This stuffed acorn squash screams fall. Oven roasted acorn squash, stuffed with Italian sausage, apples, sage, and topped with crunchy parmesan panko. This acorn squash recipe will be on repeat all fall long.

What is acorn squash?

What is acorn squash? Acorn squash is well known for, ya know, looking like a giant acorn! Even though acorn squash technically belongs to the summer squash family, it is most typically grouped with the winter squashes. It can be prepared sweet or savory, I decided to go the savory route this time.

Prepping the acorn squash

How-to cut acorn squash: Due to the hard skin on an acorn squash, I recommend using a large and sharp chef’s knife. I carefully cut it down the middle exposing the mid section with all the seeds. You can cut the acorn squash either way. If you cut it long ways it will retain the acorn shape. I cut the squash horizontally (looks more like a flower) because I find you can stuff more inside.

Acorn squash securing tip: Due to the round shape of the squash, it won’t stand on it’s own. Use your knife to shave a flat surface on the bottom, allowing the acorn squash to stand and be secure while cooking.

Once you have scooped out the seeds, place the squash on a baking sheet. Brush olive oil onto the acorn squash, followed by kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. To ensure the squash is fully cooked through, roast it in the oven for 30 minutes or until just fork tender. The size of the squash can affect cook time, but you don’t want it too soft because it will be going back into the oven with the stuffing.

Acorn squash stuffing

What to stuff acorn squash with? For the acorn squash stuffing, I used mild Italian sausage, diced apples, celery, onion, garlic, fresh thyme and fresh sage.

Cooking squash stuffing

In a dutch oven or sauté pan, first I cooked the Italian sausage through with some olive oil. I add extra olive oil, because I like the flavor that the sausage infuses into the oil and I leave it there to sauté the vegetables. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and leave all the flavorful oil and bits behind.

I sautéd the onion and celery first, to soften. Then I added in the diced apples, garlic, herbs, and some kosher salt/ fresh ground black pepper. Allow all of this to sauté together for a few minutes. Add back in the Italian sausage and mix to combine. This is the perfect time to taste the stuffing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Stuffing the acorn squash

Once the acorn squash is roasted and the stuffing is complete, carefully spoon the stuffing into each squash. I then mixed together Italian panko breadcrumbs with freshly grated parmesan cheese and sprinkled it over the top of the squash.

Place the stuffed acorn squashes into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the parmesan panko breading has toasted on top and the squash is fork tender.

After baking the acorn squash you are left with deliciously roasted acorn squash with the most delicious filling. To eat, use a fork to scoop out the filling and acorn squash. You can discard the squash skin.

The squash is best enjoyed freshly roasted. You can prepare the stuffing in advance, but I recommend freshly roasting the squash for best taste and texture.

Here are some other fall recipes!

• Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs with Polenta
• Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Crumble
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Green Bean Casserole with Fried Shallots
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
• Cast Iron Cornbread

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