Butternut Squash Stuffing Recipe

Butternut Squash Stuffing is the autumn-inspired side dish that never fails to impress—golden cubes of squash, toasty bread, savory sausage, tons of herbs, and buttery pecans all baked together in glorious harmony. This twist on classic stuffing brings a pop of color and a naturally sweet nuttiness that makes every bite unforgettable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of essential ingredients to create magic! Every one of them brings something special—from sweet butternut squash and savory sausage to rustic bread and fresh herbs—that transforms this stuffing into a real celebration of flavors and textures.

• Butternut Squash (about 4 cups, cubed): The star! It roasts up sweet and golden, adding beautiful color and a mellow, earthy sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Just enough for roasting the squash and sautéing, letting all the rich flavors shine through.
• Red Onion (1 cup, chopped): Offers subtle sweetness and color that plays perfectly with the butternut squash.
• Bread Cubes (10 cups, dried): Choose a hearty, rustic loaf for the best texture—dried bread soaks in all that delicious flavor without turning soggy.
• Pecans (3/4 cup, chopped): Bring a buttery crunch and depth that elevates classic stuffing.
• Eggs (2, beaten): Bind everything together for that perfect, tender scoopability—no crumbling apart at the table!
• Butter (1/2 cup, melted): A little richness goes a long way, lending the stuffing a golden, indulgent finish.
• Salt & Pepper (1/4 teaspoon each): Season simply and let those fresh, earthy ingredients shine.
• Fresh Sage (1/4 cup, finely chopped): The secret ingredient for deep, cozy flavor—don’t skip it!
• Chicken Broth (2 1/2 cups): Moistens the bread, infuses the whole dish with savory goodness, and helps meld all the flavors together.
• Fresh Thyme (1 tablespoon, for garnish): A sprinkle before serving wakes everything up with vibrant, herbal brightness.
• Sausage (removed from casing): Lends irresistible, savory flavor and heartiness to your stuffing. (Not in ingredient list header, but appears in instructions!)

Variations

Butternut Squash Stuffing is nothing if not versatile. Feel free to play—this recipe is endlessly adaptable, whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary reasons or simply put your own signature spin on it!

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth; bulk it up with extra pecans or add sautéed mushrooms for delicious umami depth.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread—it toasts up just as beautifully, soaking in all those classic flavors, for a safe and scrumptious table option.
• Fruit & Nut Add-In: Toss in a handful of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots along with the pecans for a sweet-tart pop.
• Alternative Herbs: Swap or add in fresh rosemary, parsley, or chives for a customized herbal note.
• Cheesy Finish: Stir in a handful of grated parmesan or crumble goat cheese on top before baking for an even richer bite.

How to Make Butternut Squash Stuffing

Step 1: Soften & Prep the Squash

Poke a few holes in your butternut squash and give it a quick zap in the microwave—or a short stint in a hot oven—to make peeling and cutting a breeze. Let it cool while you work on the other ingredients, then slip off the skin, scoop out the seeds, and dice into hearty cubes.

Step 2: Sauté Sausage and Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, then add sausage (out of its casing) and chopped red onion. Break up the sausage and cook, tossing occasionally, until it’s browned and just cooked through—your kitchen is going to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 3: Roast the Squash & Toast the Bread

Spread the cubed squash out on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and toss. Meanwhile, on another sheet, lay out your bread cubes. Roast both at the same time—bread just until golden and crisp (about 10 minutes), squash until it’s fork-tender and lightly caramelized (20–30 minutes). Remember to give them both a good toss halfway through!

Step 4: Toss & Moisten

In a big mixing bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes and gorgeous roasted squash. Add the sausage-onion mixture, beaten eggs, melted butter, chopped pecans, salt, pepper, and fresh sage. Pour in the chicken broth gradually—you want everything moistened but not soggy—so err on the less-is-more side and add a splash more only if your bread needs it.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Tip the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, until heated through with a golden, slightly crisp top. Before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh thyme—your Butternut Squash Stuffing is ready to wow your crowd!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Stuffing

Garnishes

This stuffing begs for a final flourish—think a shower of fresh thyme leaves or extra chopped sage right before serving. For a truly decadent look, scatter a few whole toasted pecans or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for festive sparkle and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair Butternut Squash Stuffing with roast turkey or chicken for classic holiday flair, or alongside pork tenderloin, glazed ham, or vegetarian mains for an instantly well-rounded meal. Don’t forget a bright green—like garlicky sautéed beans or Brussels sprouts—for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your stuffing into a rustic baking dish for homey charm, or bake individual servings in ramekins for perfect portions. For a real “wow,” stuff roasted acorn squash halves or peppers and bake them for an edible vessel bursting with color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Butternut Squash Stuffing cool to room temperature, then pack it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days—it reheats like a dream for quick meals or midnight snacking!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap stuffing tightly in foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm stuffing in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through (add a few splashes of broth if it’s looking dry). For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just top with a pat of butter to bring everything back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, colorful, and utterly delicious for your holiday table, Butternut Squash Stuffing will be your new go-to. Loaded with cozy, vibrant flavors and hearty enough to steal the show, this is a recipe that belongs in everyone’s autumn celebration. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love at first bite!

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