🎃 Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon (Mediterranean-Style)
🌿 Description
This Stuffed Butternut Squash is a warm, comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish that balances sweet roasted squash, salty feta, earthy spinach, and crispy bacon. While traditional Mediterranean cuisine uses little processed meat, this recipe uses bacon sparingly for depth and richness, paired with olive oil, vegetables, and herbs for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main course.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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1 large butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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½ tsp sea salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika
Filling
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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¼ cup red onion, finely diced
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1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
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Optional: pinch of chili flakes or nutmeg
👩🍳 Instructions
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Roast the Squash
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush squash halves with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, until tender. -
Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tsp in the pan.
Sauté onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes, then add spinach and cook until wilted. -
Combine
Remove from heat. Stir in bacon, feta, herbs, and optional spices. -
Stuff & Bake
Turn squash cut-side up. Scoop out a little flesh to create space (optional), mix it into the filling, then stuff evenly.
Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden. -
Serve
Drizzle with remaining olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a simple Mediterranean salad
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Pair with grilled fish or chicken
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Enjoy as a vegetarian main by omitting bacon or replacing it with walnuts
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast the squash and prepare the filling ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Skip the bacon and add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for texture.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Yes—rich in fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, and protein, especially when bacon is used in moderation.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Q: How long do leftovers keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
