Stuffed butternut squash is a dish that is enjoyed by many people, especially in cooler months when the squash is in season. Butternut squash might be stuffed with a filling made from a variety of ingredients, or it might be baked and then filled with a combination of the flesh of the squash and other ingredients. Proper preparation of the squash is one of the ways that someone might ensure a delicious stuffed butternut squash dish. One thing that many people like about stuffed butternut squash is the ability to mix and match flavors to create seemingly endless possibilities.
Preparation of butternut squash is usually not difficult. When preparing the squash for stuffed butternut squash, individuals usually cut the squash in half lengthwise, scooping out the interior seeds and fibers. After this step is complete, they might brush the squash with a bit of olive oil and season it or place it face down in a pan with a bit of water. The squash is then baked for about one hour, yielding a creamy soft flesh. At this point, the flesh can be removed and eaten on its own or removed and mixed with a filling.
Some people choose to stuff butternut squash with a filling consisting of ingredients such as sausage, bacon, ginger, cheese and breadcrumbs. When preparing stuffed butternut squash in this manner, the flesh of the squash is removed, leaving only a shell in which the filling can sit. The flesh might be eaten by itself or used in soups or breads. Filling mixtures usually consist of a variety of sweet and savory ingredients and are baked again after the filling has been added.
When the butternut squash filling is used in a stuffing recipe, the squash is still prepared in the same manner as it would have otherwise been prepared. After the flesh has been removed, it is mashed and mixed with a variety of stuffing ingredients. Many people believe that this creates a creamier, tastier stuffing. The mixture is added back to the butternut squash shells and baked again for a shorter amount of time, yielding squash serving shells that are filled with the stuffing mixture.
Stuffed butternut squash is a favorite of some people who otherwise do not prefer vegetables. The combination of the rich, creamy texture of the squash and the sweet and savory stuffing ingredients creates a delicious dish full of flavor, making it not seem like a vegetable that is being eaten. Many people also enjoy preparing the dish and serving it with their holiday meals.
