Savory Butternut Squash and Sausage Rice Bake
This Savory Butternut Squash and Sausage Rice Bake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners. Sweet butternut squash complements the hearty mild sausage, while the addition of fragrant fresh herbs and a hint of sweetness from apples create a soul-warming dish. Finished with bubbling parmesan cheese, this casserole combines wholesome ingredients into a comforting meal that can be prepared in advance and shared with loved ones. Serve it warm for a satisfying experience that brings a taste of autumn to your table, no matter the season.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 (whole, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped)
chicken broth
3 cups (low-sodium recommended)
water
1 cup (filtered)
sage
1 tablespoon (chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (divided)
mild sausage
1 lb (crumbled or sliced (recommend Aidell's chicken and apple))
onion
1 cup (diced)
apple
1 small (diced (gala, pink lady, or golden delicious))
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
arborio rice
1 cup (uncooked)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (choose a quality wine for best flavor)
thyme
1 teaspoon (chopped fresh)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing baking dish)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the whole butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, or until it's tender to the touch. Allow the squash to cool, then carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds, peel the skin, and chop the flesh into ½-inch cubes. Set aside.
3
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
4
In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, water, and chopped sage. Heat on low, bringing to a gentle simmer without boiling.
5
While the broth simmers, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled or sliced sausage and cook until browned; transfer to a plate and set aside.
6
In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
7
Next, add the diced apple and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
8
Stir in the uncooked arborio rice, stirring well and sautéing for 1 more minute.
9
Pour in the sausage, roasted butternut squash, warm broth mixture, white wine, and add chopped thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well to combine. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10
Transfer the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
11
Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
12
Upon removing the casserole from the oven, stir the contents gently, and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
13
Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
14
Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
14
Fat
42
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Butternut Squash and Sausage Rice Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that blends butternut squash, mild sausage, arborio rice, fresh herbs, and apples, finished with melted parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 367 calories per serving.
What kind of rice is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of uncooked arborio rice, which helps create a creamy texture.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
Roast the whole squash at 350°F for 30 minutes, then cool, peel, seed, and chop the flesh into half-inch cubes.
What type of sausage is recommended?
A mild sausage is recommended, specifically chicken and apple sausage like Aidell's.
Which apple varieties work best in this bake?
Gala, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious apples are ideal for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be for the final bake?
The main bake should be done at 400°F (200°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake in total?
It bakes for 30 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes once the parmesan cheese is added.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray is needed.
How much protein does this recipe contain?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute one tablespoon of fresh sage with one teaspoon of dried sage.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe has 14 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared in advance and shared with loved ones later.
How much wine is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of dry white wine.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chicken broth, preferably low-sodium.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Is water added to the liquid mixture?
Yes, one cup of filtered water is combined with the chicken broth.
How do I prepare the garlic and onion?
The onion should be diced and sautéed for 3-4 minutes, and the 2 cloves of garlic should be minced.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil, divided.
Should the white wine be of high quality?
Yes, choosing a quality wine is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it convenient for family dinners.
What herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses fresh sage and chopped fresh thyme.
How is the sausage cooked before baking?
The sausage is crumbled or sliced and browned in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
What is the oven temperature for roasting the squash?
The butternut squash is initially roasted at 350°F (175°C).
Can I use a different type of wine?
The recipe specifically recommends dry white wine to complement the savory and sweet flavors.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
While it brings a taste of autumn, it is described as a satisfying meal to enjoy no matter the season.
How long do I sauté the rice?
The uncooked arborio rice should be stirred and sautéed for about one minute before adding liquids.