Savory Spinach and Bacon Twice-Baked Acorn Squash
This Savory Spinach and Bacon Twice-Baked Acorn Squash is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The sweetness of the roasted acorn squash pairs harmoniously with a rich filling of creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and savory Parmesan cheese. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this recipe not only looks beautiful but offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a nutritious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a decadent meal. Serve as a side dish or as a main vegetarian option, and watch it become a cherished favorite at your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn squash
2 medium (halved and seeds removed)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and well drained)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (divided)
Hard-cooked eggs
2 (finely chopped)
Margarine
1/4 cup (softened)
Bacon
6 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Soft breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut side down in a 9x13 baking dish.
3
Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Once the squash is cooked, carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell for the filling.
5
In a large bowl, combine the squash pulp, thawed and drained spinach, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped hard-boiled eggs, margarine, crumbled bacon, green onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until evenly combined.
6
Spoon the filling back into each squash half, packing it gently.
7
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese with the soft breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each stuffed squash half.
8
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach and Bacon Twice-Baked Acorn Squash?
It is a comforting autumn dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
How many acorn squashes are needed for this recipe?
You will need two medium-sized acorn squashes.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the squash before the first bake?
Cut each squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place them cut side down in a 9x13 baking dish.
How long is the initial baking time for the squash?
The squash should bake for 45 to 60 minutes until tender.
How do I check if the acorn squash is cooked?
The squash is done when it is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Should I remove all the squash pulp after the first bake?
No, you should leave about a 1/4-inch shell to hold the filling.
What type of spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
Do I need to prepare the frozen spinach in a specific way?
Yes, the spinach must be thawed and well-drained before being added to the mixture.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese is required for the recipe.
How is the Parmesan cheese divided?
Use 1/2 cup for the filling and the remaining 1/4 cup for the breadcrumb topping.
How are the eggs prepared for the filling?
You should use two hard-cooked eggs that have been finely chopped.
Is butter or margarine used in this dish?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of softened margarine.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 6 slices of bacon.
How should the bacon be processed before mixing?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled.
What kind of onions are included?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions.
What seasonings are added to the squash filling?
Salt and pepper are added to the filling to taste.
What makes the topping crunchy?
A mixture of 1/4 cup soft breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates the crunchy topping.
How long is the second baking period?
The stuffed squash should bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the stuffed squash is finished baking?
The tops should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbly.
Should the squash be covered during the second bake?
No, it should be baked uncovered during the second stage.
Is this recipe suitable for a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish or as a main vegetarian-friendly option.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It balances the sweetness of roasted squash with salty bacon and savory Parmesan.
Can I make this for an autumn gathering?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for autumn gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What is the texture of the breadcrumb topping?
The breadcrumb and cheese topping provides a wonderful crunchy texture.
Is this a nutritious meal choice?
Yes, it is a nutritious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including seasonings.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetable, stuffed squash, spinach, bacon, healthy, and comfort food.
Should I serve the squash immediately?
It is recommended to let the squash cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this considered an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for home cooks.