Craving a mouthwatering breakfast or brunch dish that'll make your taste buds dance? Look no further than this incredible Squash and Chicken Sausage Hash – a game-changing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! Imagine golden-brown butternut squash, perfectly seared chicken sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables coming together in one skillet to create a meal that's not just food, but an experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing butternut squash into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Slice chicken sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell pepper into small pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer and become hot, which helps create a nice golden-brown sear on the ingredients.
- Add diced butternut squash to the skillet, spreading it in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes without stirring too frequently, allowing the squash to develop a golden-brown caramelization on the edges.
- Add sliced chicken sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the squash. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sausage begins to brown and release its flavorful oils.
- Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly and cook for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices and release their aromatic qualities.
- Continue cooking the hash, occasionally stirring, until the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile. The dish should have a balance of sweet squash, savory sausage, and warm spices.
- Remove from heat and let the hash rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for added freshness.
Tips
- Cutting Technique: Ensure all ingredients are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. Aim for 1/2-inch cubes of squash and 1/4-inch sausage rounds to guarantee consistent texture and doneness.
- Pan Selection Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization. The right pan helps distribute heat evenly and creates those irresistible crispy edges.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your ingredients breathing room! Overcrowding prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme to customize the flavor profile.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage, or use sweet potato instead of butternut squash to keep things interesting.
- Leftovers Tip: This hash reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet to maintain its crispy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with a fried egg, sprinkle with fresh herbs, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness and complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
