Cheesy Stuffed Squash
Cheesy stuffed squash offers a delightful combination of tender squash shells filled with savory bacon, onion, breadcrumbs, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash squash and boil in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
- Remove and discard stems from the squash.
- Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove the pulp, keeping the shells intact.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp; drain well, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in bacon drippings until tender.
- Stir in crumbled bacon, bread crumbs, and squash pulp.
- Stuff the mixture into the squash shells and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Broil for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste. If you prefer, you can substitute the bacon with cooked turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the filling can enhance the overall flavor profile. Ensure the squash is tender but not mushy before stuffing to retain its shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesy stuffed squash as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside pork recipes like grilled pork chops or chicken for a satisfying dinner. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squash in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option, but this may affect the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Stuffed Squash contains roughly 452 calories, with 21g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed squash up to the broiling step. Simply cover and refrigerate the stuffed squash for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, broil directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
What types of squash work best for this recipe?
Medium zucchini or yellow squash are ideal for stuffed squash recipes due to their size and sturdy shells. However, you can also experiment with acorn squash for a sweeter flavor or butternut squash for a creamier texture, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Can I freeze the stuffed squash?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed squash before broiling. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then broil as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).