Easy Stuffed Butternut Squash With Feta, Spinach Recipe

Have you ever craved a delightful butternut squash dish that feels like a warm culinary hug?

Mediterranean flavors dance through this vibrant recipe, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Crisp spinach and creamy feta nestled inside golden roasted squash make an irresistible combination.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet elegant meal that comes together effortlessly.

Hearty enough for a main course yet light enough to feel nourishing, this stuffed butternut squash offers something special for every palate.

Colorful and nutritious, it promises to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.

You won’t believe how such straightforward ingredients can create such a memorable dining experience.

FAQs

• Is butternut squash healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports eye health, boosts immunity, and helps maintain healthy skin.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and replace it with smoked tofu or additional nuts for protein and smoky flavor.

• How do I choose a good butternut squash?

Look for squash with smooth, matte skin, heavy for its size, and free from bruises or soft spots. A deep, uniform color indicates ripeness.

• What nutrients are in this dish?

This recipe provides protein from feta and bacon, healthy fats from walnuts, iron and calcium from spinach, and complex carbohydrates from butternut squash.

Butternut Squash Stuffed For A Filling, Flavorful Bite

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Complete this impressive meal in just under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet manageable dinner solutions.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combine hearty vegetables, protein-rich bacon, and creamy feta for a balanced, satisfying dinner that delivers incredible flavor and nutrition in every bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners, elegant date nights, or potluck gatherings, appealing to various dietary preferences and taste buds.

What You Need for Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta and Spinach

Main Ingredients:

• Butternut Squash: Sweet vegetable that serves as the delicious base and edible vessel for the filling. Choose firm squash with smooth, matte skin and heavy for its size.

• Bacon, Feta Cheese: Rich, savory ingredients that add depth and saltiness to the dish. Select high-quality bacon and creamy feta for best flavor.

• Spinach, Garlic: Fresh greens and aromatic herb that provide nutrition and flavor complexity. Pick crisp, bright green spinach and firm garlic bulbs.

Additional Flavor Ingredients:

• Walnuts, Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Crunchy texture enhancers and classic seasonings that boost overall taste profile. Select whole walnuts and fresh dried herbs.

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Smooth cooking fat and tangy optional finishing touch. Choose extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.

Stuffed Butternut Squash Prep with Spinach and Feta

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Squash Prep Magic

Slice butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and lay them cut-side down on a baking sheet.

Roast until the flesh turns super soft and fork-tender, about 35-40 minutes.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches crispy perfection.

Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving behind all those delicious drippings.

Step 4: Spinach Sauté Sensation

Drizzle olive oil into the same skillet and toss in minced garlic.

Let it dance around until fragrant.

Add chopped spinach and cook until it wilts and shrinks down.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Bomb

• Crumbled bacon
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped walnuts

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and dried thyme for an extra flavor kick.

Step 6: Hollow Out the Squash

Grab a spoon and gently scoop out some squash flesh, creating a cozy pocket for the stuffing.

Leave a border around the edges to keep everything intact.

Step 7: Stuff with Deliciousness

Generously fill each squash half with the spinach, bacon, and feta mixture.

Press down gently to pack in all those incredible flavors.

Step 8: Final Bake and Glow

Return the stuffed squash to the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and heated-through filling.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra tang.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Stuffed Squash Prep Tips with Feta & Spinach Flair

• Cut squash halves with a sharp knife and remove seeds carefully to prevent uneven roasting. Place cut-side down to lock in moisture and create caramelized edges.
• Cook bacon until golden brown and crisp for maximum flavor. Pat excess grease with paper towels to keep stuffing light and prevent sogginess.
• Swap bacon with vegetarian alternatives like crispy mushrooms or tempeh for plant-based diets. Add quinoa or rice for extra protein and texture variation.
• Use dried thyme sparingly to complement squash's natural sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper based on feta's saltiness to prevent over-seasoning.
• Prepare stuffed squash components in advance and assemble just before baking. Store roasted squash and filling separately in refrigerator for up to 2 days for quick weeknight meals.

Chill Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta & Spinach

• Store leftover stuffed butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm stuffed squash in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil during the last 2-3 minutes to restore slight crispiness on top.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a small splash of water to keep the filling moist and prevent rubbery texture.
• Wrap each stuffed squash half tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Eat with Stuffed Butternut Squash

• Harmonize Flavors with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Choose a zesty sauvignon blanc or unoaked chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy butternut squash and cut through the salty bacon and feta.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve with a crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious filling and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft squash.
• Fresh Green Salad Partner: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, bringing a bright, peppery freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Red Wine Match: For red wine lovers, select a light pinot noir with subtle earthiness that won't overpower the delicate squash and will beautifully echo the thyme and nutty walnut notes.

Stuffed Squash Mix Ideas to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh or crispy mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains a rich, savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and swap walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use smaller acorn squash or zucchini boats instead of butternut squash to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious stuffed concept.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap feta for crumbled goat cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with bright, tangy flavors.

Stuffed Butternut Squash With Feta, Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic meets hearty harvest in this Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta and Spinach, a rustic dish blending Greek-inspired flavors with seasonal comfort. Creamy feta, tender spinach, and roasted squash create a delightful symphony you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium butternut squashes
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet for roasting butternut squash.
2. Slice squashes lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and inner membranes with a spoon.
3. Position squash halves face-down on the baking sheet, roasting for 35-40 minutes until flesh becomes fork-tender and easily pierced.
4. While squash roasts, crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Transfer bacon to a paper towel, reserving skillet with residual bacon fat.
6. Introduce olive oil to the skillet, sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
7. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring until completely wilted and reduced in volume.
8. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate crumbled bacon, crumbled feta, and chopped walnuts into the spinach mixture.
9. Season the filling with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, mixing thoroughly.
10. Extract roasted squash from oven and delicately scoop out a portion of the flesh, creating a generous cavity for stuffing.
11. Generously fill each squash half with the prepared spinach-bacon mixture, pressing gently to compact the filling.
12. Return stuffed squash to the oven, baking an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through and edges become slightly caramelized.
13. Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving warm.

Notes

• Customize the squash by selecting smaller, evenly-sized butternut squashes for consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
• Ensure the bacon is extra crispy for a delightful textural contrast in the stuffing.
• Consider swapping bacon with pancetta or smoked turkey for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
• Use plant-based alternatives like tempeh or vegan bacon bits to create a vegetarian version of this dish without compromising on smoky, rich flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg