This Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash is a treat! You’ll love the buttery squash filled with creamy cheese and tasty herbs that make every bite delicious.
It’s like giving squash a cheesy hug! I think it’s fun to play with the fillings; sometimes I add veggies or spices to mix things up. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! You can substitute with zucchini if that’s what you have, but the yellow squash offers a nice sweetness and color.
Shredded Chicken: This is optional, but it adds protein. If you’re vegetarian, consider using cooked quinoa or black beans for a hearty filling.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides good meltiness, while Parmesan adds flavor. If you can’t find these, try using cheddar for mozzarella and Pecorino for Parmesan. Also, cream cheese makes it creamy—ricotta is a good alternative if you prefer.
Onion and Garlic: For a milder flavor, use green onions or shallots instead of onion, and garlic powder can work if you don’t have fresh garlic.
How Do I Prepare the Squash for Stuffing?
Preparing the yellow squash correctly is key to a great stuffed dish. Here’s how to do it:
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Next, wash the squash and cut them in half lengthwise. Make sure to have a sharp knife for a clean cut.
- With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and flesh. You want a shell that is about a quarter-inch thick so it holds the filling better.
- Don’t toss that scooped-out flesh! Finely chop it to include in your cheesy mixture for added flavor.
Taking your time with these steps ensures you have a solid base and delicious filling for your stuffed squash!
Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stuffed Squash:
- 4 medium yellow squash
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional for added protein)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 20-25 minutes of baking, totaling around 40-45 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your stuffed squash. This step is important to ensure even cooking!
2. Prepare the Squash:
Wash the yellow squash under cool water. Next, carefully slice each squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Remember to save the scooped-out flesh for the filling!
3. Cook the Filling:
Finely chop the reserved squash flesh and set it aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped squash flesh and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it’s tender.
4. Mix the Cheesy Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash mixture with shredded chicken (if using), cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s creamy and evenly blended.
5. Stuff the Squash:
Spoon the cheesy mixture evenly into each yellow squash half, packing it in nicely. Then, arrange the stuffed squash on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed squash for that extra cheesy goodness!
7. Bake:
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top, and the squash shells are tender. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
8. Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite dried herbs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash!
This dish is not only simple to prepare but also full of flavor—perfect as a side or a light main dish!
FAQs for Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well as yellow squash in this recipe. Just make sure to follow the same preparation steps for hollowing them out!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding cooked quinoa or black beans for protein. You can also increase the amount of chopped vegetables in the filling for a hearty texture.
Can I Prepare the Stuffed Squash Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed squash and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes if they are cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
