Decadent Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Butternut Squash: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this incredibly flavorful and comforting Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe. Far from your average side dish, this creation features tender, savory roasted butternut squash generously filled with a creamy, spicy, and irresistible jalapeño popper-inspired mixture. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, where the natural sweetness of the squash beautifully complements the rich, cheesy, and subtly smoky filling. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an impressive offering for guests, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Craving to get started? Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom to find the complete recipe card with detailed ingredient measurements and instructions.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Stuffed Butternut Squash

This Stuffed Butternut Squash isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine a chilly evening, and you’re presented with a vibrant, golden-orange squash half, overflowing with a bubbling, cheesy, and slightly spicy filling. The first bite reveals layers of flavor: the earthy sweetness of the perfectly roasted squash, the creamy tang of cream cheese, the sharp notes of cheddar, the smoky crunch of bacon, and a delightful kick from fresh jalapeño. Each element plays a crucial role, coming together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its clever twist on the classic jalapeño popper. We’ve taken those beloved flavors – the creaminess, the spice, the crisp bacon – and ingeniously integrated them into a healthy, hearty butternut squash vessel. It’s an ingenious way to enjoy a favorite appetizer in a more substantial and nutritious format. Plus, it’s a fantastic method for incorporating more vegetables into your diet, even for those picky eaters who might usually shy away from squash. The appealing presentation and mouth-watering aroma alone will win over even the most skeptical palates.

The Star of the Show: Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is more than just a pretty face; it’s a nutritional powerhouse and an incredibly versatile vegetable. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, it offers a wealth of health benefits while being naturally sweet and wonderfully filling. Its firm flesh holds up beautifully to roasting, developing a tender, almost caramelized texture that’s perfect for scooping and stuffing.

When selecting your butternut squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size, has a dull, hard skin, and is free of soft spots or blemishes. A vibrant, deep orange color indicates ripeness and a sweeter flavor. Preparing butternut squash might seem daunting at first due to its tough skin, but with a sharp knife and a bit of care, it’s quite simple. Roasting it not only softens the flesh but also enhances its natural sweetness, creating the ideal foundation for our savory filling. This cooking method ensures the squash is perfectly tender, making it easy to enjoy every spoonful of the creamy, flavorful stuffing.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Jalapeño Popper Perfection

Despite its gourmet appeal, this Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe relies on a remarkably simple and humble list of ingredients. You don’t need obscure spices or exotic produce to create something truly extraordinary. Just a handful of readily available items combine to form a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comforting warmth. Let’s explore the key components that bring this jalapeño popper-inspired magic to life.

• Butternut Squash: The foundation of our dish. Two medium-sized squashes, halved, provide four generous servings.
• Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the squash before roasting, enhancing its natural flavors and ensuring a delicious base.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the creamy backbone of our filling, providing that rich, tangy texture reminiscent of traditional jalapeño poppers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory depth and creates that wonderfully melted, gooey texture when broiled. Keep a little extra aside for a cheesy topping if you desire.
• Bacon: Crispy, chopped bacon brings a salty, smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish. Don’t forget to reserve a sprinkle for garnish!
• Fresh Jalapeño: Finely diced jalapeño offers a fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced heat. For those who prefer less spice, simply remove the seeds and membranes. This is where the “popper” inspiration truly shines.
• Almonds (Marcona or Slivered): This ingredient might seem slightly unconventional for a squash dish, but it’s a game-changer. Whether you use Marcona, slivered, or blanched almonds, their addition provides a hearty, satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Just like the crispy texture often found in classic appetizers, these almonds add an unexpected yet delightful textural dimension to each bite, making the dish even more engaging and enjoyable.

Each of these ingredients, though simple, contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Stuffed Butternut Squash

Creating this delicious Stuffed Butternut Squash is a straightforward process, broken down into a few easy steps. From roasting the squash to mixing the creamy filling and broiling it to golden perfection, you’ll find each stage simple and rewarding. Let’s walk through it together to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Prepping and Roasting the Squash

The journey to perfect stuffed butternut squash begins with proper preparation and roasting. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the squash cooks evenly and develops a lovely tender texture. Carefully slice each butternut squash in half lengthwise. A sharp chef’s knife is your best friend here, and remember to be mindful of safety as the squash can be a bit firm. Once halved, use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and fibrous strings from the cavity. Discard these, or save them for future use (see our tips section for ideas!).

Next, drizzle the cut surfaces of the squash halves with a generous amount of olive oil. Season liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the squash during roasting. Place the seasoned squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roasting them this way allows the flesh to steam in its own moisture, resulting in a wonderfully tender interior. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the size of your squash.

Creating the Irresistible Jalapeño Popper Filling

While your butternut squash is happily roasting, it’s the perfect time to prepare the star of the show: the creamy, flavorful jalapeño popper stuffing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese. It’s important for the cream cheese to be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. To this, add the shredded cheddar cheese, the crispy chopped bacon (remember to save a little for a beautiful garnish later!), the finely diced fresh jalapeños (deseeded for a milder kick, or left with seeds for more heat), and the roughly chopped almonds. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly dispersed throughout the creamy base. The goal is a uniform, enticing mixture that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Stuffing and Broiling to Golden Perfection

Once the roasted butternut squash is tender, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly until it’s comfortable enough to handle. Turn the cooked squash halves cut-side up. Using a spoon, gently scoop out some of the cooked flesh, leaving about a 1-inch border along the sides and bottom. This creates a wonderful cavity for our delicious filling. The scooped-out squash flesh is precious; don’t discard it! It can be used in many other ways (check our tips section).

Now, it’s time to stuff! Divide the jalapeño popper mixture evenly among the four squash halves. Mound the filling generously, ensuring it’s leveled across the cavity. If you love cheese as much as we do, this is also the perfect moment to sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top for an extra golden crust. Set your oven to broil on high. Place the filled squash halves back on the baking sheet, positioning them on a rack about 6 inches from the broiler element. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for melting the cheese, warming the filling through, and creating a beautiful golden, bubbly crust on top. Watch them very closely, as broilers can work quickly, and you don’t want to burn the cheese!

Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Butternut Squash

Achieving culinary perfection often lies in the details. Here are some expert tips and tricks to ensure your Stuffed Butternut Squash is absolutely sensational, along with creative ways to utilize leftover ingredients and store your delicious creation.

• Garnish for Impact: Always reserve a little bit of your crispy cooked bacon and some extra shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkling these on top of the squash right before serving adds a beautiful visual appeal, enhances the flavor, and provides an extra layer of texture. A sprinkle of fresh chives or finely chopped green onions can also add a fresh, herby finish.
• Don’t Waste the Flesh: The scooped-out flesh of the roasted butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that should not be discarded.
  • Baby Food: It’s a wonderfully nutritious and naturally sweet purée for babies. Just ensure it’s unseasoned before saving for this purpose.
  • Pet Treat: Many dogs love pumpkin, and butternut squash is a great, healthy alternative. Offer small, unseasoned portions to your furry friends.
  • Savory Side Dish: Mash the scooped-out squash with a pat of butter, a splash of milk or cream, and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a simple, elegant side. You can also mix it with some extra seasoning, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese for a quick and flavorful side dish to any meal.
  • Smoothies & Baking: If you initially seasoned the squash with only salt and pepper, you can scrape off any excess seasoning and use the mashed flesh in smoothies for a nutritional boost or as a pumpkin substitute in various baking recipes like muffins, pies, or quick breads.
• Make Ahead Magic: You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and prepare the filling. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply stuff the squash and proceed with the broiling step. This is a fantastic time-saver for entertaining or busy weeknights.
• Storing Leftovers: Cooked and filled squash halves store wonderfully. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They make for truly GREAT leftovers!
• Reheating Perfection: To reheat, place the stuffed squash in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also cover them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

One of the beautiful aspects of this Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe is its incredible adaptability. While the jalapeño popper filling is absolutely delicious, you can easily customize it to suit different dietary needs, personal preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Nut Alternatives: The recipe calls for Marcona or slivered almonds for that essential crunch. If you don’t have almonds, or prefer another nut, feel free to substitute with finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toasted breadcrumbs for a similar textural contrast. For a nut-free option, consider toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan:
  • Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian if you omit the bacon. You can replace the bacon with smoky vegetarian bacon bits, or simply add more veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash: To make this dish completely vegan, replace the cream cheese with your favorite plant-based vegan cream cheese. Substitute the cheddar cheese with a good quality vegan shredded cheddar that melts well. For the smoky flavor and texture of bacon, use plant-based bacon bits or finely crumbled tempeh bacon. Nutritional yeast can also be added for an extra cheesy depth. Then, feel free to load it up with your favorite plant-based add-ins like sautéed spinach, corn, black beans, or quinoa for a heartier filling.
• Cheese Swaps: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a different kind of creaminess and spice. Smoked Gouda would lend a sophisticated, smoky note, while a blend of Italian cheeses could offer a more complex flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating other vegetables into the filling. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or even roasted corn kernels would be delicious additions.
• Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial main course, consider adding extra protein to the filling. Cooked and crumbled sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken would all integrate beautifully with the creamy, spicy base. Ensure any added meat is fully cooked before mixing it into the stuffing.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you love heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds and membranes intact. For an even spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the filling. Conversely, for a milder version, you can replace a portion of the jalapeño with green bell pepper or omit it entirely.

These variations demonstrate how versatile and forgiving this Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe can be, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste and dietary needs.

Whether you stick to the classic jalapeño popper style or venture into creative variations, this Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe promises a satisfying and memorable meal. Its blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, coupled with contrasting textures, makes it a standout dish that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special, making healthy eating both enjoyable and exciting.

More Flavorful Side Dish Recipes to Explore

Crispy Skin Baked Potato

Traditional Greek Salad

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Chicken Cracklings

One Bowl Blue Corn Bread

5 Minute Spinach with Lemon

Did you make this delightful recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by leaving a review or comment below. And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4 halves

Stuffed Butternut Squash – Jalapeno Popper Style

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
50 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

This Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe features tender, savory roasted butternut squash generously filled with a creamy, spicy, and irresistible jalapeño popper-inspired mixture.

Ingredients

to roast the squash

• 2 Butternut Squash, halved
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

for the Jalapeño Popper Stuffing

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded , + more for topping if you like
• 6 strips Bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3 Tablespoons fresh Jalapeño, diced, seeds removed for less heat
• ¼ Cup Marcona or Slivered Almonds, rough chopped

Instructions

to roast the squash:

Preheat oven to 400˚ F (200°C).

Before cooking the butternut squash, slice each one in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and strings.

Drizzle the cut sides of the butternut squashes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 

Turn the squash over, and place it cut sides down on a baking sheet. 

Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until fork-tender.

for the Jalapeño Popper Stuffing:

While the butternut squash is roasting, prepare the cheese mixture.

Place the soft cream cheese in a large bowl. Add the shredded cheddar, the chopped cooked bacon (saving some for topping before serving), jalapeños, and almonds to the same bowl. Mix until everything is evenly dispersed.

After roasting the butternut squash for 40 minutes, remove it from the oven and turn cooked squash halves cut sides up.

When cool enough to touch, use a spoon, scoop out some of the flesh leaving about a 1-inch border along the sides.

Set the oven to broil, high.

Divide the popper mixture among the 4 halves and generously stuff the squash until the mixture is leveled. Top with more cheddar if you like.

Place the filled squash back in the oven, on a rack 6 inches from the broiler, and broil for 3 or 5 minutes to get a golden, bubbly crust over the cheese. Watch closely and be very careful not to burn the squash and the cheese mixture, as it can happen fast depending on your oven.

Top with freshly ground black pepper and the remaining chopped cooked bacon (and chives if desired) and serve immediately.

Notes

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Garnish for Impact: Reserve a little bit of your crispy cooked bacon and some extra shredded cheddar cheese for a beautiful visual appeal, enhanced flavor, and extra texture right before serving. Fresh chives or finely chopped green onions can also add a fresh, herby finish.
• Don’t Waste the Flesh: The scooped-out flesh of the roasted butternut squash is highly versatile!
  • Baby Food: A wonderfully nutritious and naturally sweet purée for babies (ensure it’s unseasoned).
  • Pet Treat: A healthy treat for dogs who love pumpkin (offer small, unseasoned portions).
  • Savory Side Dish: Mash with butter, a splash of cream, and a pinch of nutmeg, or mix with additional seasoning and Parmesan cheese for a quick side.
  • Smoothies & Baking: Scrape off excess seasoning and use the mashed flesh in smoothies or as a pumpkin substitute in various baking recipes.
• Make Ahead Magic: You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the filling 2-3 days in advance. Store separately in the fridge and combine and broil just before serving.
• Storing Leftovers: Cooked and filled squash halves store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making for fantastic leftovers!
• Reheating Perfection: Reheat in a 350˚F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

• Nut Alternatives: Substitute Marcona or slivered almonds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or toasted breadcrumbs for similar textural contrast. Toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds work for a nut-free option.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan:
  • Vegetarian: Omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits; add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Vegan: Replace cream cheese with a plant-based vegan cream cheese, cheddar with vegan shredded cheddar, and bacon with plant-based bacon bits or crumbled tempeh bacon. Nutritional yeast can enhance cheesy flavor. Incorporate sautéed spinach, corn, black beans, or quinoa for a heartier filling.
• Cheese Swaps: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, or Italian cheese blends.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or roasted corn kernels into the filling.
• Protein Power-Up: For a main course, mix in cooked and crumbled sausage, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the filling.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust jalapeño seeds for desired heat. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more kick, or substitute with green bell pepper for milder flavor.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Tovolo Double-Ended Seed Remover & Slicer, Nylon Squash Slicer, Non-Slip Handle, Tool for Vegetable Meal Prep, Multi-Use Kitchen Gadget, L x 8in, Sun Ray Yellow
• Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet (3 Pack)
• Shun Classic 7″ Hollow Ground Santoku Knife w/Custom Engraving

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 533Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 736mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 18g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

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