Description
Seasonal spices dance through this hearty Roasted Stuffed Pumpkin, blending rustic Mediterranean flavors with autumn’s warmth. Cheese, herbs, and crusty bread nestled inside create a comforting centerpiece you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sugar pumpkin (4–5 pounds / 1.8–2.3 kilograms), hollowed out to hold stuffing
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground mild Italian sausage
- 8 cups dried bread cubes
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
Vegetable and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even roasting.
- Slice the pumpkin’s crown at a slight angle, creating a lid. Meticulously remove seeds and fibrous interior, then generously season the cavity with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil and sauté onions and celery until translucent. Incorporate sausage, browning thoroughly. Add diced apples and cook until softened, then introduce minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
- Combine the sautéed mixture with bread cubes in a spacious mixing bowl. Separately, whisk chicken stock, eggs, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the liquid mixture over bread, then fold in dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Carefully pack the prepared stuffing into the pumpkin’s hollow, gently pressing to maximize filling. Replace the pumpkin’s carved lid.
- Position the stuffed pumpkin on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring stability during roasting.
- Roast for 1 1/2 hours, then uncover and continue baking 30-40 minutes until pumpkin flesh becomes tender and stuffing reaches 160°F (70°C) internal temperature.
- Allow the roasted pumpkin to rest 10 minutes before transferring to a decorative serving platter. Slice or scoop generous portions for presentation.
Notes
- Choose medium-sized sugar pumpkins with smooth, firm surfaces for the best roasting texture and flavor absorption.
- Prevent stuffing from drying out by periodically basting the pumpkin’s interior with melted butter or stock during roasting.
- Customize stuffing by swapping sausage with vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or quinoa for diverse dietary preferences.
- Ensure food safety by checking internal stuffing temperature reaches 160F, which guarantees thorough cooking and eliminates potential bacterial risks.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg