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Ultimate Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash {Paleo, Whole30}

This roasted acorn squash is stuffed to the max with absolutely everything you’re craving! Savory sausage, veggies, and herbs with sweet apples and raisins make this the ultimate stuffed roasted acorn squash this season! Paleo, dairy-free, and Whole30 compliant.
Author: Michele Rosen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dinner, Holiday Side Dish, Lunch
Cuisine: Paleo, Whole30
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 3 acorn squash small/med*
  • 2 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 casings removed if necessary, sugar-free for Whole30
  • 4 oz mushrooms any kind, chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 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 raisins organic, or dried cranberries
(fruit-sweetened for Whole30)
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  1. First, roast the squash. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut each squash open, lengthwise, the scoop out the seeds/strings with a spoon, leaving a “bowl” in the center.
  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.
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.
  4. While the squash roasts, prepare the stuffing. Heat a 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 and toasty, remove from heat and transfer to a plate, leaving fat in the skillet.
  5. Return skillet to medium heat and add the onions, celery, and mushrooms sprinkle lightly with salt. Stir while cooking to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
  6. Add the apples, fresh herbs, and salt and pepper to taste, stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow apples to soften.
  7. Now add the raisins or cranberries and browned sausage back to the skillet, lower heat to med/low and continue to cook another 2 minutes to blend flavors.
  8. 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, filling them evenly.
  9. Once filled, set your broiler to hi and broil until tops of stuffing and squash are nicely browned, 5 minutes or so.  Garnish with fresh minced parsley, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

*You can also use butternut or delicata squash if you prefer.

**Use 1 tsp each if using dried herbs.

***You can make the stuffing and roast the squash ahead of time, then simply fill and broil at the last minute for a quick meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 54mg
Sodium: 64mg
Potassium: 1192mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 940IU
Vitamin C: 30.4mg
Calcium: 107mg
Iron: 2.8mg