Baked Butternut Squash Stuffed With Apples And Sausage Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Butternut Squash Stuffed With Apples And Sausage

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
• Vegetable Oil
• Bulk Sausage
• Apples
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• Ground Sage
• Salt And Pepper

How to Make Baked Butternut Squash Stuffed With Apples And Sausage

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly oil a large baking dish.
3. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
4. Arrange squash halves, cut-side up, in the prepared baking dish.
5. Brush the squash lightly with olive oil and cover the baking dish with foil.
6. Bake until the squash is almost tender, about 30-40 minutes.
7. Leave the oven on.
8. Meanwhile, crumble 1 pound of sausage into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
9. Add 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced, to the skillet.
10. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
12. Scoop out the cooked squash flesh, leaving about 3/8 inch thick shells.
13. Lightly mix the cooked squash pulp into the sausage and apple mixture, breaking up the squash as little as possible.
14. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
15. Stir this mixture into the sausage and squash mixture.
16. Pile the stuffing generously into the squash shells.
17. Dot the top of each stuffed squash half with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with a little extra brown sugar.
18. Bake uncovered until the stuffing is piping hot, the squash is tender, and the topping is nicely browned and crusty, about 20-25 minutes.
19. Let cool for several minutes before serving.