Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash

This Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash is a delicious way to enjoy fresh summer produce as either a hearty side dish or satisfying main course. Tender yellow squash is filled with savory Italian sausage, seasoned bread cubes, and a melty Italian cheese blend, then baked until perfectly tender and golden brown. Packed with comforting flavor and garden-fresh goodness, this stuffed summer squash recipe is perfect for summer dinners and entertaining alike.

Easy Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash Recipe

This recipe is a favorite way to use the abundance of summer squash. This easy recipe uses fresh yellow squash, but zucchini works beautifully as well, making it a versatile way to enjoy summer vegetables. The savory Italian sausage filling transforms simple squash into a hearty, flavor-packed dish that feels both comforting and special.

It’s elegant enough to serve guests for a holiday or dinner party, yet easy enough to enjoy as part of a family weeknight meal. With its golden baked topping and colorful presentation, this stuffed summer squash always looks as impressive as it tastes.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Stuffed Summer Squash with Sausage: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Squash – Two large yellow squash form the base of the boats.
• Veggies – Finely chopped onions and fresh spinach expand the flavor profile.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic cloves enhance the flavor.
• Sausage – Italian sausage gives the squash stuffing its signature flavor.
• Oil – Olive oil to saute the sausage and veggies.
• Butter – Butter gives the bread and buttery flavor.
• Spices – Dry Italian seasoning plus salt and black pepper. You can use table salt or kosher salt.
• Bread – Cubed french bread, sliced bread or Italian bread adds bulk and texture.
• Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese for a salty nutty flavor and melty Italian blend of cheese (mozzarella, provolone or asiago) or low moisture mozzarella cheese.
• Fresh Herbs – Chopped fresh parsley for garnishing.

How to Make the Best Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Steam Squash – Place squash halves skin side down in a large skillet, add water. Simmer just until softened. Remove seedy interior of the squash with a spoon.
• Saute Sausage – Saute onion, then add Italian sausage cooking until browned.
• Spinach – Add, garlic and spinach. Sauté just until the spinach begins to wilt then remove from the heat.
• Toast Bread – In the same pan, melt butter. Add the cubed bread and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the bread cubes while toasting to bring out the flavors of the spices.
• Combine – Stir together bread, spinach and sausage mixture.
• Assemble – Arrange squash halves side by side in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Evenly stuff with sausage mixture. Sprinkle tops with remaining cheese.
• Oven – Bake per the baking time in the recipe or until the filling is golden brown and the squash is fork tender.
• Garnish – Sprinkle with chopped parsley and enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Stuffed Summer Squash with Sausage

• Large skillet or nonstick frying pan. The skillet can double as the mixing bowl or you can dump everything into a large bowl to combine the ingredients for the filling.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• 13×9-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
• Cheese grater.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cheese – You can use shredded cheese in a bag purchased from the grocery store but I like to grate my own. Use a nice parm or nice brick of parmesan reggiano in addition to shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese, Asiago cheese, monterey jack, cheddar colby jack cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded Italian cheese comes in several varieties or you can use your favorite.
• Protein – You can use use ground chicken, turkey sausage or spicy chorizo for a Mexican mix for the filling.
• Fresh Herbs – You can garnish with basil, parsley, oregano or thyme.
• ​Spice – You can use crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Veggies – You could toss in diced red bell pepper or mushrooms in the sausage drippings, to change the flavor profile.
• Bread – I really love the texture fresh bread gives to the filling. If you’re in a hurry, you could use breadcrumbs i.e. panko bread crumbs or use croutons to a quick alternative. When doing so there’s no need to saute in butter and you may need to add one beaten egg to help the mixture hold together. 

Tips and Tricks for Making Summer Squash

• Keeping Squash Upright – Use a sharp knife to cut a sliver from the peel side of the squash halves to stabilize it. This should help them remain upright while baking and prevent the squash from rolling around.
• Use a Steamer – The squash for this recipe can also be steamed, if that’s your preference. Place them into the basket of a steamer over simmering water and cook until the tip of a knife inserted into the thickest portion glides in easily. Adjust the time according to the size of the squash.
• Don’t Overcook the Squash – When steaming the squash halves initially make a special effort to cook just until fork tender so, you’ll be able to remove the seeds easily, and blot dry with paper towels before stuffing.
• Easier Clean-Up – You can use a baking pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or tinfoil for easier cleanup.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat individual servings in the microwave.
• Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this squash as the texture can change when thawing in the fridge.

More Southern Style Squash Recipes to Make

Squash and zucchini can be found on our menu year round. More squash recipes you may like to try:

• These old fashioned Squash Croquettes pan fried until crisp and golden.
• Enjoy this Fried Squash as an appetizer or a side dish.
• Homestyle Squash Casserole is a delicious side dish during the holidays, too.
• Baked Squash Parmesan can be served as a side or a main dish.
• Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a fall must-make!
• These homemade Squash Fritters come with an optional spicy Sriracha sauce for dipping.
• Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is a lower carb option.
• You’ll love these Stuffed Zucchini Boats as a side dish or an entree.
• If you’d like a lighter variation try this Roasted Summer Squash with Pesto and Parmesan from Kalyn’s Kitchen.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pan
• Cutting Board
• Olive Oil Dispenser
• Kitchen Utensils