Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice smallest portion off from top and bottom of the squash so it will sit nicely on the plate when flipped. Cut the squash in the middle (not through the stem) and put it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush olive oil all over the fleshy side and put them face down back on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until squash is fork tender.

Step 2

While squash is in the oven, start cooking the stiffing. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions till caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Add in bell peppers and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add in sausage and crumble it with a spatula until it is brown. Add in chopped apple along with thyme, red chili flakes, salt and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese.

Step 4

Stuff the acorn squash with the stuffing and sprinkle some more parmesan on top.

Step 5

Switch the oven to broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Keep a close eye while broiling so as not to burn the cheese topping.