Spinach and butternut squash are two vegetables that are widely served in South Africa. Most chain restaurants serve these two as their vegetable side dish options and I have never complained. Because I LOVE creamed spinach and I LOVE butternut squash. So what happened when I combined these two loves of mine? THIS, my friends. The cheesiest, creamiest creamed spinach stuffed into sweet, roasted butternut and baked until golden brown and delicious. I mean, have you ever seen anything so glorious? Hellloooooo Thanksgiving side dish!
Ingredients needed
Butternut squash. Spinach. Butter/olive oil. Onion. Fresh garlic cloves. Flour. I used all-purpose flour but you can use gluten free flour if needed. Milk. Use any milk of your choice. Cream. Heavy cream or whipping cream. Salt and black pepper. I sometimes add a sprinkle of grated nutmeg or herbs like sage and thyme for extra flavor. Mozzarella cheese. Parmesan cheese.
How to make stuffed butternut squash
Half two whole butternut squash and season generously with salt. Place into a roasting pan or deep baking sheet and add boiling water. Cover with foil and place in a preheated oven to bake for 30-45 minutes until fork tender. In the meantime, make the creamed spinach by sauteeing the onion and garlic in a large skillet or pan until soft and translucent over medium heat. Add the spinach and allow to wilt before adding the flour. Stir to coat the spinach in the flour then pour in the milk and cream. Stir until smooth then allow to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened and is smooth. Season with salt and pepper (a little grated nutmeg would be delicious here too) and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before stirring in the cheese. Remove the roasted butternut from the oven then scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh in the “neck”part of the butternut to create a hollow for the spinach. Scoop the cheesy creamed spinach mixture into the butternut and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Place back in the oven and allow to bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve.
Can I make this ahead?
This recipe can be completely prepped up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered with foil in the refrigerator. Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave oven.
What to serve with stuffed butternut
This recipe will make a great vegetarian main dish, especially for events like Thanksgiving. It’s also a great side dish and works so well with roasts.
Butternut squash recipes
