Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of roasted butternut squash wafts through your home, mingling with the savory scents of crispy bacon and creamy feta. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon is not just a dish; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth and comfort, like a hug from your grandma after a long day. This delightful recipe brings together sweet and nutty squash, vibrant spinach, and indulgent feta cheese for a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
Now picture this: you’re gathered around a table with friends or family, laughter filling the air as you share stories. The centerpiece? A beautiful platter of stuffed butternut squash that has everyone oohing and aahing. As you dig in, each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture. Trust me; this is the kind of dish that creates memories. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a regular weeknight, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed butternut squash makes meal prep simple and fun.
- The delightful combination of flavors will impress your guests at any gathering.
- Its vibrant presentation adds color to your table while being versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences.
- Plus, it’s perfect for both cozy family dinners and elegant holiday feasts.
When I first made this dish for a potluck dinner, my friends practically inhaled it! The blend of flavors had them raving about it for weeks afterwards.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Butternut Squash: Choose firm squash with smooth skin; it should feel heavy for its size.
Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best taste and vibrant color; baby spinach works beautifully here.
Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon; it adds satisfying crunchiness to the filling.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for high-quality cheese for maximum flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; use it to drizzle over the squash before roasting.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; chop them finely for even distribution in the filling.
Onion: Sweet onions balance the flavors well; sauté until they’re translucent for sweetness.
Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts add crunch; they can elevate the texture profile wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a sturdy spoon. Drizzle both halves with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper generously, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast until tender and caramelized—about 30-40 minutes should do it! Keep an eye on them; you want them fork-tender but not mushy. While those beauties roast away, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer them to paper towels to drain excess grease—resist the urge to eat all of it!
In that same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden—around five minutes should suffice. Add in the fresh spinach next, cooking just until wilted—watch how vibrant green they become!
Now crumble in that luscious feta cheese along with those crispy bacon pieces. If you’re feeling adventurous (and I know you are), toss in some toasted pine nuts too! Mix everything together until well combined—this filling is hard to resist.
Once your squash has roasted perfectly, flip them over so they’re cut-side up and fill each half generously with the savory mixture you’ve created. Return them back to the oven for another 10-15 minutes—it’ll allow all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, when they come out of the oven sizzling and golden-brown on top, take a moment to appreciate their beauty before diving in! Serve warm as a main dish or side at your next gathering—trust me; they will steal the show!
Enjoy these delightful stuffed butternut squashes filled with feta cheese goodness that will leave everyone craving more!
You Must Know
- Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon is a delightful dish that not only looks impressive but also packs a flavor punch.
- The combination of creamy feta, savory bacon, and nutritious spinach makes it a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions, this dish will surely impress your guests.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, roast the butternut squash until tender, then sauté the spinach and bacon while mixing in feta. This ensures everything melds beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese or add nuts for crunch. Spice up the filling with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choosing ripe butternut squash is essential; look for one with a smooth, tan skin.
- Cutting it lengthwise can be tricky; use a sharp knife and take your time.
- Always taste your filling before stuffing; adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.
Cooking this stuffed butternut squash recipe always brings me back to my first Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Their compliments were worth every effort!
FAQ
Can I make Stuffed Butternut Squash ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead and bake just before serving.
What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
Consider adding mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.
Is Stuffed Butternut Squash suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep; just reheat individual portions when needed!
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon is a comforting dish that combines the sweet nuttiness of roasted butternut squash with savory bacon and creamy feta. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers layers of flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash (about 4 lbs total)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve butternut squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until golden. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Crumble cooked bacon into the skillet along with feta cheese and optional pine nuts; mix well.
- Flip roasted squash cut-side up and fill generously with the mixture. Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed half (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary. Substitute feta with goat cheese or add other vegetables such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
