A creamy, cheesy, and savory stuffed butternut squash with spinach and bacon is a delightful dish that warms the soul during cooler months. This Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe not only impresses at dinner parties but also serves as a hearty weeknight meal. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s perfect for various occasions—from family gatherings to cozy nights in. The combination of creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon makes this dish truly stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The creamy cheese and savory bacon create a mouthwatering combination that everyone will love.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Butternut squash is a perfect choice for fall and winter cooking, adding warmth to your table.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can have a gourmet meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe works well as a main course or a side dish, making it suitable for any meal.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from spinach and butternut squash, it’s a wholesome choice for health-conscious eaters.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing your stuffed butternut squash much easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or scoop
- Skillet
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for roasting the squash, ensuring it cooks uniformly.
- Sharp knife: Aids in slicing the butternut squash easily, preventing any accidents while cutting.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your delicious filling ingredients without spilling.
Ingredients
A creamy, cheesy, and savory stuffed butternut squash with spinach and bacon—perfect for cooler months.
For the Squash
- 2 medium butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 strips cooked bacon, chopped
How to Make Stuffed Butternut Squash
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the squash until tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Squash
- Slice each butternut squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds using a spoon.
- Drizzle olive oil over both halves.
- Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Roast the Squash
Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until tender.
Step 4: Cook Spinach Filling
While the squash roasts:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add fresh spinach and sauté until wilted.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sautéed spinach, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix well until combined.
Step 5: Stuff the Squash
Once roasted:
1. Flip each squash half cut side up.
2. Scoop out some flesh to create room for stuffing—leave about a 1-inch border.
3. Fill each half with your creamy spinach mixture.
Step 6: Bake Again
Top each stuffed squash with remaining chopped bacon. Return to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 7: Optional Broil
For an extra crispy top:
1. Switch your oven to broil mode.
2. Broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
Enjoy your delightful Stuffed Butternut Squash, perfect as a satisfying main dish or an impressive side!
How to Serve Stuffed Butternut Squash
Stuffed butternut squash is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as a main course or a side, it pairs beautifully with several accompaniments and garnishes.
Casual Dinner
- With a Salad: A fresh green salad complements the rich flavors of stuffed butternut squash.
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats for a hearty meal.
Holiday Feast
- With Cranberry Sauce: The sweetness of cranberry sauce balances the savory stuffing.
- Garnished with Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add color and freshness.
Family Gathering
- In Individual Portions: Serve smaller halves for easy sharing.
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any creamy filling left on the plate.
How to Perfect Stuffed Butternut Squash
Creating the perfect stuffed butternut squash takes some attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Choose Ripe Squash: Select squash that feels heavy for its size and has smooth skin for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on roasting time; overcooked squash can become mushy.
- Mix Flavors Well: Ensure that cream cheese, spinach, and bacon are evenly distributed in the filling for a balanced taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds on top before baking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs into the filling to enhance freshness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Butternut Squash
When serving stuffed butternut squash, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its rich flavors and textures.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a satisfying contrast and is perfect for mopping up any extra filling.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nuttiness of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs well with the creamy squash.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and balances the richness of the squash.
- Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus has a mild flavor that contrasts nicely with stuffed butternut squash.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting addition to your meal.
- Apple Sauce: The sweetness of apple sauce creates a delightful harmony with savory flavors.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a fun twist on traditional sides while echoing fall flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making stuffed butternut squash, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the squash – Always check for tenderness after roasting. If overcooked, the squash can become mushy and lose its shape.
- Ignoring seasoning – Don’t skip the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances the flavors of the dish. Taste your mixture before stuffing.
- Not using fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and quality cheese make a difference in flavor. Avoid pre-packaged or low-quality substitutes.
- Stuffing too tightly – Pack the filling loosely to allow room for expansion during baking. This prevents overflow and ensures even cooking.
- Skipping the broil step – Broiling at the end gives a crispy top that adds texture. Don’t skip this optional step for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-5 days for best freshness.
Freezing Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel; heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop – Heat on medium-low in a skillet, covered, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about stuffed butternut squash.
Can I use other cheeses in Stuffed Butternut Squash?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique flavors.
What can I substitute for bacon in Stuffed Butternut Squash?
You can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How do I know when my Stuffed Butternut Squash is done?
The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the stuffing should be hot throughout.
Can I prepare Stuffed Butternut Squash in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff the squash ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What other vegetables can I add to Stuffed Butternut Squash?
Consider adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even cooked quinoa to enhance texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed butternut squash is not only creamy and cheesy but also versatile enough for various tastes. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty main dish or want to customize it with different fillings, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out today!
Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Stuffed Butternut Squash, a creamy and savory dish perfect for warming up on chilly days. This delightful recipe features roasted butternut squash halves generously filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. Not only is it visually stunning with its vibrant colors, but it also combines the nutritious goodness of seasonal ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners or entertaining guests. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish, this stuffed squash is sure to impress while providing a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 strips cooked bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the butternut squashes lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides and season with salt and pepper.
- Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes until tender.
- In a skillet, sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, and half the chopped bacon.
- Flip squashes cut-side up, scoop out some flesh to create room for filling, then stuff with the cheese mixture.
- Top each half with remaining bacon and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed half (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
