Description

A festive and cozy main course featuring a hollowed-out sugar pumpkin filled with savory, cheesy sausage stuffing. This rustic dish is impressive yet easy to make, perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Sugar Pumpkin or Pie Pumpkin (3–4 pounds)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups dry bread cubes (sourdough or French bread)
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage and thyme, chopped)
Optional: 1/2 apple, diced
Extra shredded cheese for topping
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the pumpkin and cut off the top to create a lid. Scoop out seeds and pulp, then pat dry.
If the pumpkin is hard to cut, microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften. Brush the inside with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
Place pumpkin upright in a baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the dish. Roast for 45-60 minutes until tender. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
While pumpkin roasts, cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened (5 minutes). Add garlic and fresh herbs; cook for 1 minute.
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, cheddar cheese, and optional diced apple.
Pour in chicken broth and toss until bread is moistened. Adjust seasoning.
Stuff the mixture into the roasted pumpkin. Sprinkle with extra cheese.
Return to oven and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until stuffing is heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use sugar or pie pumpkins, not carving pumpkins, as they are sweeter and have a better texture. If the pumpkin browns too quickly during roasting, cover loosely with foil. Leftover pumpkin flesh can be blended into soup. Do not freeze leftovers as the texture may become mushy.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 85 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 6
Protein: 18

Keywords: pumpkin recipe, sausage stuffing, fall dinner, holiday meal, cheesy stuffing, sugar pumpkin, autumn cooking, dinner party ideas