How To Make Stuffed Summer Squash

To make stuffed summer squash, you hollow out fresh summer squash, fill them with a savory mixture, and bake until tender.
 
It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to use up that bumper crop of summer squash from your garden.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make stuffed summer squash that actually tastes amazing, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that stuffed summer squash is incredibly versatile, so you can customize the filling to suit your taste.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make stuffed summer squash step by step, plus some tasty filling ideas and tips for getting it right every time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Stuffed Summer Squash

Learning how to make stuffed summer squash is simpler than you might think.
 
The basic process involves prepping the squash, making a filling, stuffing, and baking.
 
Here’s how to make stuffed summer squash that comes out perfectly tender and flavorful every single time.
 

1. Choose the Right Summer Squash

The best summer squash for stuffing are medium-sized ones, about 6 to 8 inches long.
 
Zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan all work beautifully when you make stuffed summer squash.
 
Smaller squash are too tiny to hold much filling, while oversized ones tend to have tough skins and large seeds.
 
Look for firm squash with glossy skin and no soft spots.
 

2. Prep and Hollow Out the Squash

Start by washing your summer squash and cutting off the ends.
 
Slice each one in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about a quarter-inch shell.
 
Don’t toss that scooped-out flesh, because it’s going right into your filling when you make stuffed summer squash.
 
If you’re using round squash like pattypans, just cut a small lid off the top and scoop out the inside.
 

3. Make a Flavorful Filling

This is where the fun begins when you make stuffed summer squash.
 
A classic filling starts with sautéed onion and garlic, then you add the chopped squash flesh and cook until softened.
 
From there, you can go in so many directions.
 
Mix in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a hearty version.
 
Add breadcrumbs, parmesan, and herbs for a vegetarian take.
 
Or stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or even couscous to bulk it up.
 
Season generously with salt, pepper, and whatever herbs you love.
 
The filling is really what makes stuffed summer squash shine, so don’t be shy with the seasoning.
 

4. Stuff and Bake

Spoon your filling into each hollowed-out squash shell, packing it in gently.
 
Place the stuffed summer squash in a baking dish with a little water or broth in the bottom to keep things moist.
 
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes.
 
Then remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top if you like, and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden and the squash is fork-tender.
 
That’s really all there is to how to make stuffed summer squash at home.
 

Tips for the Best Stuffed Summer Squash

A few smart tips will take your stuffed summer squash from good to absolutely incredible.
 
Keep these in mind the next time you make stuffed summer squash.
 

1. Salt the Shells First

Sprinkle a little salt inside each squash shell and let them sit for 15 minutes.
 
This draws out excess moisture so your stuffed summer squash doesn’t turn out soggy.
 
Just pat them dry before stuffing.
 

2. Pre-Cook Tough Squash

If your summer squash feels a bit thick-skinned, you can par-bake the empty shells for 10 minutes before stuffing.
 
This ensures the squash is tender by the time the filling is hot and bubbly.
 

3. Don’t Overfill

It’s tempting to pile the filling sky-high, but overfilling leads to spills and uneven cooking.
 
Fill each shell just to the top and press down lightly.
 

4. Add Cheese at the End

If you’re using cheese, add it during the last 10 minutes of baking.
 
This way it melts perfectly without burning, giving your stuffed summer squash that irresistible golden crust.
 

5. Let Them Rest Before Serving

Once they come out of the oven, let your stuffed summer squash rest for 5 minutes.
 
This helps the filling set so it doesn’t fall apart when you serve it.
 

Tasty Filling Ideas for Stuffed Summer Squash

One of the best things about stuffed summer squash is how many ways you can fill it.
 
Here are some winning combos to try.
 

1. Italian Sausage and Mozzarella

Brown some Italian sausage with onion and garlic, then mix with the squash flesh, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella.
 
Top with marinara and more cheese for a stuffed summer squash that tastes like a mini lasagna.
 

2. Quinoa and Feta

For a lighter, vegetarian stuffed summer squash, combine cooked quinoa, crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
 
It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor.
 

3. Ground Turkey and Brown Rice

Lean ground turkey with brown rice, onions, and a sprinkle of cheddar makes a wholesome stuffed summer squash the whole family will love.
 
Add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika for a little warmth.
 

4. Ricotta and Spinach

Mix ricotta, sautéed spinach, garlic, and parmesan for a creamy, comforting stuffed summer squash.
 
It’s like a healthier twist on stuffed shells.
 

So, How Do You Make Stuffed Summer Squash?

To make stuffed summer squash, you hollow out fresh squash, fill them with a savory mixture, and bake until tender and golden.
 
It’s a simple, flexible dish that works with almost any filling you can dream up.
 
Whether you go hearty with sausage or light with quinoa and feta, stuffed summer squash is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
 
So grab some summer squash and give this recipe a try.
 
Once you learn how to make stuffed summer squash, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.