squash by halving them and removing the seeds. Arrange the squash halves cut side up in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Using a fork or butter knife, pierce the flesh of the squash all over to allow for even cooking.
2
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the cut sides and cavity of the squash, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Reserve any remaining butter mixture for later use.
3
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until tender but still holding its shape. The flesh should be fork-tender.
4
While the squash bakes, prepare the stuffing. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked and lightly browned. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl.
5
In the same skillet, if there aren’t enough drippings from the sausage, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and chopped pecans. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion and celery are soft.
6
Stir in the chopped apple, ground sage, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the apples are just softened.
7
Combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the browned sausage in the bowl. Pour in any remaining butter mixture from the squash, then add grated parmesan and almond meal to the bowl. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasonings according to your taste.
8
Add the beaten egg and fresh parsley to the stuffing mixture, stirring until well combined.
9
Once the squash is done baking, remove it from the oven. Generously fill each squash half with the stuffing, mounding it slightly on top. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust.
10
Pour 1 cup of water into the baking pan around the squash to create steam during baking. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and return it to the oven, baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the filling is heated through.
11
Serve hot and enjoy this delightful, low-carb dish that everyone will love!
Nutrition Information
29g
Fat
17.25g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
4.5g
Fiber
3.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish featured in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Sausage & Pecan-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple Delight, a hearty meal combining pork sausage, pecans, and apples.
Is this stuffed acorn squash recipe low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is adapted for low-carb and Atkins-friendly diets, containing 17.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for the stuffing?
The stuffing consists of pork sausage, pecans, chopped onion, celery, apple, parmesan cheese, almond meal, and an egg.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the acorn squash need to bake initially?
The squash halves should bake for approximately 1 hour or until the flesh is fork-tender.
Can I substitute the acorn squash with another variety?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can experiment with butternut squash for a different twist.
What is the purpose of piercing the squash flesh before baking?
Piercing the flesh with a fork or knife allows the squash to cook more evenly.
What kind of sweetener is used for the squash glaze?
A mixture of melted butter, one teaspoon of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of maple syrup is used.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 420 calories.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for pork sausage, it can be adapted by using a vegetarian meat substitute.
What binding agent is used instead of breadcrumbs?
Almond meal and a beaten egg are used as low-carb binding agents for the stuffing.
How much protein is in a serving of this dish?
There are 17.5g of protein per serving.
What spices provide the savory flavor profile?
Ground sage, garlic salt, black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper are used for seasoning.
How do I prevent the squash from drying out during the second bake?
Pour 1 cup of water into the baking pan and cover it with aluminum foil to create steam.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 29g of fat per serving.
Do I need to peel the apple?
Yes, the instructions specify the apple should be peeled, cored, and chopped.
What kind of cheese is added to the stuffing?
Grated parmesan cheese is used both in the mixture and as a topping.
How long is the final baking time after stuffing the squash?
The stuffed squash should bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
Each serving provides 4.5g of fiber.
Is olive oil required for this recipe?
Olive oil is optional and only needed if the sausage does not produce enough drippings for sautéing the vegetables.
How many acorn squashes do I need?
The recipe requires 2 acorn squashes, which are halved to make 4 portions.
What fresh herbs are used for garnishing or stuffing?
Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley are stirred into the stuffing mixture.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 3.75g of sugar per serving.
Should the pecans be whole or chopped?
The pecans should be chopped before being sautéed with the onions and celery.
What should the consistency of the squash be after the first bake?
It should be tender but still holding its shape.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served hot, you can prepare the stuffing and pre-bake the squash in advance.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick due to the 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include stuffed squash, low-carb, atkins-friendly, pork sausage, pecans, apple, fall flavors, and comfort food.