Sausage Butternut Squash

Imagine the savory aroma of roasted Sausage Butternut Squash filling your kitchen – a harmonious blend of sweet, caramelized squash chunks and perfectly seasoned sausage creating an irresistible fall comfort dish. This Sausage Butternut Squash recipe combines tender, golden squash with flavorful sausage and crisp Brussels sprouts for a meal that balances wholesome vegetables with satisfying protein. The contrasting textures and complementary flavors make this dish special enough for a holiday table yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. You’ll learn how to perfectly roast butternut squash, pair it with the ideal sausage variety, and create a meal that celebrates autumn’s best flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sausage Butternut Squash recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation for so many reasons. The natural sweetness of butternut squash develops beautifully during roasting, creating caramelized edges that contrast wonderfully with the savory, slightly spicy notes from the sausage. Every bite offers an exciting texture variation – from the tender, melt-in-your-mouth squash to the hearty sausage and the slight crispness of roasted Brussels sprouts.

What makes this butternut squash sausage combination particularly appealing is its versatility. It works beautifully as a complete one-pan meal, a holiday side dish, or a meal prep option that tastes even better the next day. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, offering a perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein.

The visual appeal can’t be overlooked either – the vibrant orange squash, deep green Brussels sprouts, and rich brown sausage create a feast for the eyes before you even take your first bite. Best of all, this impressive dish comes together with minimal effort, making it accessible even on busy weeknights.

Ingredients List for the Sausage Butternut Squash

This Sausage Butternut Squash recipe brings together seasonal vegetables and savory protein in perfect harmony. The butternut squash provides a naturally sweet base, while the Brussels sprouts add earthy depth and the sausage delivers rich, satisfying flavor. Each ingredient has been carefully selected to create balanced flavors and complementary textures.

• 3 cups butternut squash (peeled, seeded, cubed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 12 oz Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz cooked sausage (such as cajun sausage, andouille sausage, or smoked sausage)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Smoked paprika (to taste)
• Fresh thyme (to taste)

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Sausage Butternut Squash dish requires attention to a few key techniques that elevate the final result from good to exceptional:

First, don’t rush the squash preparation. Properly peeling and cubing butternut squash is crucial for even cooking. Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove all the skin, then cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before cutting into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistent cube size ensures all pieces cook at the same rate and prevents some from burning while others remain undercooked.

Second, give your vegetables space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding causes steam to build up, resulting in soggy vegetables instead of the desired caramelization. Use two baking sheets if necessary – the extra cleanup is worth the improved texture and flavor.

Finally, consider the sausage timing. If using pre-cooked sausage as the recipe suggests, add it during the last 15 minutes of roasting to prevent it from drying out while still allowing it to impart flavor to the vegetables. For raw sausage, brown it separately before combining with the roasted vegetables to ensure proper cooking temperature and to drain excess fat.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 F. Make sure the butternut squash is peeled, seeded, and cubed. Here is a very detailed recipe on how to peel, seed, cube, and roast butternut squash.

Step 2: In a large bowl, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Spread the squash on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in one layer, without overcrowding.

Step 4: Roast on the middle rack in the preheated oven at 400 F for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 5: You can roast Brussels sprouts on the same baking sheet (if large enough) and at the same time as butternut squash.

Step 6: Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and cut them in half (or quarter them if they are large).

Step 7: In a separate bowl, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 8: Spread Brussels sprouts on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in one layer, without overcrowding.

Step 9: Roast in the preheated oven at 400 F for about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 10: Slice the cooked sausage into coin-shaped pieces about ¼-inch thick.

Step 11: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is slightly browned.

Step 12: Add roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts to the skillet with sausage. Gently stir to combine.

Step 13: Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 14: Serve warm as a main dish or side, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.

Variations

The versatility of Sausage Butternut Squash means it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious core flavors. Here are some popular variations:

For a vegetarian butternut sausage alternative, replace the traditional sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra protein with chickpeas or white beans. The beans will absorb the aromatic seasonings and provide a satisfying texture alongside the roasted vegetables.

Create a spicier version by using hot Italian sausage and adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix before roasting. This heat perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and creates a warming dish ideal for cold weather.

For a Mediterranean twist, use Italian sausage and add cubed eggplant and cherry tomatoes to the vegetable mix. Finish the dish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil. This variation creates a completely different flavor profile while maintaining the easy one-pan cooking method that makes the original recipe so appealing.

Storage and Serving

Sausage Butternut Squash stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal preparation. Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making next-day leftovers particularly delicious. For longer storage, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months – simply portion into freezer-safe containers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat until steaming hot.

For serving, this versatile dish works beautifully in multiple presentations. Serve it as a complete meal on its own for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. For a more substantial meal, spoon it over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro for added whole grains and a delightful textural contrast.

Create an impressive holiday side dish by transferring the Sausage Butternut Squash to a beautiful serving dish and garnishing with additional fresh herbs and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. The dish’s vibrant colors make it as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for special occasions.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well as a time-saving alternative. Thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before roasting to remove excess moisture. You may need to reduce the roasting time by about 5-7 minutes since frozen squash is typically pre-blanched.

What’s the best type of sausage to use with butternut squash?
Andouille or smoked sausage provides excellent flavor contrast with the sweet squash. However, Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), chorizo, or even chicken apple sausage all work beautifully. Choose based on your preferred spice level and flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Roast the vegetables and cook the sausage up to 2 days in advance, store separately in the refrigerator, then combine and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes before serving.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or add 1-2 cups of cooked chickpeas or white beans tossed with smoked paprika and olive oil to maintain the protein element and savory flavor.

What if my butternut squash is hard to cut?
Microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the skin before peeling and cutting. Always use a very sharp knife and create a flat surface by cutting off the bottom of the squash first to provide stability while cutting.

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