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