Name: Roasted Butternut, Sausage & Fennel Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ lb butternut squash; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 lb onions; 2 cups celery; 1½ cups fresh fennel bulb; 1 lb pork sausage log; ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley; 2 tbsp fresh sage; 2 tbsp fresh marjoram; 1¼ lbs bread with crust; 2 eggs; 1½ tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper; 1 cup low-sodium Swanson chicken broth

Get ready to elevate your holiday dinner with this savory Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Fennel Stuffing recipe. This stuffing is an irresistible combination of sweet butternut squash, hearty sausage, and aromatic fennel, all melded together in a delectable dance of flavors. It's a delicious twist that will make this traditional side dish the star of your festive table.

roasted butternut sausage fennel stuffing recipe

Photos of Roasted Butternut, Sausage & Fennel Stuffing Recipe

This recipe calls for fresh fennel bulb, which is a vegetable that might not be a regular staple in your pantry. You should be able to find it in the produce section of your local supermarket. It's a bulbous vegetable with a unique, slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients in this stuffing. Another ingredient you might need to find is fresh marjoram. It's a herb that's often used in Italian and Greek cooking, and it adds a subtle sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy flavor to the stuffing.

Ingredients for the Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Fennel Stuffing

Butternut squash: A nutritious and delicious winter vegetable that will add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to your stuffing.

Unsalted butter: It adds richness and helps to blend all the flavors together.

Onions: They lend a savory depth to the stuffing.

Celery: It adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor to the stuffing.

Fresh fennel bulb: It provides a unique, slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor.

Pork sausage log: This will add a savory and meaty flavor to your stuffing.

Fresh Italian parsley: It adds a fresh and slightly peppery flavor.

Fresh sage: This herb provides a pungent and slightly bitter flavor.

Fresh marjoram: It adds a subtle sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy flavor.

Bread with crust: This will serve as the base of your stuffing and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Eggs: They help bind all the ingredients together.

Fine sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper: These are fundamental seasonings that enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

Low-sodium Swanson chicken broth: It adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor to the stuffing.

One reader, Dougy Mai says:

This roasted butternut squash, sausage, and fennel stuffing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the aroma while cooking is simply delightful. The combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!

Dougy Mai

Techniques Required for Making Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing

How to roast butternut squash: Roast the butternut squash in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 55 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Then transfer it to a large bowl and let it cool.

How to sauté vegetables and sausage: In a heavy large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and fennel, and sauté for 8 minutes. Then add the pork sausage and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a fork, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through. Add the herbs and sauté for an additional minute.

How to prepare the bread: Divide the bread between two rimmed baking sheets and bake until the bread is crusty but not hard, for about 10 to 12 minutes. Then transfer it to a very large bowl and let it cool.

How to assemble the stuffing: In a very large bowl, gently toss the vegetable mixture with the bread.

How to prepare the egg mixture: Whisk the eggs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to blend, then whisk in the chicken broth until combined.

How to bake the stuffing: Transfer the stuffing to a buttered 13x9x2-inch baking dish and bake it uncovered for 60 minutes at 350 degrees F, until it is cooked through and brown and crusty on top. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

How To Make Roasted Butternut, Sausage & Fennel Stuffing

Make something new this Thanksgiving with this unique fennel stuffing recipe. The roasted butternut squash and sausage were made more flavorful with herbs.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1¾lbbutternut squash,½- in to ¾-in cubes, peeled and seeded
6tbspunsalted butter
1lbonions,(3 cups), chopped
2cupscelery,(4 to 5 stalks), chopped
1½cupsfresh fennel bulb,(just the white part), coarsely chopped
1lbpork sausage log
¼cupfresh Italian parsley,chopped
2tbspfresh sage,chopped
2tbspfresh marjoram,chopped
1¼lbsbread with crust,(12 generous cups), 1-inch cubes, day-old pain rustique or ciabatta
2eggs,large
1½tspfine sea salt
1tspcoarsely ground black pepper
1cuplow-sodium Swanson chicken broth,(1 cup or more)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Scatter butternut squash on sheet in single layer; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Roast squash for about 55 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Transfer to large bowl; cool.
Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and fennel. Sauté 8 minutes. Add sausage.
Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and sausage is cooked through, breaking up sausage with fork. Add all herbs and sauté 1 minute longer. Add to bowl with squash. (DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, cover, and chill.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Divide bread between 2 rimmed baking sheets. Bake until bread is crusty but not hard, reversing sheets after 5 minutes, for about 10 to 12 minutes total. Transfer to a very large bowl and cool.
Butter 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Then in a very large bowl, gently toss the vegetable mixture in with the bread.
Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend, then whisk in the broth until combined. Add egg mixture stuffing, tossing to combine evenly and adding more broth by ¼ cupfuls if dry. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish.
Bake stuffing uncovered for 60 minutes, until cooked through and brown and crusty on top. Let stand 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 359.85kcal
Fat: 17.94g
Saturated Fat: 7.33g
Trans Fat: 0.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.91g
Carbohydrates: 37.85g
Fiber: 5.20g
Sugar: 7.25g
Protein: 13.90g
Cholesterol: 68.98mg
Sodium: 590.74mg
Calcium: 154.93mg
Potassium: 637.14mg
Iron: 3.56mg
Vitamin A: 441.66µg
Vitamin C: 20.89mg

Key Technique Tip for Perfecting Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing

When roasting the butternut squash, ensure to cut the pieces evenly. This will allow for a more uniform cooking, resulting in a better texture throughout the dish. Also, when sautéing the onions, celery, and fennel, make sure not to rush this process. Taking the time to properly sauté these ingredients will help to develop a deeper flavor in your stuffing. Lastly, when adding the broth to the bread and vegetable mixture, add it gradually. This will allow the bread to absorb the liquid more evenly, preventing any dry spots in your stuffing.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stuffing Recipe

Prep ahead: You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the sausage and fennel mixture a day in advance. This will save you time on the day of cooking and allow the flavors to meld together.

Use pre-cut squash: To save time, consider purchasing pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store. This will eliminate the need for peeling and chopping the squash, making the prep work much quicker.

Multi-task: While the squash is roasting, you can simultaneously prepare the sausage and fennel mixture, allowing you to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Bread shortcut: Instead of baking the bread for the stuffing from scratch, consider using pre-made or store-bought crusty bread cubes to save time and effort.

Efficient assembly: When assembling the stuffing, work efficiently by having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will streamline the process and make the assembly quicker and more organized.

Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Butternut, Sausage & Fennel Stuffing Recipe

butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and it can be roasted and used in the same way as butternut squash.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter for sautéing and roasting, and it adds a delicious flavor to the dish.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the stuffing.
celery - Substitute with fennel stalks: Fennel stalks have a similar crunchy texture and a hint of anise flavor, which can complement the fennel bulb in the recipe.
fresh fennel bulb - Substitute with celery root: Celery root, also known as celeriac, has a mild, celery-like flavor and a similar texture when cooked, making it a suitable substitute for fennel bulb.
pork sausage log - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian sausage, which provides a similar savory flavor and texture to the dish.
fresh Italian parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh and bright flavor to the stuffing, similar to the herbaceous notes of Italian parsley.
fresh sage - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a slightly earthy and floral flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the stuffing.
fresh marjoram - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for marjoram, providing a similar aromatic and slightly citrusy flavor to the dish.
bread with crust - Substitute with cornbread: Cornbread can be used to add a slightly sweet and crumbly texture to the stuffing, enhancing its overall flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: For a vegan option, flax eggs can be used as a binding agent in the stuffing, providing a similar texture and structure.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt, providing a clean and pure saltiness to the dish.
coarsely ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used to add a milder and slightly floral heat to the stuffing, without the visible specks of black pepper.
low-sodium Swanson chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth, providing a savory base for the stuffing.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Stuffing Dish

Elevate the plating: Arrange the roasted butternut squash, sausage, and fennel stuffing in a circular mold on the plate to create a visually appealing and organized presentation. This will showcase the layers of flavors and ingredients in the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a delicate arrangement of fresh parsley and sage leaves on top of the stuffing to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with reduced balsamic glaze: Create an elegant design on the plate using a reduced balsamic glaze to add a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Serve on individual plating: Present the roasted butternut squash, sausage, and fennel stuffing on individual ceramic plates to give each guest a personalized and refined dining experience.
Accompany with edible flowers: Place a few carefully selected edible flowers around the plate to bring a touch of sophistication and a subtle floral note to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing

Oven: You will need an oven to roast the butternut squash and to bake the stuffing.
Skillet: A heavy large skillet is used to sauté the onions, celery, fennel, and sausage.
Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is used to roast the butternut squash and to bake the bread.
Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is used to combine the roasted butternut squash, sautéed vegetables, sausage, and bread for the stuffing.
Whisk: A whisk is used to blend the eggs, salt, pepper, and chicken broth for the stuffing.
13x9x2-inch baking dish: This baking dish is used to bake the stuffing in the oven.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to cube the bread for the stuffing.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing

Let the stuffing cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled stuffing to an airtight container or tightly wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stuffing:
- Divide the cooled stuffing into portion-sized freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
- Place the stuffing in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated stuffing:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a crispy top, if desired.
To reheat frozen stuffing:
- Thaw the stuffing overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the thawed stuffing to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a crispy top, if desired.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of stuffing in the microwave:
- Place a single serving of stuffing on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through the reheating process.

How To Reheat Leftover Stuffing

To reheat leftover roasted butternut squash, sausage, and fennel stuffing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place a single serving of stuffing in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through. Stir the stuffing halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Note that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of stuffing. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the stuffing in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffing and press it down slightly to create a flat surface. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Flip the stuffing over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side. Serve immediately.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the stuffing while maintaining a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and the top is slightly crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.

Random Fact About Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing

The butternut squash, sausage, and fennel stuffing recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory flavors of sausage and fennel, creating a well-balanced and flavorful stuffing. This dish is a great way to incorporate seasonal ingredients into your meals and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Is Making This Stuffing Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this roasted butternut squash, sausage and fennel stuffing recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, including butternut squash, sausage, fennel, herbs, bread, and eggs, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a worthwhile investment for a household. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste, versatility, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying option for a family meal.

Is Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. The use of butternut squash, onions, celery, and fennel provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the inclusion of pork sausage and a significant amount of butter adds saturated fat and calories to the dish. The bread also contributes to the overall carbohydrate content.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the pork sausage with a leaner protein option, such as ground turkey or chicken sausage
Reduce the amount of butter used or substitute it with a healthier fat like olive oil
Incorporate more vegetables into the stuffing, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale, to increase the nutrient density
Use whole grain bread instead of white bread to add more fiber and nutrients
Decrease the amount of bread used and increase the proportion of vegetables to create a more balanced dish
Experiment with using low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Stuffing Combination

As a culinary expert, I find this roasted butternut squash, sausage, and fennel stuffing recipe to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh herbs and the roasting of the butternut squash adds depth and richness to the dish, while the sausage provides a savory element. The addition of fennel brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic quality. The method of toasting the bread separately ensures a perfect texture. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of ingredients and a comforting, satisfying dish that would be a wonderful addition to any holiday table.

Enhance Your Roasted Butternut, Sausage & Fennel Stuffing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Whipped sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a marshmallow and pecan streusel.

Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Carrots roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy honey glaze, garnished with fresh parsley.

Similar Stuffing Recipes to Try

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto rice creates a rich and satisfying meal.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This honey garlic glazed salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky salmon.

Apple Cinnamon Crisp: This apple cinnamon crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that is perfect for fall. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a delicious and aromatic treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Roasted Butternut Squash, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: This classic Italian appetizer is a refreshing and flavorful way to start your meal. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic on top of crispy, toasted bread is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate in the center. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Apple Crisp: Savor the flavors of fall with a warm and comforting apple crisp. The combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why trust this Roasted Butternut, Sausage & Fennel Stuffing Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring butternut squash roasted to perfection, savory pork sausage, and aromatic fennel. The use of fresh herbs such as Italian parsley, sage, and marjoram adds depth to the dish. The inclusion of crusty bread and chicken broth ensures a satisfying and moist stuffing. With careful attention to detail and a balance of ingredients, this recipe promises a delicious and comforting addition to any meal.

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FAQ:

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this stuffing ahead of time. After preparing the stuffing, you can cool, cover, and chill it for up to one day before baking it.

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for butternut squash, you can also use other types of squash such as acorn squash or kabocha squash for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this stuffing by omitting the pork sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add in some extra vegetables or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Just remember to use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs as the recipe calls for fresh.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover stuffing. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it should keep well in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.