Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage Apples and Cranberries {Paleo, Whole30}

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage Apples and Cranberries {Paleo, Whole30}

from paleorunningmomma.com

This Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash is filled with all your favorites - sausage, apples, cranberries, onions, celery 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 small/med acorn squash
  • 1 tsp organic coconut oil (or ghee, plus sea salt, for roasting)
  • 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (or ghee, plus more, if needed)
  • 1 lb pork sausage (bulk, sugar-free for Whole30)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small apple (diced (pink lady is my favorite for cooking))
  • 1 Tbsp fresh sage leaves (minced**)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves (minced**)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (minced**)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries (fruit-sweetened for Whole30)
  • 1/3 cup raw pecans (chopped, toasted prior to adding, if desired)
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish (if desired)

Directions

  1. 1

    First, roast the squash. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Cut each squash open, lengthwise, the scoop out the seeds/strings with a spoon, leaving a “bowl” in the center.

  3. 3

    Brush the top of each squash half with melted coconut oil (or ghee) and sprinkle lightly with sea salt, then place face down on prepared baking sheet, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until top of the squash feels soft when you press on it.

  4. 4

    Roasting time will vary depending on the size of your squash. You can remove, check for doneness (it should be soft enough to eat) and return the the oven for a few more minutes if necessary.

  5. 5

    While the squash roasts, prepare the stuffing. Heat a med/large skillet over med-hi heat and add a Tbsp coconut oil or ghee to melt. Add your sausage, breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon to evenly brown. Once browned, remove from heat and transfer to a plate, leaving fat in the skillet.

  6. 6

    Return skillet to medium heat and add the onions and celery, stirring while cooking to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring to avoid browning.

  7. 7

    Add the diced apples, fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste, stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow apples to soften.

  8. 8

    Then add the cranberries, pecans, plus browned sausage back to the skillet, lower heat to med/low and continue to cook another 2 minutes to blend flavors.

  9. 9

    Once ready to stuff the squash, preheat your broiler and arrange the 4 squash halves face-up on the baking sheet. Scoop the stuffing mixture into each one, adding as much as you want to each. You might have leftover stuffing depending on how large your squash are and how much you fill them.

  10. 10

    Once filled, place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil until tops of stuffing and squash are nicely browned, 5 minutes or so.  Garnish with fresh minced parsley, serve and enjoy!