Stuffed Butternut Squash with Sausage and Apples

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Italian sausage, spinach, apples, and toasted pumpkin seeds is a fall-inspired weeknight meal that highlights the best of autumn’s produce, featuring winter squash, red and green apples, and toasted pumpkin seeds! It works well as a side or a main dish, and it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.

Stuffed butternut squash with sausage and apples

During Fall, I tend to make lots of stuffed squash recipes, such as this apple stuffed acorn squash and this family-favorite Italian Sausage Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Mushrooms because butternut squash is one of my favorite ingredients! With this recipe, my goal was to create a simple and festive meal that would be fitting for the fall season and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, using basic ingredients yet creating bold flavors. First, I roasted the butternut squash with just olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance its natural sweetness. While it roasted, I prepared the filling using Italian sausage, spinach, toasted pumpkin seeds, and diced Gala and Granny Smith apples. Once the squash was done, I filled it with this delicious blend of savory and sweet ingredients. And just like that, I’ve found a new fall favorite for both me and my husband! We love enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal or pairing it as a side with steaks, pork, or chicken.

Why you’ll love it

• Incredible Flavor. The dish is packed with flavor, featuring a sweet-savory blend of spicy sausage, wilted spinach, and pumpkin seeds that beautifully complement the natural sweetness of the squash. Granny Smith and Fuji or Gala apples add just the right amount of extra sweetness.
• Beautiful Presentation. The vibrant orange color of the stuffed butternut squash always makes it an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but also stunning enough to serve at gatherings and parties.
• Perfect for Holidays. This recipe uses seasonal flavors and ingredients and will make a wonderful addition to your fall and winter holiday menu for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Ingredients

• Butternut Squash. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very nutritious. It’s rich in dietary fiber, and a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E, along with minerals like magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
• Sausage: I used spicy crumbled Italian sausage.
• Onion. I caramelize chopped onion lightly at the beginning. You can use sweet, yellow, or white onions.
• Spinach. I used fresh spinach, but you can also use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or kale.
• Seeds. Pumpkin seeds add crunch and texture, but sunflower seeds or nuts like pecans or walnuts can be used as alternatives.
• Apples. Fresh apples provide natural sweetness and texture. Choose firm apples for better presentation, using a mix of colors (green Granny Smith and red Gala, Fuji, or Honey Crisp). Do not peel the apples for a better look!
• Olive Oil. Used for brushing the squash before roasting.
• Seasonings. Just salt and freshly ground black pepper are needed.

Instructions

Here’s a visual overview of the directions with step-by-step photos. For the specific ingredient quantities and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card.

Roast the Butternut Squash:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise, being careful to keep your fingers clear of the knife. Scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh using a spoon. Place the squash cut sides up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Flip the halves so the cut sides are down, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes.

Make the Sausage and Apple Filling:

While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes, then add the crumbled sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, then add the diced apples and cook for a few more minutes until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.

Prepare the squash for stuffing:

Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven and turn the halves cut side up. Let them cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1-inch border. See the photos below for reference:

Assembly:

Mix the scooped squash back into the filling, then reheat the mixture in the skillet. Stuff the squash halves with the sausage filling until leveled or slightly heaped. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and serve.

Cooking tips

• Choose firm apples. Select apples with a firm texture to prevent them from becoming mushy when cooked with the sausage (and then stored and reheated). I recommend using two colors—green and red—for better presentation. I used one Granny Smith and one red apple, both unpeeled.
• Use your favorite greens. You can substitute spinach with kale or other greens.
• Caramelization tip. Roast the squash on the lowest rack in the oven if you like the darker caramelization look along the edges of the butternut squash.
• For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Save time by preparing the sausage filling while the squash is roasting in the oven.

Storage and reheating tips

• Refrigerate. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze. This dish can be easily frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. It freezes well – so it’s a great recipe for meal prep and make-ahead meals.
• Reheat in the oven. To reheat, place the refrigerated squash in a preheated oven at 350°F and heat for about 30 minutes or until all ingredients are warmed through.

What to serve with it

Serve stuffed roasted butternut squash alongside a Fall salad—I have quite a few salad recipes featuring seasonal ingredients to choose from:

• The Best Apple Spinach Salad
• Holiday Salad with Pecans, Mandarin Oranges, Pomegranate, and Dried Cranberries
• Pear Spinach Salad
• Apple Spinach Salad with Pecans, Goat, Cheese, and Maple-Lime Dressing

Other stuffed butternut squash recipes to try

• Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese
• Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Pecans, and Cranberries
• Southwestern Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Roasted Butternut Squash stuffed with Corn, Zucchini, Parmesan, and Cream Cheese
• Butternut Squash with Spinach and Mushroom Cheese Mixture

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