This Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash is a tasty dish with warm, gooey cheese and fresh veggies. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for a light meal or a fun side!
Stuffing squash made me feel like a chef! I love adding extra cheese on top for that bubbly finish. It’s fun and always makes me smile to serve this colorful dish to friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star of the dish! If you can’t find any, zucchini works just as well. It has a similar texture and flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella brings that gooeyness, while Parmesan adds a salty kick. You could swap mozzarella for jack cheese or even a dairy-free version if you’re keeping it plant-based.
Chicken: While optional, shredded chicken adds protein and makes this meal heartier. You can easily use canned tuna or beans if you want a vegetarian option.
Marinara Sauce: This ties everything together. If you prefer something lighter, opt for a simple garlic and olive oil dressing or a white sauce.
How Do I Perfectly Cook My Stuffed Squash?
Cooking yellow squash might seem tricky, but it’s all about patience and the right temperature. Ensure you scoop out enough of the flesh to create room for your filling, but leave some to add flavor.
- Preheat the oven properly to get that nice golden top.
- It’s important to sauté the onions and garlic just until fragrant. This caramelizes their flavor without burning.
- Don’t overstuff! Leaving some room for the cheese to melt will give you a fantastic bubbly layer on top.
- Check for tenderness; the squash should be soft but still hold its shape when you take it out of the oven.
Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 medium yellow squash
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be looking at around 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious option for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that by the time you are ready to bake, the oven is hot and ready to melt that cheesy goodness!
2. Prepare the Squash:
Wash the yellow squash thoroughly and slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a little boat. Don’t toss the scooped flesh just yet; set it aside as we’ll use it in the filling!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will bring out a lovely flavor!
4. Mix the Filling:
Chop the reserved squash flesh finely and add it to the skillet. If you’re using shredded chicken, toss that in along with the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to combine all the flavors nicely.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Take the skillet off the heat and mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a creamy filling.
6. Stuff the Squash:
Arrange your squash halves inside a baking dish. Generously spoon the cheese and vegetable mixture into each squash boat, making sure it is well-filled!
7. Top with More Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed squash. More cheese is always a good idea!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the squash to be tender and the cheese on top to be melted and golden brown. Yum!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried herbs for that extra pop of flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
It’s time to dig in! Serve your warm, cheesy stuffed yellow squash and enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Squash
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with zucchini or even acorn squash. Just adjust cooking times as needed, depending on the size and type of squash you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken?
No problem! You can leave out the chicken for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, adding cooked quinoa, beans, or more veggies can provide a satisfying filling without the meat. Just keep it delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed squash and assemble them a day in advance. Just cover and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing them in the oven.
