Ah, the glorious stuffed butternut squash with feta, spinach & bacon—this dish is like a warm hug after a long day! If you’re looking for a way to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. I promise, this recipe is a delightful treat that won’t have you feeling frazzled. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also looks beautiful on the plate. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon
This stuffed butternut squash is a fantastic answer to the “What’s for dinner?” question. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering, this dish checks all the boxes: it’s warm, savory, and oh-so-satisfying! Plus, you’ll love how the sweet butternut squash pairs perfectly with salty feta and crispy bacon—it’s a flavor match made in heaven. Trust me, when you pull this beauty out of the oven, your kitchen will smell like a gourmet restaurant!
Ingredients
For this scrumptious meal, you’ll need:
- 2 medium butternut squashes (halved and seeds removed)
- 200g feta cheese (crumbled)
- 150g fresh spinach (chopped)
- 150g cooked bacon (chopped; turkey bacon works great if you want a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, adds a nice crunch!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps to Deliciousness
- Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). We want it nice and toasty for our squash! - Prepare the Squash
Cut the butternut squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. It’s a little like giving the squash a makeover—out with the seeds, in with the flavor! - Season with Love
Brush the insides of the squash halves with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano. Make sure you don’t skip this step! - Roast Frankly
Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. - Sauté the Spinach and Bacon
While the squash is roasting, heat a pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped spinach and cooked bacon. Sauté until the spinach is wilted—about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell like brunch! - Mix It Up
In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and bacon with the crumbled feta cheese, and add the breadcrumbs if you’re feeling fancy. Stir until it’s nice and combined. - Stuff It Good
Once the squash is done roasting, turn the halves over and fill them generously with your stuffing mixture. Don’t hold back—let that filling overflow! - Bake Again
Return the stuffed squash to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. You want everything heated through and a little golden on top. Your patience will pay off! - Garnish and Serve
Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Voilà! You’ve created a dish that is as stunning as it is scrumptious!
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overthink It! If your filling looks a little lumpy, that’s okay! It adds character to your dish.
- Substitutions Are Your Friend: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. Mushrooms instead of bacon? Sure! Greek yogurt instead of feta? Why not!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the squash ahead of time and stuff it before baking. Great for busy days!
A Personal Touch
Let me tell you, the first time I made this stuffed butternut squash, it instantly became a family favorite! My kids were reluctant at first—“Mom, why do we have to eat ‘weird’ food?”—but once they took that first bite, it was game over. They practically fought over the last piece, and that’s when I knew I had a winner!
FAQs
Can I substitute some of the ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or even go meatless. This dish is very forgiving!
How can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven for the best results!
You’re just one delicious dinner away from being the family hero. Serve this stuffed butternut squash with feta, spinach, and bacon and watch as everyone savors every bite. So, roll up those sleeves, and let’s get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
