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

Savory butternut squash stuffed with crispy bacon, vibrant spinach, and melted cheese promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Autumn’s warmth radiates through this comforting dish that blends rich flavors and textures.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste on your plate.

Seasonal vegetables transform into an irresistible meal that sparks conversation and satisfies hunger.

Cheese melts luxuriously over tender squash, while bacon adds a smoky crunch to each bite.

Spinach brings a fresh, green note that balances the indulgent components perfectly.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, sharing its deliciousness with everyone around your table.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Boost Nutrition in One Dish: Packed with protein-rich quinoa, nutrient-dense spinach, and vitamin-loaded butternut squash, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of healthy ingredients in a single delightful meal.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ingredients to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible for vegetarians, meat lovers, or anyone seeking a satisfying dinner option.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward roasting and sautéing methods, perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal preparation without complicated techniques.
• Master a Stunning Presentation: Creates an impressive dish that looks gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, guaranteed to wow dinner guests or family members with its beautiful layered appearance and vibrant colors.

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

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash that serves as the delicious vessel for the hearty stuffing.
• Quinoa: A protein-packed, gluten-free grain that provides a nutritious base for the stuffing mixture.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element that brings depth of flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that contributes a fresh and earthy taste to the stuffing.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, rich texture throughout the stuffing.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Helps to roast the squash and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, clean garnish to the finished dish.
• Pine Nuts: Offers a delicate crunch and nutty flavor as a final topping.

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

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up the oven to a toasty 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice and Prepare Butternut Squash

Split the butternut squash down the middle lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, creating a cozy hollow ready for delicious filling.

Step 3: Roast Squash

Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the squash becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Crisp Bacon

Heat a skillet and cook bacon until it turns golden and releases its irresistible aroma. Crumble the bacon into small, crunchy pieces.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 6: Cook Quinoa

Prepare quinoa following package instructions. Let it cool slightly to room temperature.

Step 7: Wilt Spinach

Toss fresh spinach into the skillet. Stir until the leaves collapse and release their moisture.

Step 8: Create Stuffing Mixture

• Cooked quinoa
• Crumbled bacon
• Sautéed spinach
• Onion and garlic mixture

Step 9: Add Cheese

Fold shredded cheese into the quinoa mixture, creating a rich and flavorful stuffing.

Step 10: Stuff Roasted Squash

Remove squash from the oven and carefully flip cut-side up. Fill each half generously with the quinoa mixture, mounding it slightly.

Step 11: Final Bake

Return stuffed squash to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts over the stuffed squash. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips For Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Roast Squash Perfectly: Cut squash evenly to ensure uniform cooking and easier stuffing.
• Bacon Crispiness Hack: Cook bacon slowly to render fat completely and achieve golden, crunchy texture.
• Quinoa Cooking Tip: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitter coating and enhance natural flavor.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese freshly for better melting and more uniform coverage in the stuffing.
• Balance Flavors Wisely: Layer ingredients with complementary tastes like salty bacon, earthy spinach, and sweet roasted squash for depth.

Flavor Variations For Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese

• Vegetarian Quinoa Squash: Replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or tempeh for a meat-free protein option.
• Mediterranean Spin: Swap quinoa for couscous, add feta cheese, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Use plant-based cheese, replace bacon with crispy tofu bits, and add nutritional yeast for extra depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute quinoa with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and nutrition.

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

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, savory butternut squash and cut through the bacon's smoky flavor.
• Enhance Flavor with Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the hearty quinoa and cheese stuffing.
• Match Protein with Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Grenache or Syrah to complement the bacon's umami notes and stand up to the robust quinoa mixture.
• Elevate with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the dish to add an aromatic layer that enhances the overall depth of flavors.

Store Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese Properly

• Store leftover stuffed squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen stuffed squash can last up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover stuffed squash with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese FAQ

• Is quinoa a good protein source?

Quinoa provides complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent nutritional choice for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit bacon and replace with smoked almonds or roasted mushrooms to maintain a similar savory flavor profile and texture.

• How nutritious is butternut squash?

Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and providing essential nutrients for overall wellness.

• What makes quinoa stuffing unique?

Quinoa stuffing offers a protein-rich, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional bread-based fillings, creating a more balanced and wholesome meal option.

Stuffed Butternut Squash With Spinach, Bacon, And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty “Stuffed Butternut Squash” brings rustic Mediterranean charm to comfort cuisine. Savory bacon, melted cheese, and tender spinach create an irresistible harmony that delights palates and warms souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium butternut squash
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Protein and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Slice butternut squash lengthwise, removing seeds and creating a hollow cavity for stuffing.
3. Brush squash halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. While squash roasts, crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and fragrant, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
5. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic.
6. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then set aside to cool slightly.
7. Wilt fresh spinach in the skillet, stirring until leaves collapse and release moisture.
8. Combine quinoa, crumbled bacon, sautéed spinach, and onion mixture in a mixing bowl.
9. Fold in shredded cheese, creating a vibrant and flavorful stuffing mixture.
10. Remove roasted squash from oven and carefully flip cut-side up.
11. Generously fill each squash half with the prepared quinoa mixture, mounding slightly.
12. Return stuffed squash to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the stuffing by swapping quinoa with rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice for different texture and flavor profiles.
• Make this dish vegetarian by omitting bacon and replacing with smoked paprika or sun-dried tomatoes for umami depth.
• Cut squash symmetrically to ensure even roasting and stable base for stuffing, preventing tipping during baking.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing components ahead: roast squash and cook quinoa mixture day before, then quickly assemble and reheat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg