Stuffed delicata squash is a cozy dish that looks beautiful on your table. The sweet, tender squash is filled with a tasty mix of grains, veggies, and spices. Yum!
Honestly, it’s like nature’s little bowl that you get to eat! I love making this for dinner because it’s healthy and fun to scoop out every last bite. Perfect for chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Delicata Squash: This squash has a lovely sweet flavor and a tender skin that you can eat! If you can’t find it, butternut squash works great too. Just know it may take a little longer to roast due to its size.
Quinoa or Couscous: I like using quinoa for its nutty taste and protein content. If you need a gluten-free option, quinoa is perfect! Barley or rice can also be used instead of couscous if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrients. You could swap it with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor. Even frozen spinach works if you squeeze out the excess water!
Walnuts: They add a good crunch. If you’re allergic, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are tasty alternatives. You could also omit them for a nut-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If vegan or dairy-free, you can use nutritional yeast or any plant-based cheese. Just ensure it melts well!
How Can I Make Sure the Squash is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the right texture on the delicata squash is key. To cook it perfectly, follow these steps:
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. A spoon works well for this.
- Brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Roast cut-side down; this allows the moisture to stay inside and cook evenly, making it tender.
- Check for doneness by piering the flesh with a fork. It should be soft but still have structure.
This technique will help you get that delicious, tender squash ready for stuffing!
Stuffed Delicata Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium delicata squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan cheese alternative)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added texture)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook, making a total of about 55 minutes. You’ll spend the first half roasting the squash while preparing the flavorful filling, and then just a little more time baking it to golden perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Squash:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, take your delicata squash and slice it in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds gently—don’t worry if it’s messy! Just make sure you have room for that tasty filling. Take a moment to brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to add flavor.
2. Roast the Squash:
Now, place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Pop them in the preheated oven and let them roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork—just like that, they’ll be tender and lovely!
3. Make the Delicious Filling:
While the squash is roasting, let’s whip up the filling! In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant (your kitchen will smell fantastic!). Toss in the chopped spinach, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Once your spinach mix is ready, stir in the cooked quinoa or couscous. Add the lemon juice, half of the chopped walnuts, and seasoning to taste with extra salt and pepper if needed. Take the skillet off the heat and set aside—your filling is ready!
5. Stuff the Squash:
After the squash has roasted to tender goodness, carefully turn them cut-side up on your baking sheet. Now it’s time for the fun part! Spoon that tasty quinoa and spinach mixture evenly into each squash half. Don’t be shy to pack it in! Then, top each stuffed squash with the remaining walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs if you’re using them for some extra crunch.
6. Final Bake:
Pop the stuffed squash back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes—just long enough to toast the topping until it’s golden and delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After a few final minutes, remove your stuffed delicata squash from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving—though you might be tempted to dig in right away! Enjoy this heartwarming dish that’s almost too pretty to eat!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! If you can’t find delicata squash, butternut or acorn squash make excellent substitutes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the squash’s size.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap quinoa for rice or farro. You can also throw in some beans for extra protein!
Is This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, it can be made vegan by using plant-based cheese instead of Parmesan and opting out of any butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!
