This Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash is a delightful dish! With tender squash filled with creamy cheese and tasty herbs, it’s both hearty and satisfying.
Who knew veggies could be this fun? I love watching my family enjoy every cheesy bite! You can pair it with a salad for a light yet yummy meal. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for firm, bright-yellow squash. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works just as well. They’ll offer a similar texture with a slightly different flavor.
Chicken: Using shredded chicken adds protein, but feel free to skip it for a vegetarian option. You can also use beans or lentils for some plant-based protein instead!
Marinara Sauce: Any tomato-based sauce works here! If you want a lighter option, consider using a homemade tomato sauce or a pesto instead. It changes the flavor, but it pairs nicely!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a nice melt, but cheddar or even feta could work for a different flavor. I sometimes mix cheeses for a richer taste—experiment and see what you like!
How Do I Make the Perfect Stuffed Squash?
Stuffing squash can seem tricky, but it’s simple! The key is to prepare your filling well and to scoop out the squash properly.
- Slice the squash in half and scoop out a little flesh to make space for the filling.
- When cooking the filling, sauté onion and garlic first for a fragrant base.
- Combine ingredients well after cooking the filling; it should be creamy and easy to spoon into the squash.
- Don’t overfill—leave a bit of space for the cheese topping to melt over the filling.
- Watch the baking time! You want the cheese bubbly and lightly golden without overcooking the squash itself.
With these steps, you’ll have tasty stuffed squash every time!
Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Squash:
- 4 medium yellow squash
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional for extra protein)
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
For The Cheesy Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and another 25 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes. The result is a flavorful, cheesy dish that is perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for our stuffed squash when we’re done preparing it!
2. Prep the Squash:
Wash the yellow squash thoroughly and slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and a bit of the flesh to create a nice cavity for the filling. Set the hollowed squash halves aside.
3. Cook the Filling:
Finely chop the flesh you scooped out. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent.
4. Add the Squash Flesh:
Next, add the chopped squash flesh to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 3-5 minutes until the squash is tender. This will enhance the flavors of the filling!
5. Mix the Filling:
Stir in the shredded chicken (if you’re using it), marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Add Cheese:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the filling its creamy, cheesy goodness!
7. Stuff the Squash:
Arrange the hollowed yellow squash halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the cheesy filling evenly into each half, making sure they are well filled.
8. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed squash for that golden, melty topping we all love!
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
10. Serve:
Once baked, remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs if you like, and serve warm!
This Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash is sure to be a hit! It’s delicious, comforting, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Enjoy your delightful dish!
FAQ for Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily omit the chicken or replace it with black beans or cooked quinoa for added protein. The filling will still be tasty and hearty without the meat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, feta, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick! Just keep the total amount of cheese roughly the same.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the squash a day in advance. Just keep the prepared squash in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it for a quick and easy meal!
