Stuffed Yellow Squash With Bacon
Creamy, savory stuffed yellow squash filled with bacon and onion, baked to perfection. A delightful appetizer or side dish with rich flavors and tender squash.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil squash in plenty of salt water about 15 minutes or until just tender; do not overcook.
- Take squash out of water, being careful not to break the neck of the squash.
- Cut squash in half lengthwise through the neck.
- With a teaspoon, scoop out pulp (seeds, if tender, are edible) for the filling.
- Set aside.
- Place squash shells on a shallow greased baking dish.
- In a small pan, cook chopped onion with bacon drippings until tender.
- Add squash pulp and cook until most of the moisture is cooked out.
- Spoon mixture into the 6 squash shells.
- Sprinkle Ritz cracker crumbs over all, then the crumbled bacon.
- Bake in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the stuffing, consider adding some garlic or herbs like thyme or parsley. If you want a bit more crunch, substitute regular crackers with seasoned breadcrumbs. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used to save on cooking time. Make sure to avoid overcooking the squash to maintain their structure for stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed yellow squash make a great side dish for grilled meats or a light main course paired with a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Delicious Pea Salad, providing a lovely contrast in textures and flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside some crusty bread or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed squash in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven method will keep them crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Yellow Squash With Bacon contains roughly 161 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% 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 use other types of squash for this recipe?
Yes, other types of squash like zucchini or acorn squash can be substituted for yellow squash. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, since different squash varieties may have varying cooking times.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a similar flavor. Alternatively, tempeh or mushrooms sautéed in olive oil can provide a hearty texture and flavor without the meat.
Can I prepare these squash ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the squash and stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble them and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).