Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Have you seen these cute little HoneyNut Squash at your grocery store? They’ve just started popping up in a few of our markets and I am captivated by their compact size. These aren’t those 4-pound butternut behemoths. They’re pint-sized miniatures and they fit in the palm of even my lilliputian hands. And they’re fabulous when stuffed!
This post is sponsored by Parmigiano Reggiano. I wasn’t compensated for the article, but I did receive complimentary parmesan for use in the recipe. All opinions are my own.
HoneyNut Squash are sweeter than butternut and because of their smaller size, they cook faster. Bonus!! I thought a hearty, savory filling would go well with its honey-like flavor. For this recipe I used a hearty blend of vegetables, whole grains and Parmigiano Reggiano – the authentic parmesan.
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For this recipe, I roasted the squash before stuffing them — just slice them in half (it’s really easy because they’re so small) and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
I brushed them with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkled on salt and placed them face down on the parchment paper to roast for 20 minutes.
While the squash cooked, I assembled the stuffing. Onions and mushrooms got a quick saute before adding the chopped kale and a little broth. The broth helps wilt the kale.
Next came the pre-cooked grains and parmesan cheese. At this point, I’d recommend tasting for seasoning — adding a little black pepper or nutmeg for a flavor enhancer. Scoop out the stuffing and fill the cavities of the squash. A sprinkle of fresh breadcrumbs adds a subtle layer of crunch.
The squash goes back into the oven for a few more minutes to toast the breadcrumbs… and that’s it!
My taste-testers gave these little beauties two thumbs up for presentation and flavor! The tender sweet squash and the hearty parmesan-kissed stuffing hits all the right spots in your mouth and they’ll definitely be on our holiday table this season. Try it with your Thanksgiving turkey, holiday ham or roast beef.
More stuffed vegetable recipes:
- Apple Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Italian Stuffed Peppers
- Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
- Turkey Taco Stuffed Vegetables
- Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Italian Stuffed Artichokes
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Savory Stuffed Honeynut Squash
INGREDIENTS:
For the squash
- 3 honey nut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
For the Stuffing
- 1 cup quinoa farro or a blend, cooked at room temperature
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms fresh , finely diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh
- ½ teaspoon sage dried, crumbled
- 2 cups kale leaves only, tough stems removed, finely chopped
- ¼ cup homemade vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- ¾ cup Parmigiano Reggiano freshly grated
For topping
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 slice bread I used potato bread, but sourdough or plain white bread work fine too
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the squash in half, vertically and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut side with olive oil and rub it into the flesh. Sprinkle with salt and place the squash cut-side-down onto the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile in a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes then stir in the chopped mushrooms, thyme, sage and salt, cook until the mushrooms release their liquid, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped kale and vegetable broth, cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 3-4 minutes until kale softens. Stir in the pepper, nutmeg and the cooked grains. Add the parmigiano reggiano and stir until just combined.
- Tear the bread into large pieces and transfer to a mini prep food processor. Add the butter and pulse several times until it forms bread crumbs.
- When the squash is done, fill the cavities with the stuffing and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If the breadcrumbs need additional browning, turn on the broiler and cook just until the breadcrumbs start to brown, (about a minute or two).
RECIPE VIDEO:
NOTES:
NUTRITION:
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Do you have any information regarding where I can purchase the honeynut squash? I would love to try this recipe. I live in Missouri and often travel to Houston, TX. Any help would be appreciated.
I found mine at Trader Joe’s, but don’t feel constrained to only the honey nut squash. You can do the same with butternut or acorn as well, it’s just that the squash aren’t as sweet.
This was delicious. I did not use the cheese, but did add a few chopped raisins and craisins. Mmmmm…it was so tasty. Thank you for this recipe.
So glad you enjoyed it, Julie! Nice substitutions!
I happened to walk by a display of honeynut squash at the grocery store today and decided to give them a try.
I took a teeny shortcut and used steam-in-bag frozen kale (since I had some on hand) and therefore didn’t need the broth.
They still turned out wonderfully. Now I have lunch to pack for the week! Will definitely make again and maybe try some variations.
Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Amy Lynn! Where do you find frozen kale? I don’t think I’ve seen that!
Hello, I’m a fan of the Honeynut Squash – thank you Cornell University and Stone Barns farmers – and your recipe looks delicious, but I was a bit shocked by the sodium content. What would be your recommendation for keeping flavor but decreasing the salt intake?
I always use low-sodium or sodium-free broth in cooking to keep the sodium down. Unfortunately, my nutrition plug-in doesn’t have a way to differentiate from regular broth and low/no sodium. I think if you make that swap you’ll be fine, because this really doesn’t have a lot of added sodium… The only other thing that would contribute is the parmesan cheese. You could skip it if you’re really concerned. That said, I don’t think the sodium content is out of line for normal RDA.
Your photos always make me so hungry. I’ve got a butternut squash, I’m going to try this recipes tonight! Wish me luck 😉
Let me know how it comes out!
I’ve seen these squashes around and never quite know what to do with them – but this looks A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! #GottaTryIt
(Nice photography btw)
Thanks so much! I’m sure there’s many more options for these squash as well!
Wow, this looks amazing!
Glad you like them, Holli!
These look SOOOO good!
Beautiful recipe, perfect for fall. Those mini squash are adorable, I’ve never seen those before.
Thank you Allison! I know – aren’t these squash the perfect size???
These sound INSANELY good! I’ve never heard of HoneyNut squash before, but I’ll be keeping my eye out for them now! I love butternut squash, and the idea of wee little baby ones is just too hard to resist! Oh, and I am so with you on the difference REAL parmesan cheese makes. It’s the only kind I buy!
how delicious! i was planning to cook a version of these but with tomato and eggs.
These look and sound delicious! I haven’t seen such small squash before — so cute! I’ll keep an eye out.
I’m in love with their compactness!
I’m going to have to be on the lookout for this squash Lisa. They are teensy weensy. . .and oh-so-cute. They also make a super elegant dish to serve at all the upcoming fall gatherings.
I’m so glad you like it, Lynn!
Healthy and delicious!!! now I’m hungry!!!!!
Oh Lisa, this looks amazing! Individal squash for everyone at the table! Love it!
OMG i NEED TO TRY these!!m Never cooked squash
It’s very easy to prepare, Stephanie!
Just beautiful! I love this squash anyway, but with your stuffing – oh my. Can’t wait to try!
Had you had this squash before??? I just started seeing them in the market.
Savory Stuffed Honeynut Squash looks amazing and your photos are out of this world; makes your Savory Stuffed Honeynut Squash really jump off the screen at me this morning. I definitely would try this snazzy recipe in a heartbeat.
Thank you Heidy!
This looks amazing, I could make an entire meal out of these gorgeous little squash. And the real deal Parm is the only thing I ever buy!
Real Deal Parmesan – all the way!
whaaaaat!?! I’ve never heard of this squash and it’s adorable!!! I’m going to start a squash-hunt and find one lol
I know!!! Isn’t it the cutest?