Easy Cozy Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe for Fall Comfort

Nestled in your kitchen, butternut squash becomes a canvas for culinary creativity that promises comfort and excitement.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a hearty meal that speaks to both tradition and innovation.

Roasted vegetables mingle with savory grains, forming a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

Warm spices whisper subtle hints of warmth and depth, inviting you to explore each vibrant bite.

Colorful and nourishing, this recipe transforms a simple ingredient into a show-stopping centerpiece that feels like a loving embrace.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that celebrates simplicity and wholesome ingredients.

Why Stuffed Butternut Squash Steals the Show

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Combine creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender spinach for a mouthwatering flavor explosion that transforms ordinary butternut squash into an extraordinary meal.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, offering a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Packed with rich, satisfying ingredients, this dish delivers a hearty and nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable for vegetarians by omitting bacon, this recipe works great as a main course or impressive side dish that appeals to multiple dietary preferences.

Ingredients Checklist for Butternut Squash Stuffing

• Butternut Squash: A hearty winter squash that serves as the delicious base and edible vessel for the flavorful filling.
• Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that adds freshness and earthy flavor to the stuffing.
• Bacon: A savory meat that provides a smoky and crispy element to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that helps bind the filling and adds rich texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that brings a sharp and salty flavor to the stuffing.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the squash and help with roasting.

• Broiling Option: A technique to create a golden and crispy top for added texture and visual appeal.

Preparing Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach Bacon

Step 1: Prep the Squash and Oven

Crank up the oven to 400F (200C).

Take your butternut squash and slice it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.

Scoop out the seeds using a spoon.

Drizzle olive oil all over the squash, then sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: First Roasting Round

Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet.

Slide into the hot oven and roast for 40 minutes until the squash becomes beautifully tender and soft.

Step 3: Create Mouthwatering Filling

While the squash roasts, get your filling ready.

• Spinach
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Bacon

Sauté the spinach in olive oil until it wilts.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, wilted spinach, and half of the chopped bacon.

Mix everything until well blended.

Step 4: Stuff the Squash

Once the squash is roasted, flip the halves so the cut side faces up.

Carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a one-inch border around the edges.

Fill the squash cavities with the delicious spinach, bacon, and cheese mixture.

Step 5: Final Baking

Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top of the stuffed squash.

Return to the oven and bake at 400F (200C) for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Crispy Golden Topping

For extra texture, switch the oven to broil.

Broil the stuffed squash for 3-5 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and gets wonderfully crispy.

Butternut Squash Stuffing: Expert-Level Prep Tips

• Choose a butternut squash with a long, thick neck for more stuffing space and easier scooping.
• Pat spinach dry after wilting to avoid excess moisture that could make the filling watery.
• Crisp bacon separately and reserve some bacon fat to drizzle over the final dish for extra richness.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smoother blending and more even distribution in the filling.
• Replace bacon with smoked almonds or roasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy, smoky flavor profile.

Different Variations of Stuffed Butternut Squash

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap cream cheese with goat cheese and use extra sharp cheddar to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap bacon with pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed squash.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use turkey bacon, reduce salt, and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.

How to Plate Stuffed Butternut Squash With Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the stuffed butternut squash as the star of your dinner table, surrounded by simple green salad and crusty bread.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Slice the stuffed squash in half and serve with a light mixed green salad and tangy vinaigrette for a satisfying midday meal.
• Elegant Party Appetizer: Cut the stuffed squash into smaller portions, arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs, and serve as a sophisticated starter for gatherings.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Pair the stuffed squash with a poached egg on top and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a luxurious weekend breakfast experience.

Keeping Stuffed Butternut Squash Fresh & Delicious

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the stuffed butternut squash halves whole to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap each stuffed squash half tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm stuffed squash at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning and retain moisture. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Add a splash of water to prevent drying and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon provides the most flavor and crispy texture, creating a delicious contrast with the creamy squash filling.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace it with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and protein.

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

The squash is ready when it’s tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the edges start to caramelize slightly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the stuffed butternut squash is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash brings Mediterranean flavors together with roasted squash boats brimming with herbed quinoa, feta, and pine nuts. Seasonal comfort emerges through each delicious bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium butternut squash
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 8 strips cooked bacon, chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the butternut squash by slicing it lengthwise and removing the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Position the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. While roasting, sauté spinach in olive oil until it wilts completely. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, Parmesan, wilted spinach, and half of the crumbled bacon into a smooth, cohesive filling.
4. Remove roasted squash from the oven and carefully flip the halves. Gently scoop out some of the interior flesh, maintaining a one-inch border around the edges to create a sturdy vessel.
5. Generously fill the squash cavities with the prepared spinach, bacon, and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces over the stuffed squash. Return to the oven and bake at 400F for an additional 15 minutes.
7. For an optional crispy finish, broil the stuffed squash for 3-5 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly caramelized.

Notes

• Choose a symmetrical squash for even roasting and easy stuffing.
• Remove seeds carefully to create a sturdy vessel for the filling.
• Adjust cheese quantities based on personal dietary preferences or cheese intensity desired.
• Consider swapping bacon with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian versions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg