Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta Spinach and Bacon

Dinners

Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday dinner or looking for a delicious weeknight meal, Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach, and Bacon fits the bill. It’s an elegant dish that looks beautiful on the table but is surprisingly easy to make. If you’re hosting friends or family, this dish will definitely be a standout—and it can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

4. Vibrant and Visually Stunning

Not only is this dish flavorful, but it’s also visually appealing. The rich orange hue of the roasted butternut squash contrasts beautifully with the green spinach and white feta, while the crispy bacon adds a bit of texture and color. It’s the kind of dish that makes people pause and admire it before diving in!

How to Make Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach, and Bacon

Ready to try this irresistible stuffed squash recipe? Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized butternut squashes
• 4 slices of bacon
• 3 cups fresh spinach (you can use frozen spinach, but fresh works best)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squashes in half lengthwise, scooping out the seeds. Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder if desired. Roast them in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the squash is roasting, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Sauté the Spinach: In the same skillet that you cooked the bacon, add the fresh spinach and cook over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach cooks evenly. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and thyme, if using. Remove from heat.
4. Stuff the Squash: Once the butternut squash halves are roasted and tender, remove them from the oven. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh from the center of each squash half, creating a small well for the filling. Be careful not to scoop too much out—leave some squash to hold the filling in place.
5. Assemble the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, crumbled bacon, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well. Spoon this mixture into the hollowed-out centers of each butternut squash half, dividing it evenly between the squash halves.
6. Final Bake: Place the stuffed squash back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the stuffed butternut squash is ready, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy this delightful, flavorful dish!

Tips for Success

• Add Extra Toppings: For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans on top of the filling before baking. They’ll add crunch and depth to the dish.
• Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. You can replace it with roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a savory substitute.
• Use Different Cheese: While feta adds a tangy and creamy finish, you can try different cheeses like goat cheese, Parmesan, or mozzarella if you prefer.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Dish Over and Over

This Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach, and Bacon recipe isn’t just about great taste—it’s also about creating a dish that’s comforting, visually stunning, and filled with nutrition. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal, a dinner party, or just a cozy evening at home, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach, crispy bacon, and creamy feta is a true flavor sensation, and it’s so simple to make that you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious the next day.

So, the next time you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a satisfying, healthy, and delicious meal, give Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach, and Bacon a try. You won’t be disappointed! 🧀🥓🎃