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Stuffed Delicata Squash Recipe 5 Easy Steps for Perfect Savory Sausage Filling

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A quick and easy stuffed delicata squash recipe featuring a savory sausage filling with herbs and a touch of spice, perfect for fall and holiday meals. Naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, this dish is a comforting and crowd-pleasing option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams each), halved and seeded
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet, mild, or spicy)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut each delicata squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon. Drizzle the cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork and golden edges form.
  3. While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the sausage to the skillet, crumble it, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir in fresh sage and parsley, then remove from heat. Mix in Parmesan cheese if desired.
  5. Flip the roasted squash halves cut side up. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each cavity, pressing gently to fit as much filling as possible.
  6. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to meld flavors and warm the filling through.
  7. Let the squash cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

If the squash browns too quickly before tender, loosely cover with foil during roasting. Cook sausage on medium heat to avoid burning garlic. Roasting the squash before stuffing is essential for perfect texture. Removing sausage casings improves texture. Prepare filling ahead to save time. Variations include vegetarian filling with mushrooms and lentils, spicy sausage, or adding cheese and nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed delicata squash, sausage filling, fall recipe, gluten-free, savory squash, easy dinner, roasted squash, healthy comfort food