The first time I made this Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage Apples and Cranberries Recipe, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could feel so gourmet! The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries tucked into perfectly roasted squash was just pure coziness in every bite.

It’s one of those recipes that fills not only your belly but your home with the warm, inviting smells of fall. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight or to impress guests, it’s a recipe that always delivers. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that comforting taste of autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Having the right ingredients ensures this dish turns out perfect every time.

Acorn squash (2 medium): Choose firm, dark-green squash without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
Sweet Italian sausage (8 ounces): Adds incredible savory flavor and richness.
Apples (1 medium, diced): Use a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavors.
Dried cranberries (¼ cup): These bring a chewy, tangy sweetness to the dish.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds aromatic depth to the stuffing.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): A must-have for savory flavor.
Fresh sage leaves (2 tablespoons, chopped): The earthy note ties all the flavors together.
Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to roast the squash to golden, tender perfection.
Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning the squash and stuffing.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.

Flavorful Variations You Can Try

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some variations to fit your preferences:

Go vegetarian by swapping sausage with a plant-based version or protein-rich chickpeas.
Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, nutty touch.
Make it vegan by using vegan sausage and replacing maple syrup with agave.
Go gluten-free by using certified gluten-free sausage.
Cheesy upgrade with a sprinkle of parmesan or goat cheese before baking for extra creaminess.

Cooking Time

Here’s all the timing info you need to bring this recipe to life:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Simple Tools You’ll Need

These tools will make the recipe a breeze to prepare:

Baking sheet for roasting the squash.
Sharp knife and spoon to cut and scoop the squash.
Skillet for cooking the sausage and sautéing vegetables.
Mixing bowl for combining the stuffing.
Brush to coat the squash with oil for roasting.

How to Make Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage Apples and Cranberries Recipe?

Now, let’s get cooking! This recipe is straightforward and fun to make.

Step 1: Prepping the Squash

Start by slicing the acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, creating a neat cavity for your stuffing. Give each half a generous brush of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pre-roasting the squash enhances its flavor and creates a tender texture, perfect for holding the filling.

Step 2: Roasting the Squash

Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is soft and golden around the edges. This step makes the squash easier to eat and more flavorful for the final dish.

Step 3: Cooking the Sausage

While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Once fully browned and cooked through, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Sautéing the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic, followed by diced apples and fresh sage. Stir everything together and cook until the apples soften slightly. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly.

Step 5: Building the Filling

Combine the cooked sausage, sautéed apple mixture, and dried cranberries in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with maple syrup and gently mix until all the ingredients are well-blended. The filling should smell sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible!

Step 6: Stuffing and Baking the Squash

Generously fill each roasted squash half with the prepared stuffing, packing it in as much as you can. Place them back onto the baking sheet and return to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This final bake deepens the flavors and brings a golden touch to the tops. You can also enjoy similar recipes like the Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash Recipe for more inspiration.

Additional Tips for Perfect Results

Here are some personal tips that make this recipe even better:

Choose the right squash: Look for acorn squash that feels heavy for its size and has a vibrant, even color.
Don’t skip pre-roasting: This step ensures your squash is tender and flavorful before stuffing.
Adjust sweetness carefully: Add maple syrup in small amounts and taste the filling to make sure it isn’t overly sweet.
Keep some texture in the apples to avoid a mushy filling.

How to Serve Stuffed Acorn Squash?

Presentation is everything with this beautiful dish. Place the halves on a serving platter, garnish with extra cranberries or sage leaves, and drizzle lightly with maple syrup if desired. Pair with crusty bread, a fresh green side salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For drinks, apple cider or white wine complements the fall flavors beautifully. For another take on stuffed squash, you might enjoy our Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe, which offers a delightful twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional value per serving:

Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 18g

A balanced and satisfying meal!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep ahead or save leftovers? Here’s how:

Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to two days in advance and store in the fridge. Roast the squash the day you plan to serve to maintain its fresh texture.
Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate stuffed squash in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheating: Warm leftover squash in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover filling separately, but note that the squash itself may soften slightly when thawed.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe?

This stuffed acorn squash recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Here’s why:

Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail this stunning dish.
Seasonally Perfect: It celebrates the best fall ingredients in the tastiest way possible.
Customizable: Endless ways to adapt it to different diets and preferences.
Beautiful Presentation: Impress your guests with its vibrant, autumn-inspired colors.

Once you make this Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Apples, and Cranberries, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Bon appétit! For more lunch ideas, check out our Lunch Recipes to explore a variety of delicious options.