🍽️ Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Turkey Bacon, and Cheese 🧀

Savor a cozy evening with a delightful dish that's perfect for family dinners and impresses every guest at your table!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️

- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Roast the Squash: Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the butternut squash and season with salt and pepper. Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40-50 minutes, or until tender.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Incorporate spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in ricotta and Parmesan cheese.

4. Stuff the Squash: After roasting, let the squash cool slightly. Scoop out some of the flesh to create a hollow center in each half, leaving about 1/2 inch of squash on the edges. Mix the scooped-out flesh with the spinach mixture and evenly fill each squash half.

5. Top and Bake: Sprinkle crumbled turkey bacon over the filled squash halves and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if using. Serve warm and enjoy!

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎

- Calories: 290 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 5g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡

- For a crispier topping, broil the stuffed squash for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

⏳ Preparation time 🍰

- Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 65 minutes | Serving: 4 servings