7 Stuffed Squash With Rice, Vegetables and Cheese Christmas Dinner Ideas

When it comes to planning a festive Christmas dinner, stuffed squash can be a standout choice. I’ve explored various recipes that combine rice, vegetables, and cheese, resulting in both flavor and visual appeal. These dishes are not just comforting, but they also bring a touch of holiday spirit. There are several noteworthy options to consider for your menu, each with their own unique twist. Curious to see which ones made the cut?

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Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

quinoa stuffed acorn squash recipe

Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful and wholesome dish perfect for a Christmas dinner. Featuring tender, roasted acorn squash filled with a savory quinoa mixture, this recipe is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of spices, vegetables, and nuts will leave your guests feeling satisfied and festive.

Ingredients Quantity
Acorn squash 2 large
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Bell pepper 1 medium, chopped
Zucchini 1 medium, diced
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Squash: Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Cook the Quinoa: While the squash is roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped bell pepper and diced zucchini; continue to sauté for another 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
  6. Stuff the Squash: Once the acorn squash halves are roasted and tender, remove them from the oven. Carefully spoon the quinoa mixture into each half of the squash, packing it slightly.
  7. Final Bake: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to warm everything through and allow flavors to meld.
  8. Serve: Remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your festive meal!
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Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Butternut Squash

cheesy stuffed butternut squash

Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Butternut Squash is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a festive Christmas dinner. The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with a rich filling of sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and melted cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures that your guests will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash 2 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Mushrooms (button or cremini) 8 ounces, sliced
Fresh spinach 4 cups, chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Cream cheese 4 ounces, softened
Grated mozzarella cheese 1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup
Ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and browned. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg, and remove from heat.
  4. Combine the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mushrooms and spinach with the softened cream cheese, grated mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and the cheese is melted and incorporated.
  5. Stuff the Squash: Carefully flip the roasted butternut squash halves cut side up. Use a spoon to fill each half with the cheesy spinach and mushroom mixture, pressing down lightly to pack in the filling.
  6. Bake Again: Place the stuffed butternut squash back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the top is golden and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Butternut Squash!
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Mediterranean-Inspired Stuffed Delicata Squash

mediterranean stuffed delicata squash
Ingredients Quantity
Delicata squash 2 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Quinoa (or couscous) 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 pint
Red onion, diced 1 medium
Bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped ½ cup
Feta cheese, crumbled ¾ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Delicata Squash: Cut the delicata squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  3. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
  5. Combine the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, dried oregano, lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
  6. Stuff the Squash: Carefully flip the roasted delicata squash halves cut side up. Use a spoon to fill each half generously with the Mediterranean quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
  7. Bake Again: Place the stuffed delicata squash halves back on the baking sheet and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is heated through and the squash is golden brown.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this festive and healthy holiday dish with your friends and family!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

sweet potato black bean dish

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes and black beans with the unique texture of spaghetti squash. This vegetarian dish makes for a satisfying main course or a hearty side dish, perfect for your Christmas dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Spaghetti squash 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium
Black beans (canned, rinsed) 1 can (15 oz)
Red bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Lime juice 1 tablespoon
Fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup
Avocado, sliced (for serving) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  3. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: While the squash is roasting, heat a larger skillet over medium heat with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed black beans and lime juice into the skillet mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just to heat the beans through and combine the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
  6. Stuff the Spaghetti Squash: Once the spaghetti squash is done roasting, carefully flip the halves cut side up. Use a fork to gently scrape the flesh into strands, creating spaghetti-like noodles. Leave the strands in the shell but make enough room to add the filling. Spoon the sweet potato and black bean mixture evenly into the hollowed-out spaghetti squash halves, packing them gently.
  7. Serve: Optionally, top the stuffed squash with sliced avocado and extra cilantro for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stuffed Spaghetti Squash!
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Classic Rice Pilaf Stuffed Carnival Squash

savory rice pilaf stuffing

Classic Rice Pilaf Stuffed Carnival Squash is a delightful vegetarian dish that brings warmth and flavor to your holiday table. This recipe takes the unique and colorful carnival squash and fills it with a savory rice pilaf mixture that includes aromatic herbs, nuts, and dried fruits, making it a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying main or side dish for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Carnival squash 2 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Medium onion, diced 1
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Long grain rice 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Dried apricots, chopped ½ cup
Unsalted cashews, chopped ½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Carnival Squash: Cut the carnival squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle the insides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
  3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Rice: Stir in the long grain rice and toast for about 2 minutes in the skillet with the onion and garlic. Then, add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and absorbs the liquid.
  5. Add Dried Fruits and Nuts: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped dried apricots, cashews, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Stuff the Squash: Carefully take the roasted squash halves out of the oven and flip them over. Use a spoon to fill each half generously with the rice pilaf mixture, packing it in lightly.
  7. Final Roasting: Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through.
  8. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and drizzle a bit of fresh lemon juice over each stuffed squash. Serve warm as a beautiful and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday dinner!
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Autumn Harvest Stuffed Hubbard Squash

hearty stuffed autumn squash

Autumn Harvest Stuffed Hubbard Squash is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that celebrates the seasonal ingredients of fall. The rich, buttery flesh of the hubbard squash serves as the perfect vessel for a filling made with roasted vegetables, quinoa, and warm spices. This colorful dish not only delights the taste buds but also makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients Quantity
Hubbard squash 1 medium
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Medium onion, diced 1
Carrots, diced 2
Celery, diced 2 stalks
Bell pepper, chopped 1
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Cooked quinoa 2 cups
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Hubbard Squash: Cut the hubbard squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle the insides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on the lined baking sheet, and roast in the oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the chopped bell pepper and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Combine the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and maple syrup. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  5. Stuff the Squash: Once the squash is roasted and tender, carefully turn the halves cut side up. Stuff each squash half generously with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure it fits well.
  6. Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish that captures the essence of autumn flavors!
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Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Kabocha Squash

creamy cheddar broccoli squash

Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Kabocha Squash is a comforting and delicious vegetarian dish that combines the natural sweetness of kabocha squash with a rich and creamy filling of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. This vibrant dish is not only pleasing to the palate but also creates an eye-catching presentation for your holiday dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Kabocha squash 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fresh broccoli florets 2 cups
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Heavy cream ½ cup
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Breadcrumbs (optional) ¼ cup
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) 2 tablespoons

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Kabocha Squash: Carefully cut the kabocha squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy fibers with a spoon. Drizzle the insides of the squash halves with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down in the prepared baking dish and pour a small amount of water into the dish (about ¼ inch) to create steam. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
  3. Cook the Broccoli: While the squash is roasting, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse the broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process. Chop the broccoli into small pieces.
  4. Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Combine the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed garlic, blanched broccoli, heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  6. Stuff the Squash: Once the kabocha squash is roasted and tender, carefully flip the halves cut side up. Generously spoon the broccoli and cheddar filling into each squash half, packing it in slightly.
  7. Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filling for added texture and crunch.
  8. Finish Baking: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Kabocha Squash as a delightful addition to your festive meal.