Washington-Style Squash Dish

Ingredients 0/11

Step 1

Warm your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the squash in half, season it with salt and pepper, then place the halves cut-side down in a glass baking dish. Pour some water into the dish to help keep the squash moist as it bakes. Pop it in the oven and bake for about an hour.

Step 2

Once the squash is tender, scoop out the flesh with a fork into a bowl and set the baking dish aside—you’ll use it again soon. Keep the oven on.

Step 3

Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. When it’s done, take it out of the pan but leave the flavorful oil behind. Add a couple teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet and toss in the onions and garlic. Cook them gently until the onions turn translucent and the garlic gets a little golden, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

Chop the cooked sausage and mix it into the onion and garlic along with the squash. Season everything with oregano, salt, and pepper, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then.

Step 5

Spoon this mixture back into the baking dish. Lay the apple slices on top, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the almonds and Monterey Jack cheese over everything.

Step 6

Put the dish back in the oven and bake until the cheese melts completely, about 15 minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy!