Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Butternut Squash: A Hearty & Flavorful Fall Favorite
Experience the ultimate in comforting fall cuisine with our irresistible Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe. Roasted to perfection, the sweet, tender flesh is mashed with a generous blend of cheeses and savory bacon, then lovingly returned to its shell and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.
If you’re a devoted butternut squash enthusiast, like us, you’ll be thrilled to discover this new favorite. Butternut squash is incredibly versatile, shining in dishes from sweet to savory. Beyond this delightful stuffed rendition, we also recommend trying our Butternut Squash Bread for a touch of sweetness or the hearty Skillet Butternut Squash Lasagna for another comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe
Butternut squash truly reigns supreme among winter squashes, offering a subtly sweet and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with a myriad of ingredients. It’s a favorite we happily enjoy all year round, but it particularly shines during the cooler months.
This Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe is designed for those who appreciate the rich, comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. Think of it as the sophisticated, autumn-inspired cousin to a classic twice-baked potato – but with the unique sweetness and creamy texture that only butternut squash can provide. And yes, it comes loaded with generous amounts of cheese. Because when it comes to comfort food, extra cheese is always the answer!
This dish transforms humble butternut squash into something truly special: a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meal served right in its own attractive shell. It’s surprisingly filling, making it a perfect stand-alone dinner. We’ve found ourselves dreaming about the leftovers, eagerly anticipating lunch the next day – and thankfully, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Butternut Squash
Crafting this savory butternut squash dish requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
- Butternut Squash: The star of our dish! Butternut squash is widely available, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. For this recipe, aim for two medium-sized squash, each weighing approximately 2 pounds. Look for squash that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, unblemished skin.
- Olive Oil: A staple in any kitchen, olive oil helps the squash roast beautifully, enhancing its natural sweetness and preventing it from drying out. Feel free to substitute with other neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil if preferred.
- Salt, Pepper, and Nutmeg: These seasonings are crucial for bringing out the best in the butternut squash. While salt and pepper are standard, freshly grated nutmeg adds a unique warmth and depth that complements the squash wonderfully. If fresh isn’t an option, use a very small pinch of ground nutmeg, or you can omit it entirely if it’s not to your taste.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon is a cornerstone of this recipe, infusing the squash with an incredible smoky flavor and delightful texture. For a vegetarian option, you can easily omit the bacon, and the dish will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
- Cheese: This recipe features a triumphant trio of cheeses: sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, Parmesan for a salty, umami kick, and ricotta for unparalleled creaminess. We highly recommend using sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese taste, but use your favorite variety. The ricotta is non-negotiable as it provides that luxuriously smooth texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Herbs: Dried thyme and rubbed sage are our herbs of choice, lending an aromatic, earthy quality that harmonizes with the squash and bacon. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs, or if you have fresh herbs on hand (like fresh rosemary or thyme), they would elevate the dish even further.
- Green Onions: While optional, sliced green onions are highly recommended as a fresh garnish. They add a mild, zesty bite and a pop of color that brightens the final presentation and taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Stuffed Butternut Squash
Creating this delicious stuffed butternut squash is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked, incredibly flavorful meal:
- Prepare the Squash: Begin by carefully cutting each butternut squash in half lengthwise. A sharp knife and a stable cutting board are essential here. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the seasoned squash halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven until the flesh is fork-tender and slightly caramelized. This usually takes 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of your squash. While the squash roasts, cook your bacon until crispy, then set aside.
- Cool and Scoop: Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly until it’s comfortable enough to handle. Using a spoon, scoop out the soft butternut squash flesh, being careful to leave a thin border around the edges of the skin. This ensures the squash shells remain intact for stuffing.
- Create the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, mash the scooped-out butternut squash flesh with a potato masher until smooth. Incorporate 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, all the ricotta cheese, dried thyme, and rubbed sage. Stir in half of the cooked, crumbled bacon until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Stuff and Bake: Spoon the rich, cheesy butternut squash mixture back into the empty squash shells, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the tops of each stuffed half. Return the filled squash to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through, usually around 20 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the stuffed butternut squash from the oven. Garnish generously with the remaining crispy bacon and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, show-stopping dish!
Expert Tips for Stuffed Butternut Squash Success
While this recipe is quite straightforward, a few insider tips can make your stuffed butternut squash even more enjoyable:
- Cutting the Squash Safely: The most challenging part for many is cutting the raw butternut squash. To make it easier and safer, ensure you have a large, sturdy cutting board and a very sharp chef’s knife. You can also try microwaving the whole squash for 2-3 minutes before cutting; this softens the skin slightly, making it easier to slice through. For stubborn squash, carefully slice off the stem end first to create a flat, stable base, then cut it lengthwise.
- Doneness is Key: The roasting time for your squash can vary significantly based on its size and density. Smaller squash will cook faster, while larger ones will require more time. You’ll know the squash is perfectly tender when you can effortlessly pierce the flesh with a fork. Don’t rush this step, as a properly roasted squash is fundamental to the dish’s creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: To streamline your meal preparation, you can roast the butternut squash ahead of time. Once roasted and cooled, scoop out the flesh and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply proceed with mashing and mixing the filling, then stuff and bake as directed. You can even cook the bacon in advance and store it separately.
- Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to customize! Consider adding a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to the mashed squash for a sweeter profile. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes would be delicious. Other cheese combinations, like Gruyere or Fontina, could also work beautifully. You could also mix in sautéed onions or mushrooms for added vegetable goodness.
- Protein Boosts: While bacon adds amazing flavor, you could also mix in cooked ground sausage, shredded chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian protein boost.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
This cheesy bacon stuffed butternut squash is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A simple roasted chicken or a pan-seared pork chop would also make an excellent companion if you’re looking for additional protein. For a holiday feast, it’s a magnificent vegetarian centerpiece or a standout side dish next to your main roast.
The Nutritional Power of Butternut Squash
Beyond its delicious taste, butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune health and vision. It also provides a good amount of fiber, contributing to digestive health, and is packed with antioxidants. This makes our stuffed butternut squash not just a comforting indulgence, but a nourishing choice for your well-being.
More Butternut Squash Recipes to Explore
Can’t get enough of this amazing squash? Here are more delightful butternut squash recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Bacon and Spiralized Butternut Squash Pizza
- Butternut Squash Chili with Beef
- Penne with Butternut Squash and Sausage
- Sausage and Butternut Squash Slab Pie
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Stuffed Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 2 butternut squash about 2 lbs each
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 lb. Bacon
- 2 cups 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Halve each butternut squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the squash cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg. Roast the squash until it is tender, 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. You should be able to pierce the squash easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Decrease the oven temperature to 375ºF.
- Dice the bacon into small pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
- When the squash is cool enough to handle with your hands, scoop out the flesh of the squash, leaving a border around the edges to keep the squash intact.
- Place the squash flesh in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher. Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of the parmesan, the ricotta, thyme, and sage to the squash. Add half of the cooked bacon. Stir all together until fully combined.
- Stuff the squash shells with the mashed squash mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and parmesan over the tops.
- Return the squash to the oven and bake until the cheese on top has melted, about 20 minutes.
- Serve the squash topped with the sliced green onions and the remaining bacon.
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from The Rachael Ray Show
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutritional information calculated using 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 butternut squash half
Calories: 691kcal (35%)
Carbohydrates: 36g (12%)
Protein: 41g (82%)
Fat: 44g (68%)
Saturated Fat: 20g (125%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 134mg (45%)
Sodium: 1623mg (71%)
Fiber: 2g (8%)
Sugar: 13g (14%)