Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash Delight
Indulge in this delightful Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners. Each acorn squash half is lovingly filled with a seasoned blend of sweet Italian sausage, nutty pecans, and sweet raisins, combined with tender onions, celery, and earthy thyme. Baked to golden perfection, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also presents beautifully on any dinner table. It's an impressive meal that's sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
6
Servings
367
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
3 (halved and seeded)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
sweet Italian sausage
1 lb (removed from casing)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
egg
1 (beaten)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for binding)
raisins
1/2 cup (for sweetness)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (for crunch)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the acorn squash by halving them and removing the seeds. Place the squash halves cut side down in a baking dish. Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the dish to help steam the squash while baking.
3
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender.
4
While the squash is baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until they are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
5
Stir in the sweet Italian sausage and thyme, breaking the sausage apart with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, around 7-10 minutes.
6
Once the squash has cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and scoop the pulp out from the rinds, being cautious not to tear the skin. Place the pulp in a large mixing bowl and mash it with a potato masher.
7
Combine the mashed squash pulp with the cooked sausage mixture, beaten egg, dry breadcrumbs, raisins, and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined.
8
Scoop the stuffing mixture back into the reserved squash rinds, pressing gently to pack it in.
9
Arrange the stuffed squash in the baking dish and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
10
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting and tasty dish!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
28g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash Delight?
It is a fall-inspired dish featuring acorn squash halves filled with a blend of sweet Italian sausage, pecans, raisins, onions, celery, and thyme.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the acorn squash bake initially?
The squash halves bake for 40 minutes or until the flesh is fork-tender.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 367 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 17g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 28g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat does each serving contain?
Each serving contains 23g of fat.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients.
What type of sausage is recommended?
Sweet Italian sausage removed from its casing is used.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, while the recipe calls for chopped pecans, you can substitute other nuts for crunch.
How do I prepare the squash for baking?
Halve the squash and remove the seeds before placing them cut side down in a dish.
Why is water added to the baking dish?
About 1/2 inch of water is added to help steam the squash while it bakes.
What vegetables are sautéed for the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion and celery.
How long should the sausage and vegetables cook together?
The sausage should be cooked until browned, which takes about 7-10 minutes.
What acts as the binder for the stuffing?
A beaten egg and 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs are used to bind the stuffing mixture.
Is there a sweet element in the stuffing?
Yes, raisins are included to provide a touch of sweetness.
What herb is used for seasoning?
Dried thyme is used for its earthy flavor.
Do I use the squash pulp in the filling?
Yes, the pulp is scooped out after baking, mashed, and then mixed with the other ingredients.
How long is the final bake once the squash is stuffed?
The stuffed squash is baked for an additional 25 minutes.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables.
What is the preparation method for the onion and celery?
Both should be chopped and sautéed in olive oil until tender.
How should I scoop the pulp to avoid ruining the dish?
Be cautious not to tear the skin/rind while scooping out the cooked pulp.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and a perfect dish for fall gatherings.
What should the final texture of the stuffing be?
It should be well combined, packed gently into the rinds, and heated through until golden.
Can I use spicy sausage instead?
Yes, spicy Italian sausage can be used if you prefer a bit of heat.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food and a nutritious vegetable dish.
What is the total estimated baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 65 minutes (40 initially plus 25 after stuffing).
How should the dish be served?
It should be served warm for the best taste and presentation.