The last of the tomatoes are ripening on the vines, while my basil bushes continue to flourish. My storage area is overflowing with the butternut squash we harvested this season, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the bountiful garden. I want to share a delightful stuffed butternut squash recipe I’ve been loving lately—it’s filled with feta and tomatoes, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on its own or as a tasty side for our weekend braai. It’s a wonderful way to savor the fresh veggies from my garden, and I can’t wait to dig in!
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta & Tomato
🥔 Servings: 2-4 | ⏳ Prep Time: 10 min | 🔥 Cook Time: 50 min
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup cooked quinoa or couscous (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 handful fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roast the Butternut Squash
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the squash cut-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
Prepare the Filling
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, oregano, and nuts (if using), cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cooked quinoa (if using) and crumbled feta.
Stuff & Bake Again
- Once the squash is tender, scoop out some of the flesh (leaving about ½ inch) to create a hollow center.
- Mix the scooped-out squash into the filling, then spoon the mixture back into the butternut halves.
- Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is slightly golden.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavour.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and delicious stuffed butternut squash! 😋