Stuffed Yellow Squash Boats are a simple and delicious side dish or vegetarian main meal that's ready to eat in 30 minutes. They make a delicious side dish for holidays or any time of the year. Air fryer and oven methods are included in the instructions.
Yellow squash is stuffed with a cheesy herb seasoned filling and then baked in the oven or air fried in only minutes. As a side they're great paired with a simple meat like air fried ribeye steak, marinated chicken or seasoned salmon.
Stuffed yellow squash also makes a wonderful holiday appetizer or side dish at holiday dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can use the same simple method to make quinoa stuffed acorn squash. They're both quick, simple, and filling enough to feed a lot of people. They would be excellent with holiday classics like fresh cranberry sauce or a fancy bread like sun dried tomato basil bread.
Table Of Contents
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
Instructions
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.
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 or seasoned shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef 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.
How To Store
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!
Recipe
Stuffed Yellow Squash (Air Fryer and Oven Methods)
Equipment
- parchment paper
- air fryer optional
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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.
Notes
Nutrition
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.