Savory Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese Recipe

Crafting a delectable stuffed butternut squash promises a culinary adventure that blends comfort with gourmet flair.

Crisp bacon, vibrant spinach, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Seasonal ingredients transform this humble vegetable into a star attraction at any meal.

Unexpected combinations elevate the humble butternut into something magical and irresistible.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish speaks to those who love bold, rustic cooking.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a perfect weeknight solution for hungry appetites.

Dig in and savor every incredible bite.

Why You’ll Crave Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

• Craft Comforting Meal: Transforms ordinary butternut squash into a gourmet dish with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with vegetables, protein from bacon, and cheese, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a straightforward cooking process using just a skillet and baking sheet, making meal preparation stress-free and convenient.
• Customize with Creativity: Offers flexible ingredient swapping like different cheeses, meats, or vegetarian options, allowing personal touch and dietary adaptations.

What Goes into Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

• Butternut Squash: A sweet, hearty vegetable that provides the perfect vessel for a delicious stuffing.
• Bacon: A savory protein that adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: A nutrient-dense green that brings freshness and color to the stuffing.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the stuffing ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture and extra flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the squash and stuffing.
• Fresh Thyme: An aromatic herb that provides a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to create a light and crispy texture in the stuffing.
• Olive Oil: Helps to roast the squash and add moisture to the dish.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the squash from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Cook Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Slice the butternut squash lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds. Create a spacious cavity for the delicious stuffing you’ll be adding later.

Step 2: Season and Oil the Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Fresh thyme leaves

Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves and sprinkle the seasonings generously. Massage the herbs and spices into the flesh to build deep, rich flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Squash Base

Place the squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into a preheated oven at 400°F and roast for 25-30 minutes until the flesh turns tender and develops beautiful caramelized edges.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches crispy, golden perfection. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease, then crumble into small, crunchy bits.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Use the same skillet to quickly wilt fresh spinach. Cook until the leaves reduce and release their moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Create the Stuffing Mixture

• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Crumbled bacon
• Wilted spinach
• Shredded cheese

Whisk the egg in a mixing bowl, then fold in the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly to create a well-combined stuffing that will burst with flavor.

Step 7: Stuff the Squash

Remove the roasted squash from the oven and flip cut-side up. Fill each half generously with the prepared stuffing, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Allow the stuffed squash to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra fresh thyme leaves for a final touch of aromatic freshness.

Helpful Tips for Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Massage seasonings directly into squash flesh to ensure deep, rich taste penetration and maximize every bite's deliciousness.
• Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve golden, crunchy texture without burning, guaranteeing optimal crispness for stuffing.
• Prevent Soggy Stuffing: Wilt spinach and drain bacon thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing watery filling that could compromise the dish's texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and more even coverage, creating a luxurious golden topping that looks professionally prepared.
• Quick Vegetarian Switch: Replace bacon with chopped nuts or roasted mushrooms to transform this recipe into a delectable vegetarian-friendly meal without losing robust flavor profiles.

Flavorful Spins on Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas and add nutritional yeast for a protein-packed, plant-based alternative that maintains a rich, savory flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap spinach for sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning to create a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed squash experience.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, incorporate ground sausage in place of bacon, and increase cheese quantity to align with low-carb dietary requirements.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, replace thyme with cumin and chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired butternut squash preparation.

What to Serve with Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, savory flavors of the bacon and cheese-stuffed butternut squash.
• Create Rustic Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the hearty squash dish and provide a fresh, bright counterpoint.
• Match with Smoky Red: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle smoky notes that will echo the bacon's depth and enhance the caramelized squash flavors.
• Serve with Herbal Aperitif: Prepare a quick thyme-infused aperitif or sparkling water with fresh herbs to cleanse the palate and highlight the dish's aromatic thyme undertones.

Storing Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the stuffed squash is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months, maintaining best quality and texture.
• Place stuffed squash on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place stuffed squash in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

Your Top Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese Questions

• Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or delicata squash. Just adjust roasting time based on the squash’s thickness and size.

• Is there a vegetarian version of this stuffed squash?

Absolutely! Replace bacon with plant-based bacon or sautéed mushrooms to maintain a similar savory profile and texture.

• How do I know when the squash is perfectly roasted?

The squash is ready when you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork and the edges start to caramelize with a golden-brown color.

• Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill the roasted squash.

Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Hearty “Stuffed Butternut Squash” brings Mediterranean warmth to winter dinners, blending smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tender spinach in a golden roasted shell. Comforting flavors meld perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or gouda)

Binding/Filling Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center. Slice the butternut squash lengthwise, removing seeds and creating a boat-like cavity for stuffing.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves, then generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh thyme leaves. Rub the seasonings into the flesh to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
4. While squash roasts, crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.
5. In the same skillet, quickly wilt fresh spinach until it reduces and releases moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Whisk the egg in a mixing bowl, then combine with breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, wilted spinach, and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a cohesive stuffing.
7. Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up. Generously fill each squash half with the prepared stuffing mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Return stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown.
9. Let the stuffed squash rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

• Customize the stuffing by swapping bacon for pancetta or vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding quinoa or cooked lentils to the stuffing for extra protein and texture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to make the recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or vegan cheese alternatives to create unique flavor profiles and meet various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg