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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, quickly wilt fresh spinach until it reduces and releases moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 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.
- Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up. Generously fill each squash half with the prepared stuffing mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Return stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown.
- 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