Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash {Paleo, Whole30}

Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash {Paleo, Whole30}

8 servings
This Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash is filled with all your favorites – sausage, apples, cranberries, onions and garlic, kale, pecans and savory herbs. The stuffing is packed with savory/sweet flavors and the perfect addition to a holiday gathering, or for any meal!  Paleo, gluten free, Whole30 compliant.

Ingredients

  • 2 med/large butternut squash
  • 3 Tbsp avocado oil

    or olive oil, divided

  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 lb Bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion

    diced

  • 3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1 Tbsp fresh sage leaves

    minced**

  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves

    minced**

  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves

    minced**

  • 3 cups kale

    chopped

  • 1 medium apple)

    chopped (honeycrisp or pink lady

  • 1 cup pecans

    chopped

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

    apple juice sweetened

  • Sea salt and black pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Cut open each butternut squash lengthwise so you have 4 long halves. Scoop out the seeds and strings, then drizzle with 2 Tbsp of the oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt and pepper. Place face down on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until softened. Pressing the top of the squash will give you a sense of how soft it is without having to remove it from the oven.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Crumble the sausage into the skillet and cook until about 3/4 of the way done. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add in the fresh herbs (or dried, if using) and continue to cook for another minute.

  4. 4

    Add in the kale, apples, and pecans and cook, stirring to combine flavors, for another minute or two until just softened. Remove from heat, stir in the cranberries, and season the mixture to taste with sea salt and black pepper.

  5. 5

    Once the squash is done, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes, then use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 3/4” border around the sides and bottom. You can save the squash for another use, or even freeze it to keep longer.

  6. 6

    Spoon the sausage mixture into the squash generously to use all of it up. Once filled, place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil until the top of the stuffing and squash are golden brown, 2-4 minutes or so.  Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!

Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash {Paleo, Whole30}

Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash {Paleo, Whole30}

4.7(286)8 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 286 ratings

paleorunningmomma.com
4.7(286 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dish that's both comforting and compliant with your dietary goals? This Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash delivers on all fronts, perfect for a special occasion or a hearty weeknight meal. It's naturally Paleo and Whole30 friendly, making it a delicious option for a range of dietary needs.

What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious blend of savory Italian sausage with the unexpected sweetness of crisp apples and apple juice-sweetened cranberries. These flavors are all beautifully balanced by fragrant fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, creating a stuffing that's both complex and incredibly satisfying. The hearty pecans add a delightful textural contrast.

When you dive into this dish, you'll be treated to tender, roasted butternut squash halves, overflowing with a richly flavored stuffing. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the robust, herby Italian sausage, the sweet bursts of chopped apple and cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, all mingled with softened onions, garlic, and vibrant kale. It’s a complete and satisfying meal, designed to impress your family or guests without being overly complicated to prepare.

While this recipe shines as written, feel free to experiment to suit your palate or pantry. You could easily swap the Italian sausage for a leaner ground turkey or chicken sausage if preferred. Not a fan of pecans? Chopped walnuts or even a mix of toasted pumpkin seeds could provide a similar satisfying crunch. For an extra earthy note, consider adding chopped mushrooms to the stuffing alongside the kale, or use different seasonal hard apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for varied sweetness.

This elegant stuffed butternut squash is ideal for a festive holiday gathering, a special Sunday dinner, or as a comforting main course any time you want a wholesome, flavorful meal. It's truly a complete dish, requiring no complex side pairings.

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