Stuffed Yellow Squash boats are a simple and delicious side dish or vegetarian main meal. They make a delicious side dish for holidays or any time of the year. Air fryer and oven methods are included in the instructions.
Table Of Contents
Stuffed Yellow Squash, filled with a cheesy herb seasoned filling makes a delicious side dish or vegetarian main meal. As a side dish, they are great paired with a simple meat like air fried ribeye steak or grilled chicken or seasoned salmon.
Stuffed yellow squash also makes a wonderful holiday appetizer or side dish at holiday dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas too. You can use the same simple method to make stuffed acorn squash. They are quick, simple, and filling enough to feed a lot of people. They would be excellent with a holiday classic like fresh cranberry sauce or a fancy bread, like sun dried tomato basil bread.
Ingredients
This recipe is quite simple and uses pantry and fridge staples. To make roasted squash boats you need:
- Yellow squash
- Yellow or sweet onion
- Whole garlic cloves
- Plain tomato sauce
- Plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper
Step-By-Step Directions
Oven Method
STEP 1: In a large covered pot, bring enough water to cover squash to a boil over high heat. Add whole squash and simmer for 8 minutes.
STEP 2: While squash simmers, saute the diced onions in oil for 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat and add tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese parsley, salt and black pepper. Mix to combine.
STEP 3: Remove squash from the boiling water when done and slice in half on the long side. Scoop out seeds and discard.
STEP 4: Place squash halves on a parchment lined baking sheet and stuff evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 400℉, or until cheese has melted. Serve garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Air Fryer Method
Follow steps 1 to 3 from above.
STEP 1: Fill the squash evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the stuffed squash halves in the air fryer basket or tray and sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella.
STEP 2: Set the air fryer to 375℉ and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Variations
Roasted squash boats can be eaten as a complete vegetarian dinner or lunch, but you can easily make this recipe meat-friendly.
For non-vegetarian options, add diced chicken, ground or shredded beef, or italian sausage. Make sure to cook the meats in the frying pan with the onions and garlic prior to adding to the stuffing mixture.
Storing
Stuffed yellow squashes are meant to be served immediately, but if you need to store leftovers keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy!
Stuffed Yellow Squash (Air Fryer and Oven Methods)
Stuffed Yellow Squash boats are a simple and delicious seasonal recipe ideal for serving as a holiday appetizer or side dish. Keep them meatless and serve with baked chicken or fish, enjoy as a simple vegetarian dinner, or add meat to the stuffing for a one-pan stuffed vegetable dinner.
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- air fryer
- 4 yellow squash
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ small onion (diced)
- 3 whole garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Oven Method
In a large covered pot, bring enough water to cover squash to a boil over high heat. Add whole squash and simmer for 8 minutes.
While squash simmers, saute the diced onions in oil for 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat and add tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese parsley, salt and black pepper. Mix to combine.
Remove squash from the boiling water when done and slice in half on the long side. Scoop out seeds and discard.
Place squash halves on a parchment lined baking sheet and stuff evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 400℉, or until cheese has melted.
Serve garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Air Fryer Method
Follow steps 1 to 3 from above.
Fill the squash evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the stuffed squash halves in the air fryer basket or tray and sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella.
Set the air fryer to 375℉ and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Serve as a meatless dinner or lunch, as an appetizer or side for a holiday dinner, or as a side with baked chicken.
Add ground beef or diced chicken to the stuffing to create a complete "stuffed vegetable" meal with meat.
Wendy J K Porter says
Cant wait to try this, but I have a question - can you cook it all in the airfryer, or do you need to put it in the oven for the first part of cooking?
Kristina Tipps says
You can cook it entirely in the air fryer. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
Yummy! This recipe was quick, easy, and tasted great.