This Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for a quick meal! Picture soft squash filled with melty cheese and yummy spices.
Making this dish is a breeze! I love how colorful it is on my plate, and the best part? You can always add your favorite toppings for an extra kick. Who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth squashes that are free from blemishes. If yellow squash isn’t available, zucchini works well as a substitute, giving a similar texture and flavor.
Shredded Cooked Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken to save time. If you’re vegetarian, you can omit this or replace it with cooked quinoa or lentils for a protein boost. Ground turkey or beef can also be great alternatives.
Marinara Sauce: I love using homemade marinara for extra flavor, but jarred sauce is just fine too! For a twist, try pesto or a white sauce like Alfredo instead if you prefer a creamier filling.
Cheese: While mozzarella is the classic choice, I’ve experimented with cheddar or pepper jack for a little more flavor. Mixing different cheeses can make this dish even more delicious!
How Do I Prepare the Yellow Squash for Stuffing?
Hollowing out the squash properly is key to making room for the filling. Here’s how:
- Start by slicing the squash in half lengthwise. It’s easier if you use a sharp knife and apply gentle pressure.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh, creating a cavity. Don’t scoop too much—leave some flesh for structure and flavor!
- Be careful not to pierce the skin, as you want the halves to hold their shape during baking.
Once hollowed, they are ready to be filled with your cheesy goodness! Enjoy this simple and delicious preparation method—it really highlights the flavors of the squash.
Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Squash:
- 4 medium yellow squash
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional, can be substituted with cooked ground turkey or kept vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy stuffed yellow squash recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and helps the cheese melt beautifully.
2. Prepare the Squash:
Wash the yellow squash thoroughly. Carefully slice each one in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and a bit of the flesh to create room for your filling. It’s okay if you leave some flesh for added flavor!
3. Sauté the Onions:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté them until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step brings out the sweet flavors of the onion.
4. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
Add the shredded chicken (or your chosen protein) to the skillet with the onions. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Mix in the Sauces and Cheese:
Pour in the marinara or tomato sauce and add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to combine all the flavors.
6. Stuff the Squash:
Grab a baking dish and place the hollowed squash halves inside. Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture evenly into each half, filling them generously.
7. Cheese It Up:
Top each stuffed squash with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Who can resist that cheesy goodness?
8. Bake:
Carefully place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the squash is tender and the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the stuffed squash cool slightly. You can garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite dried herbs if you’d like. This adds a nice pop of color!
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the stuffed yellow squash warm and enjoy the cheesy, delicious flavors. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is the star of this recipe, zucchini is a great alternative. You can also use other summer squashes, just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using cooked quinoa, lentils, or even black beans instead. This will still give you a delicious, hearty stuffed squash!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed squash up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge without baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the preheated oven and adjust the baking time if necessary, as they may take a few extra minutes to heat through.
