Bacon & Feta Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash

If you’re looking for a healthy comfort food recipe that feels indulgent yet fits into a low-carb, gluten-free, or keto-friendly lifestyle, this Bacon and Feta Stuffed Butternut Squash is the perfect choice. Visually stunning, deeply flavorful, and packed with nutrients, this dish balances sweet roasted squash with salty bacon, creamy feta, and earthy greens.

This recipe works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, holiday side dish, or even a meal prep lunch. It’s also highly customizable, making it ideal for families, special diets, or anyone searching for high-protein, nutrient-dense meals.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Sweet & savory balance: Caramelized butternut squash pairs perfectly with crispy bacon.

• High-protein & filling.

• Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for keto or vegetarian diets.

• Uses simple, whole-food ingredients.

• Perfect for fall and winter comfort food cravings.

This dish also ranks high in popular search trends like healthy dinner recipes, low carb comfort food, and easy oven-baked meals.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Filling

• 4–6 slices bacon, diced

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (roughly chopped)

• 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese, cubed

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ons

• Chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)

• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (not keto)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.

2. Place squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.

3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Roast for 40–45 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Tip: The squash should be fork-tender but still hold its shape to support the filling.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook diced bacon until crispy.

3. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.

4. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

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Step 3: Sauté the Greens

1. In the same pan, add spinach or kale to the bacon fat.

2. Cook until just wilted (1–2 minutes).

3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

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Step 4: Assemble the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • Cooked greens

   • Crispy bacon

   • Cubed feta

   • Dried herbs and chili flakes

2. Mix gently to keep feta intact.

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Step 5: Stuff & Bake

1. Remove squash from oven and slightly scoop out the center to create a cavity.

2. Fill generously with the bacon-feta mixture.

3. Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until feta softens and edges are golden.

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Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs and optional nuts. Serve hot.

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Nutrition & Health Benefits

This dish is popular among people searching for healthy dinner recipes for weight loss and low-carb comfort food.

Key Benefits

• High in fiber from butternut squash and greens

• High protein from bacon and feta

• Rich in vitamin A, calcium, and iron

• Naturally gluten-free

• Easy to modify for keto, paleo, or vegetarian diets

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Variations & Substitutions

Keto-Friendly Version

• Reduce squash portion size

• Add extra bacon and cheese

• Use full-fat feta or goat cheese

Vegetarian Option

• Replace bacon with:

  • Roasted mushrooms

  • Smoked tofu

  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Dairy-Free

• Use dairy-free feta alternative

• Add avocado cubes after baking

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Meal Prep & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheating: Oven or air fryer preferred for best texture

• Freezing: Not recommended (feta texture changes)

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon

• Enjoy as a standalone vegetarian main course

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Frequently Asked Questions (High-CPM SEO Queries)

Is stuffed butternut squash healthy?

Yes. It’s rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

Can I make this recipe low carb?

Absolutely. While butternut squash contains carbs, it’s lower than many starches and suitable for moderate low-carb diets.

What protein goes well with butternut squash?

Bacon, chicken, turkey, sausage, tofu, and feta cheese pair exceptionally well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free with no flour or grains.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Roast the squash and prepare the filling in advance, then assemble and bake before serving.

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Final Thoughts

This Bacon & Feta Stuffed Butternut Squash is a perfect example of healthy comfort food done right. It looks gourmet, tastes indulgent, and fits into many modern dietary lifestyles. Whether you’re focused on clean eating, low-carb dinners, or simply want a flavorful seasonal meal, this recipe delivers on every level.