Stuffed Chayote Pears
A savory stuffed chayote pear dish with shrimp, ham, cheese, and bread crumbs, perfect as a main or side for a flavorful, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the chayote pears horizontally and remove the seeds.
- Place the pear halves in a large Ziploc bag.
- Cook the pears on high for 20 minutes.
- Sauté ham, onions, and garlic with a tablespoon of butter until vegetables are transparent.
- Add celery and cook until tender.
- Let the cooked chayote pear halves cool, then scoop out the meat from outside shells.
- Mash the chayote pear meat and mix with cooked shrimp and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Add the mixture to the skillet with the sautéed ingredients.
- Stir in Italian bread crumbs.
- Place the mixture in a greased 8 x 12-inch casserole dish.
- Cover with additional seasoned bread crumbs and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill in the filling. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be substituted with canned shrimp or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Adjust the amount of Cheddar cheese based on your taste preference, or try a different cheese like Gruyère for a unique spin. Handi-Wipes can be useful for quick clean-up during prep.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed chayote pears make a hearty main dish and pair well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread can complement the flavors beautifully. For a twist, serve with a dipping sauce like aioli. This dish also goes well with Pork Adobo(Or Make It With Chicken, Fish, Or Beef) for a delightful multi-course meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the dish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Chayote Pears contains roughly 665 calories, with 21g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1401mg per serving (61% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chayote pears a day in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of chayote pears?
If chayote pears are unavailable, zucchini or bell peppers can serve as great substitutes. They both provide a similar texture and will absorb the flavors of the stuffing well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may require less time to cook.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and ham. You can replace them with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or diced firm tofu for protein. Enhance the flavor with additional spices or vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a delicious meat-free meal.
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).