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## **Instructions**
### 1. **Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
### 2. **Prepare the Butternut Squash**
Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle the flesh of the squash halves with a little olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about **30-40 minutes**, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
### 3. **Cook the Bacon**
While the squash is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the **bacon** until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.
### 4. **Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same skillet used for the bacon, add a tablespoon of **olive oil** and sauté the **onion** and **garlic** over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the **spinach** and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Season with a pinch of **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried thyme**.
### 5. **Combine the Filling**
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and onions, crumbled **bacon**, and **feta cheese**. Stir until everything is well combined and the feta is evenly distributed throughout.
### 6. **Stuff the Squash**
Once the butternut squash halves are roasted and tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Scoop out a small portion of the flesh from each squash half to create a well for the filling, but be sure to leave about ½ inch of the flesh intact around the edges.
Carefully fill each squash half with the spinach, bacon, and feta mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in. If you like, you can sprinkle some **Parmesan cheese** on top of the stuffed squash for an extra cheesy finish.
### 7. **Bake the Stuffed Squash**
Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional **10-15 minutes**, or until the tops are golden and bubbly. If you added Parmesan cheese, it should be melted and slightly browned.
### 8. **Serve & Enjoy**
Once baked, remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These stuffed butternut squashes are perfect as a main dish for a vegetarian meal or as a delicious side dish alongside roasted meats or grains.
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## **Tips for Customizing Your Stuffed Butternut Squash**
– **Add Nuts**: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, add some chopped **walnuts** or **pecans** to the stuffing mix.
– **Swap the Cheese**: While feta is traditional, you can substitute it with **goat cheese**, **cheddar**, or even **blue cheese** for a different flavor profile.
– **Herbs and Spices**: Feel free to play with the seasonings! Adding a pinch of **cinnamon** or **nutmeg** to the filling can bring out the natural sweetness of the squash. Fresh herbs like **sage** or **rosemary** can elevate the dish even more.
– **Vegan Option**: To make this dish vegan, omit the bacon and feta cheese and use **plant-based cheese** or **tofu** for a creamy texture. For added protein, try adding some cooked **quinoa** to the stuffing.
– **Make it a Meal**: To make this dish more filling, consider adding some **cooked chicken**, **ground turkey**, or **lentils** to the stuffing mixture.
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## **Why This Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe is a Must-Try**
This **Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach, and Bacon** is a hearty, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that embodies the best of fall ingredients. The sweetness of the roasted butternut squash pairs perfectly with the savory, smoky bacon, the richness of feta, and the earthiness of spinach. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy dinner with family or a holiday spread, and it can easily be modified to fit various dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this stuffed squash will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own.
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## **Conclusion**
This **Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach, and Bacon** recipe is the perfect dish to enjoy as the weather cools down. It’s easy to prepare, full of nutritious ingredients, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or simply looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this stuffed squash is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness that autumn has to offer!
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