Savory Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the rich, earthy flavors of roasted squash with a savory filling of spinach, smoky bacon, and melty cheese. This recipe is perfect for fall and winter, when butternut squash is in season, and it’s a delicious choice for both family dinners and special occasions. With just the right balance of sweetness from the squash and the savory filling, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Squash:

  • 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra texture)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Drizzle the butternut squash halves with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. The roasting time will vary depending on the size of your squash. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. While the squash is roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, onion, garlic, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuff the Squash

  1. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out some of the flesh from each butternut squash half, leaving a border around the edges to create a “boat” for the filling. Add the scooped-out flesh to the filling mixture and stir until well combined.
  2. Spoon the filling mixture into each squash half, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
  3. Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  1. Remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Cooking Tips:

  • Roasting the Squash: Roasting the butternut squash cut side down helps it caramelize, enhancing its natural sweetness.
  • Cook the Filling Together: For extra flavor, add a bit of the cooked squash to the filling mixture, which helps bind everything and creates a more cohesive filling.
  • Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with cheese options like Gouda or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs to the filling gives it a nice texture, but you can leave them out for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Rich in Vitamins: Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins A and C, which support eye health, immune function, and skin health.
  • High in Fiber: Both the squash and spinach provide dietary fiber, supporting digestion and helping to keep you feeling full.
  • Protein and Healthy Fats: Bacon and cheese add protein and healthy fats, making this dish satisfying and balanced.
  • Iron-Rich: Spinach is packed with iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and energy levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Perfect Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy filling paired with the tender roasted squash is the ultimate comfort dish.
  • Simple but Impressive: It looks sophisticated but is easy to make, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or special dinners.
  • Seasonal and Nutritious: Ideal for fall and winter, this dish celebrates the flavors of the season while offering a hearty, nutritious meal.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients, adding mushrooms or using turkey bacon, to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Leave out the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: For a keto-friendly version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour and adjust the cheese to a full-fat variety.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute bacon with smoked paprika or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian-friendly option.
  • Allergen Information: Contains dairy and pork; can be modified for dietary restrictions by omitting bacon and cheese substitutes.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe works beautifully because each element enhances the others. The butternut squash serves as a naturally sweet and creamy base, complementing the savory filling of spinach, bacon, and cheese. The caramelized flavor from roasting the squash brings out its sweetness, which contrasts well with the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon and the umami richness of the cheese. The spinach adds color, texture, and nutrition, while the breadcrumbs provide a slight crunch, giving the dish complexity in each bite.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is a dish that’s sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and complex flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy the sweet, rich flavor of butternut squash while packing in a savory, nutritious filling. Perfect for cozy dinners and holiday gatherings, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs while still delivering the same comforting experience. Next time you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, this stuffed squash will be your go-to option. Enjoy!

Prep and Cook Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
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    Savory Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese


    • Author: Olivia
    • Total Time: 1hr 20mins

    Description

    Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the rich, earthy flavors of roasted squash with a savory filling of spinach, smoky bacon, and melty cheese. This recipe is perfect for fall and winter, when butternut squash is in season, and it’s a delicious choice for both family dinners and special occasions. With just the right balance of sweetness from the squash and the savory filling, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that is sure to become a favorite!

     


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    For the Squash:

    • 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
    • 12 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    For the Filling:

    • 4 slices bacon, chopped
    • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra texture)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Fresh parsley, for garnish

    Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash

    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Drizzle the butternut squash halves with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
    3. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    4. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. The roasting time will vary depending on the size of your squash. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly.

    Step 2: Prepare the Filling

    1. While the squash is roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.
    2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
    3. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
    4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, onion, garlic, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Step 3: Stuff the Squash

    1. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out some of the flesh from each butternut squash half, leaving a border around the edges to create a “boat” for the filling. Add the scooped-out flesh to the filling mixture and stir until well combined.
    2. Spoon the filling mixture into each squash half, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
    3. Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Step 4: Serve and Garnish

    1. Remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
    2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
    • Prep Time: 20mins
    • Cook Time: 1hr