Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

Introduction

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is a dazzling centerpiece dish that turns wholesome butternut squash into a show-stopping, nutrient-packed main. The blend of sweet roasted squash, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach creates layers of contrasting flavors and textures that please even the pickiest palates. Its simplicity and wow factor make it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests without much fuss.

Why Make This Stuffed Butternut Squash?

Flavor and comfort take the spotlight in this recipe. Roasting butternut squash enhances its natural sweetness and provides a silky base. The stuffing—a savory blend of crispy bacon, sautéed spinach, and melty cheese—delivers a complex, satisfying bite every time. It’s an easy way to make a balanced, complete meal with minimal hands-on time, ideal for busy evenings or make-ahead meal plans.

Creating Flavorful Filling for Your Butternut Squash

To prepare the filling, start by crisping up the bacon to build a deep, smoky foundation. Wilt fresh spinach in the bacon drippings to infuse an extra layer of flavor, then mix with your favorite cheeses—think sharp cheddar, oozy mozzarella, or creamy goat cheese. This flavorful mixture keeps the dish moist and irresistible when nestled inside the roasted squash halves.

How to Assemble Your Stuffed Butternut Squash

Once your squash is roasted and tender, scoop out a bit of flesh to create a boat and mix it with the cheesy spinach-bacon blend. Pile the filling high and finish with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust. The result: a meal that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Butternut Squash

This dish is robust enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. Serve individual halves for an eye-catching presentation at holiday tables or weeknight family meals alike.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, each roughly 350-400 calories, packed with vitamins from squash and spinach, plenty of protein from cheese and bacon, and satisfying fiber. It’s a complete, filling meal with wholesome ingredients and crave-worthy flavor.

Stuffed Butternut Squash (Recap)

This stuffed butternut squash delivers a balance of sweet, savory, and creamy sensations in every forkful. It’s a nutrient-dense, crowd-pleasing main dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for special occasions.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush the cut sides of the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes or until tender.
3. While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
4. Sauté the garlic in reserved bacon fat for 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or red pepper flakes.
5. When the squash is cool enough to handle, carefully scoop out a bit of flesh from each half, leaving a ¼-inch border. Place the scooped-out squash flesh in a bowl and mash it lightly.
6. Add spinach mixture, cooked bacon, and most of the cheese (save a little for topping) to the squash flesh in the bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
7. Fill each butternut squash half with the mixture, mounding slightly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
8. Return squash halves to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a meal planner’s dream—easy to prep, delicious as leftovers, and versatile enough for lunch or dinner. Save and schedule this recipe to automatically plan your meals, streamline your shopping lists, and ensure you never forget a key ingredient.

Planning Benefits:

• Automates ingredient calculations across all scheduled meals
• Categorizes your grocery list by store section
• Helps reduce food waste by tracking shared ingredients
• Keeps your weekly meal prep organized and stress-free

Pro tip: When you plan multiple meals, CookifyAI combines shared ingredients like spinach or cheese, so you’ll buy exactly what you need—no more, no less!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes