Description
A cozy and flavorful stuffed butternut squash recipe filled with spinach, bacon, and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or holiday feast.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Squash
- 2 medium butternut squash, sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Filling
- 6 to 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese like mozzarella or white cheddar (Keep some extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional) (Adds creaminess)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Roasting the Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for about 40 to 50 minutes until fork tender.
- If the squash is browning too fast, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
- While the squash roasts, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and place on paper towels.
- In the retained bacon fat, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese until melted.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, bacon, and optional sour cream or yogurt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuffing and Final Baking
- Once the squash is tender, scoop out some of the flesh to create a cavity.
- Mix the scooped squash into the filling, then spoon the mixture back into the squash halves.
- Top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
- Return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and melty.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a browned cheesy top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by roasting the squash earlier in the day. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Can be frozen but texture may change.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 20