The Coziest Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese Recipe

Crafting a delectable stuffed butternut squash with spinach, bacon, and cheese brings comfort to your dinner table.

Crisp autumn evenings call for hearty meals that warm both body and soul.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly in this rustic dish that celebrates simple, robust flavors.

Savory bacon adds depth while spinach contributes a vibrant green nutrition boost.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious texture that embraces each tender squash bite.

Rich and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a new favorite for weekend cooking.

Let the aroma of this mouthwatering creation draw you into a culinary adventure.

Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese Benefits

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and vitamins from butternut squash, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of healthy ingredients in one delightful dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses, meats, or nuts to match your taste preferences or pantry supplies, making this recipe incredibly flexible and personal.
• Transform Boring Meals: Elevate a simple squash into a gourmet experience by stuffing it with savory ingredients, turning an ordinary vegetable into a restaurant-worthy creation.
• No-Fuss Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps mean you can create a stunning meal without complex techniques or hours of kitchen time.

Ingredients In Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Butternut Squash: A hearty winter vegetable that serves as the delicious base and edible vessel for this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds substance and flavor to the stuffing.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that brings a vibrant color and earthy taste to the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese, Feta Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that melt beautifully and provide rich, creamy texture to the stuffing.

• Bacon: Crispy and smoky meat that adds a savory depth to the dish.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that infuses the stuffing with aromatic warmth.
• Olive Oil: A smooth cooking oil that helps roast the squash and adds a subtle richness.
• Salt, Pepper, Dried Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs, Pecans or Walnuts: Crunchy toppings that provide textural contrast and nutty notes.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a bright, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

How To Cook Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Transform Butternut Squash

Slice the butternut squash lengthwise with a sharp knife, scooping out the seeds to create a perfect vessel for delicious fillings.

Step 3: Season and Enhance Squash

Lovingly drizzle olive oil over the squash halves, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried thyme for a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Initial Roasting Magic

Place squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, roasting for 25-30 minutes until tender and beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Prepare Crispy Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it reaches golden perfection, then crumble into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, dance minced garlic around until fragrant, then quickly wilt fresh spinach into submission.

Step 7: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Crumbled bacon
• Wilted spinach
• Shredded chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Feta cheese

Step 8: Add Crunchy Dimension

Toast chopped pecans or walnuts until they turn a light golden brown, adding a delightful textural surprise.

Step 9: Stuff the Squash

Remove roasted squash from the oven, flip cut-side up, and generously fill each half with the flavor-packed mixture.

Step 10: Create Crispy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the stuffed squash for an irresistible crunchy layer.

Step 11: Final Baking Flourish

Return stuffed squash to the oven for 10-15 minutes, waiting until the cheese melts and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 12: Serve with Flair

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve piping hot directly from the baking sheet, ready to impress.

Tips To Make Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Roast Squash Perfectly: Cut squash with a sharp knife on a stable surface for clean, even halves and easier seed removal.
• Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt, patting excess grease with paper towels for a cleaner flavor profile.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy feta for complex, rich taste that complements the squash's sweetness.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Lightly toast nuts before adding to prevent burning and enhance their natural, deep flavor during baking.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace bacon and chicken with black beans, quinoa, or roasted mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

Twist Ideas For Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or white beans for protein, adding nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without meat.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap bacon with sun-dried tomatoes, use feta with kalamata olives, and incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and parsley.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip breadcrumbs, replace with crushed almonds or pork rinds for crunchy topping, maintaining similar texture and reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, incorporate black beans, and sprinkle chili powder for bold, zesty flavors.

What To Serve With Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to complement the rich, savory flavors of bacon and cheese, cutting through the butternut squash's sweetness.
• Craft Hearty Salad Companion: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds, offering a bright, tangy contrast to the stuffed squash's warm, dense profile.
• Select Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve a crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia to soak up the melted cheese and provide textural variety, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Herbal Beverage: Brew a fresh sage tea or light wheat beer to echo the thyme's herbal notes and refresh the palate between bites of the rich, savory dish.

How To Store Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; separate stuffing from squash for best texture.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining moisture; remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp topping.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly, typically taking 1-2 minutes total for best results.

FAQs About Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, acorn or delicata squash work well as alternatives with similar roasting techniques.

• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Replace chicken and bacon with beans, lentils, or plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian option.

• How do I know the squash is perfectly roasted?

The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork and have slightly caramelized edges, indicating it’s ready for stuffing.

• Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the stuffing ingredients and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before assembling and baking the stuffed squash.

Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory stuffed butternut squash blends hearty ingredients into a comforting autumn meal. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender spinach create a delightful harmony you’ll crave with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butternut Squash:

• 2 medium butternut squash

Protein:

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup shredded chicken (optional)

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice butternut squash lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and creating a hollow cavity for stuffing.
3. Drizzle olive oil over squash halves, then season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, ensuring even coating.
4. Roast squash cut-side down for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. While squash roasts, crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and fragrant, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
6. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then quickly wilt fresh spinach.
7. Combine crumbled bacon, wilted spinach, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and feta in a mixing bowl.
8. Optional: Toast chopped pecans or walnuts until lightly golden for added crunch.
9. Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up, filling each half generously with the prepared mixture.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over stuffed squash for a crispy topping.
11. Return stuffed squash to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and top becomes golden.
12. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot directly from the baking sheet.

Notes

• Slice squash carefully to create a stable base, preventing wobbling during roasting and filling.
• Toast nuts separately to control browning and prevent burning when mixed with other ingredients.
• Drain excess bacon fat before adding garlic to prevent greasy filling and maintain clean flavor profile.
• Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or sun-dried tomatoes for vegetarian version, ensuring similar umami depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg