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Delicious Spaghetti Squash Jack-O-Lanterns Halloween

Spiced Apple & Sage Spaghetti Squash Jack-O'-Lanterns

Festive spaghetti squash "jack-o'-lanterns" filled with a savory and sweet mixture of ground turkey or plant-based sausage, apple, sage, and spices.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Paring knife
  • Large skillet
  • Sturdy spoon
  • Fork

Ingredients
  

Spaghetti Squash

  • medium to large spaghetti squashes one per jack-o'-lantern

Filling

  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb ground turkey or plant-based sausage
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 apple cored and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional
  • Fresh sage leaves Optional: for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Squash

  • Wash each squash and carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out all seeds and stringy bits from both halves.
  • Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes until tender.
  • Let the squash cool, then carve jack-o'-lantern faces into the inside of one half of each squash to create your "bowls."
  • Using a fork, scrape the cooked flesh of the other squash halves into spaghetti-like strands and set aside.

Prepare the Filling

  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground turkey or plant-based sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, then drain excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion and diced apple to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add the shredded spaghetti squash to the filling and stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
  • If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just melted.

Assemble and Serve

  • Spoon the prepared filling into the carved spaghetti squash halves.
  • Optionally, bake the filled squash for 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For easier carving, ensure the squash has cooled sufficiently. Get creative with your jack-o'-lantern faces! For a vegetarian option, ensure to use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.