Skip to Content

Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash – Sweet acorn squash stuffed with spicy Italian sausage, quinoa, sweet dried cranberries and walnuts.  A perfect fall dinner that can be even be made ahead of time!

Instead of using rice in this stuffed acorn squash, I switch things up and used quinoa. It turns out to be the perfect fluffy (and healthy) grain for this recipe. Then to add some spice and extra protein, I included Italian sausage. 

With the final addition of walnuts, cranberries, and cheese, this recipe is like an edible fall cornucopia. It’s overflowing with wonderful textures and autumn flavors. 

Now, this recipe is a meal unto itself. But on a chilly night, you can make a seriously hearty spread by serving it with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with balsamic dressing. Along with a Roasted Squash and Goat Cheese Salad, you’ll feel warm, cozy, and satiated.

Why This Recipe Works

  • It’s protein packed. With quinoa, sausage, and walnuts, this dish is loaded with nutrition. 
  • It’s comforting. Starchy squash, a hearty sausage, and cheese fill you up and warm your bones.
  • A perfect balance of savory and sweet. From the spicy, savory sausage to the sweet squash and tart cranberries, your taste buds will be dancing.
  • Easy to make ahead of time. Roast and fill the squash a day in advance, then bake it when you’re ready for an easy dinner.

What You’ll Need

  • Acorn squash  – Buttery, sweet acorn squash is the perfect base for this recipe.
  • Italian sausage – Spicy Italian sausage adds a hearty texture and bold flavor.
  • Quinoa – Light, fluffy quinoa packs in extra nutrition.
  • Toasted walnuts – These roasted nuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty taste.
  • Dried cranberries – Tart, sweet cranberries give a nice flavor contrast to the savory ingredients. They also add color and a pleasing chewy texture.
  • Parmesan cheese – That sharp parmesan flavor makes every recipe better.
  • Mozzarella cheese – Melty mozzarella adds a creamy richness that takes it over the top. 
  • Thyme – This warming herb gives a touch of home-cooked flavor.
  • Sage – Sage offers a hearty, savory herbal flavor. 
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic adds savory, garlicky goodness to the Italian sausage.
  • Onion – Onion creates a strong base of savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
  • Olive oil – Olive oil seeps into the squash as it roasts, making it extra soft, rich, and delicious.
Quinoa & Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash {Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts}

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a hard squash shaped much like its namesake, the acorn. They’re usually green in color with an orange or yellowish blush. Like any other hard squash, you’ll need to cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before using it.

How To Make Stuffed Acorn Squash

  1. Prepare the squash – Drizzle olive oil over the inside of each half of the acorn squash. Then sprinkle it with salt and pepper. 
  2. Roast the squash – Place the acorn squash cut side up on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes at 350°F until just tender. 
  3. Cook the Italian Sausage – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage with the onions. Break the sausage apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. 
  4. Mix the filling – In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, sausage mixture, walnuts, cranberries, spices, and Parmesan. Mix until fully combined.
  5. Fill the squash – Fill each half of the cooked squash with the quinoa mixture and top with mozzarella cheese. 
  6. Bake – Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted.
Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash - Sweet acorn squash stuffed with spicy Italian sausage, quinoa, sweet dried cranberries and walnuts. A perfect fall dinner that can be even be made ahead of time!

Recipe Tips

  • To make this ahead of time, prepare the recipe but stop just before topping it with mozzarella. Then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until heated through. Then top with mozzarella and melt in the oven before serving.
  • Hang on to the acorn squash seeds if you like roasted pumpkin seeds! Toss them in a light amount of olive oil and season to taste before roasting. Yum! 
  • For something different, try switching out the cheeses. Sprinkle the top with cotija, pepper jack cheese, or sharp cheddar.
  • Don’t like dried fruit in your dinner? Feel free to omit the cranberries.
How many people does one acorn squash serve?

One acorn squash will feed two people. If you’re expecting guests, plan for each person to have one-half of a squash.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of Stuffed Acorn Squash?

To store your leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, eat them within 3-4 days for the best taste.

Can I use something other than quinoa?

Yes! You could use cooked brown or white rice if you don’t have quinoa. Barley, farro, or even kasha (toasted buckwheat) are also excellent alternatives.

stuffed acorn squash topped with cheese for pinterest

How To Serve Stuffed Acorn Squash

More Comforting Fall Dinner Recipes

Yield: 4

Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa & Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash {Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts}

Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash - Sweet acorn squash stuffed with spicy Italian sausage, quinoa, sweet dried cranberries and walnuts. A perfect fall dinner that can be even be made ahead of time!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 12 oz Italian sausage
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the inside of the halved squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 45 minutes, or until just tender.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add Italian sausage and onions to the pan. Break apart sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl combine cooked quinoa, sausage mixture, walnuts, dried cranberries, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
  5. Spoon quinoa mixture into the cooked halves of squash. Top with Mozzarella cheese.
  6. Return to oven and bake until the cheese is melted.

Notes

Adapted from Cooking Light

To made ahead: Prepare recipe until you top with Mozzarella cheese. Cover and refrigerate. When ready, heat at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated through. Top with cheese to melt and serve.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

4 Servings

Amount Per Serving Calories 678Total Fat 38gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 61mgSodium 1435mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 10gSugar 15gProtein 28g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a picture on social media!

I created a fun group on Facebook,and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU make!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you
never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram 

Did you know there is a Dinners,
Dishes, and Desserts SHOP
? Lots of different E-Books for sale. Or you can buy me a
coffee
to say thanks!

.

Erin S
Follow me
Latest posts by Erin S (see all)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Michelle @ Blackberry Babe

Sunday 15th of November 2015

This looks so yummy! How fun would this be if everyone got their own for Thanksgiving?

Justine | Cooking and Beer

Sunday 15th of November 2015

Ohhhh yummmmm! I hate how acorn squash sometimes plays second fiddle to butternut. It's definitely my favorite, and that filling looks amazing! Pinning!

Renee - Kudos Kitchen

Sunday 15th of November 2015

This looks like a wonderful recipe for stuffed acorn squash. Love that you've added sausage and cheese. That's a winning stuffing for almost anything!

Simon

Sunday 15th of November 2015

Never tought about stuffing a squash with quinoa! Good idea! Thanks for inspiration!

Joanie@ZagLeft

Saturday 14th of November 2015

So many great flavors in this recipe - I love this idea!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe