Hearty Stuffed Acorn Squash with Savory Sausage, Kale, and Crunchy Walnuts: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food
Welcome the vibrant flavors of autumn into your kitchen with this incredibly delicious Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe. Bursting with hearty ingredients like savory Italian sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and crunchy Fisher walnuts, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party, a cozy family gathering, or simply looking for healthy and satisfying meal prep options, this recipe promises to impress with its rich flavors and appealing presentation.
This post is proudly sponsored by Fisher Nuts, a brand committed to providing fresh, quality ingredients for your culinary adventures.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, my kitchen inevitably fills with the bounty of fall produce. Every time I wander through the seasonal squash display at the grocery store, I find myself drawn to the diverse shapes and colors, compelled to pick up a few of each variety. Just a couple of weeks ago, before I finally brought this delightful Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe to life, my counter was adorned with an impressive collection: a family of acorn squash, delicate delicata squash, and the ever-reliable spaghetti squash. It’s a true blessing that these autumnal gems boast a commendable shelf life, as I’ve been more of a “collector” than a “cooker” lately, allowing them ample time to mature before their grand baking debut.
However, my vision for the acorn squash was crystal clear from the moment they arrived home. I’ve had the pleasure of preparing Stuffed Acorn Squash before, and it remains a cherished favorite. The beauty of acorn squash lies not only in its naturally sweet, nutty flavor but also in its perfect bowl-like shape, making it an ideal vessel for a savory filling. This particular stuffing blend is a culinary masterpiece in itself, featuring crumbled Italian chicken sausage, vibrant kale, crisp Fisher walnuts, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The combination is deceptively simple, yet incredibly flavorful, especially when you scoop up a bite where the sweet, tender squash perfectly complements the rich, savory filling. The pairing of sausage and kale is a classic for a reason – a match truly made in culinary heaven. But the addition of crunchy walnuts elevates this dish to an entirely new level. As someone who is very texture-driven, I absolutely adore the delightful crunch and earthy, nutty flavor that the walnuts contribute, providing a fantastic contrast to the softer elements of the dish.
The preparation of this impressive dish is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. My process begins with roasting the acorn squash in the oven, which not only softens the flesh but also deepens its natural sweetness, while simultaneously cooking the flavorful stuffing on the stovetop. This parallel cooking method ensures efficiency and helps bring dinner to the table quicker. A fantastic time-saving tip for busy individuals or entertainers is to roast the squash halves ahead of time. Once roasted and cooled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days until you’re ready to assemble and bake the entire meal, drastically cutting down on day-of preparation time.
This stuffed acorn squash recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily become the star of various dining occasions. It serves as a hearty and complete dinner for your family on a weeknight, or it can be a show-stopping centerpiece for easy entertaining throughout the upcoming holiday season. Its beautiful presentation, with vibrant colors and a rustic charm, is sure to impress your dinner guests, making them feel truly special. For larger gatherings, the recipe can be effortlessly doubled or even tripled, ensuring there’s plenty to go around without compromising on flavor or elegance.
Beyond its appeal for entertaining, this dish also shines as an excellent option for meal prepping. I often prepare a larger batch and portion it out for lunches and dinners throughout the week. During this time of year, our evenings can be quite hectic and unpredictable, so having a delicious, pre-made meal to look forward to on nights when I wasn’t planning on cooking a full family dinner was an absolute godsend. I particularly enjoyed this Stuffed Acorn Squash for lunch two days in a row; it felt like an absolute treat rather than just a quick meal. Reheating is a breeze – just a quick 3 minutes in the microwave and it’s perfectly warm and ready to savor, retaining all its wonderful flavors and textures.
Fascinating Facts & Culinary Tips for Acorn Squash & Walnuts
Delve deeper into the ingredients that make this Stuffed Acorn Squash so special:
- Embrace the Edible Skin of Acorn Squash: Did you know that the skin of acorn squash is perfectly edible? Many people mistakenly believe it needs to be peeled, but when roasted, the skin becomes tender and adds a lovely textural element and extra nutrients. Before roasting, simply ensure there isn’t a heavy coating of wax (common on some produce for preservation) and wash it thoroughly. Once baked, you can confidently dig in and enjoy every part of this nutritious vegetable, simplifying your prep and minimizing waste.
- Walnuts: An Ancient Superfood & Nutritional Powerhouse: It’s truly remarkable to consider that walnuts are the oldest known tree food and one of the most widely consumed nuts in America! Their rich history is matched only by their incredible nutritional profile. I consistently incorporate walnuts into my dishes not only for their delightful crunch and earthy flavor but also because they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart and brain health, and magnesium, vital for various bodily functions. These little powerhouses truly add both taste and significant health benefits to any meal.
- Fisher Nuts: Commitment to Freshness and Quality: When you choose Fisher Nuts, you’re choosing quality and purity. All Fisher Nuts are guaranteed to be fresh out of their shells, preservative-free, and non-GMO. This commitment to natural quality ensures that you’re getting the best possible flavor and nutritional value in every bite. And for added convenience, Fisher Nuts are now readily available on Amazon, making it easier than ever to stock your pantry with these wholesome additions.
If you’re looking for more inspiring and delicious recipes to serve throughout the holiday season or any time you crave comforting flavors, be sure to explore these other fantastic options. Enhance your appetizer spread with these Gingerbread Spiced Nuts, perfect for snacking or gifting, or try the elegant Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. For a refreshing side, the Apple, Celery and Nut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette offers a wonderful balance of crispness and flavor.
Craving More Acorn Squash Inspiration?
If this recipe has sparked your love for acorn squash, you’re in luck! There are many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile winter squash. For a simple yet flavorful side dish, try this Roasted Acorn Squash with Smoked Paprika, which brings a delightful smoky depth. Or, for a heartier meal that utilizes the squash as a foundation, explore the comforting flavors of Roasted Acorn Squash Bolognese.
Print Recipe
Sausage, Kale & Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash
Author: Aggies Kitchen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course, Fall Recipes
Method: Roasting, Baking
This Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is a seasonal delight, packed with a savory, nutrient-rich filling. Tender roasted acorn squash halves are generously stuffed with crumbled Italian chicken or turkey sausage, vibrant fresh kale, and the satisfying crunch of Fisher walnuts, all brought together with a touch of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect dish for healthy meal prep, an impressive main course for entertaining, or a comforting weeknight dinner that celebrates the flavors of autumn.
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash, about 1-1.5 lbs each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb Italian chicken or turkey sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup Fisher Chopped Walnuts
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Prepare the acorn squash: Carefully cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. A sturdy chef’s knife is recommended. Using a spoon, scoop out and discard the seeds and fibrous strands from the center of each half. Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle and lightly brush the inside flesh of each squash half with olive oil, then season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. This step softens the squash and brings out its natural sweetness.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the savory filling on your stovetop. In a large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan, crumble the Italian chicken or turkey sausage (removed from casings) and cook over medium-high heat. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it browns, cooking until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook and stir until the kale has wilted significantly and softened, which should take approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the Fisher Chopped Walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sausage and kale mixture.
- Carefully remove the roasted acorn squash halves from the oven. Evenly spoon the sausage, kale, and walnut mixture into the hollowed-out center of each acorn squash half, mounding it slightly. Top each generously stuffed squash with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden, and the filling is heated through. Serve immediately as a wholesome and satisfying main course.
This is my 5th year working with Fisher Nuts, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue this partnership. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Aggie’s Kitchen possible and allow me to share these delicious recipes with you.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher. The opinions and text are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine love for quality ingredients and flavorful cooking.