As the leaves turn and the chill begins to settle in the air, nothing warms my heart like the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash. When I discovered the magic of stuffed squash with raclette, it felt like fate had served me a cozy hug on a plate. Imagine diving into tender squash filled with aromatic herbs, crunchy hazelnuts, and creamy melted cheese—it’s a delightful symphony of flavors that’s both elegant and comforting.

This recipe came about one lazy Sunday afternoon after I seemed to accumulate a collection of ingredients from various meals, and trust me, it turned out to be a happy accident! Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just looking for a wholesome meal after a hectic day, this stuffed butternut squash recipe is your answer. Prepare to add a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, and enjoy the balance of taste and nutrition that will leave everyone reaching for more!

Why you’ll love Stuffed squash with raclette?

Comforting Flavors: The rich, creamy melted raclette beautifully complements the sweet butternut squash, creating a harmonious balance.

Quick Yet Impressive: Enjoy a gourmet meal that looks stunning but is simple enough for any home cook.

Nutty Crunch: The addition of roasted hazelnuts provides a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture of the dish.

Versatile Side or Main: This recipe can be served as a hearty vegetarian main or a stunning side dish for any occasion.

Packed with Goodness: Bursting with healthy ingredients like thyme and wholegrain rice, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul.

Embrace the warmth of homemade comfort food by trying this stuffed squash with raclette.

Stuffed Squash with Raclette Ingredients

For the Squash
• Butternut squash – a sweet, creamy canvas that beautifully holds the filling.
• Essential olive oil – vital for roasting and enhancing flavors.

For the Filling
• Blanched hazelnuts – adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Large red onion – brings sweetness when sautéed, adding depth to the dish.
• Garlic – infuses the filling with aromatic warmth.
• Ground allspice – adds a cozy, warm spice note that complements the squash.
• Ground cinnamon – enhances the sweet notes of the butternut squash in this stuffed squash with raclette.
• Tilda wholegrain basmati & wild rice – provides a hearty base and texture.
• Thyme – fresh herbs elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon juice – a splash brightens the filling and balances the richness.
• Flat leaf parsley – freshens up the dish, adding color and flavor.
• Emmi raclette classic slices – melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping that’s pure indulgence.

How to Make Stuffed Squash with Raclette

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200ºC (gas mark 6). This step is crucial to ensure your butternut squash roasts perfectly!

Prepare the Squash: Score the butternut squash flesh with a criss-cross pattern, enhancing the flavor absorption. Place it cut-side up in a baking dish, brush with ½ tbsp of olive oil, season, and roast for about 45 minutes, or until tender yet holding its shape.
Roast the Nuts: While the squash cooks, take a small roasting tin and toss in the blanched hazelnuts. Roast for about 10 minutes until they turn fragrant, then let them cool and chop them roughly for a delightful crunch.
Sauté the Onion: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the finely sliced red onion and fry for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften and caramelize beautifully.

Add Aromatics: Stir in the crushed garlic and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the garlic turns golden. Sprinkle in the ground allspice and cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute to awaken those cozy flavors before adding the rice for a final 2-4 minutes, until everything is piping hot.
Mix in Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the thyme leaves, chopped hazelnuts, lemon juice, and most of the parsley. Season to taste and mix well, allowing all those vibrant flavors to mingle together.
Stuff the Squash: Once your squash is roasted, switch your oven to a high grill setting. Generously pile the flavor-packed rice mixture into the squash cavity and scatter any extra filling into the baking tray for maximum flavor.

Top with Cheese: Lay the Emmi raclette slices over the stuffed squash. Grill for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye until the cheese is gloriously golden and bubbling. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley before serving, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal!

Optional: Drizzle with a bit more olive oil before serving for extra richness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Stuffed Butternut Squash?

As the cozy aroma of stuffed squash fills your home, it’s time to dream up delightful pairings that will elevate your meal experience.

Crispy Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the squash and adds refreshing crunch.

Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery classic is perfect for sopping up any melted raclette. It’s a comforting side that everyone loves.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa with sautéed vegetables brings a hearty yet healthy contrast to the creamy stuffed squash, making for a nutritious combination.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender sprouts drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a delightful caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes in the squash.

Apple Cider: A glass of chilled apple cider harmonizes perfectly with the warm spices in the stuffing, enhancing the fall flavors of your dish.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse contrasts nicely with the savory main, offering a rich and indulgent end to your meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Stuffed Squash with Raclette Variations

Feel free to experiment with these delightful twists and substitutions that will personalize your stuffed squash and elevate the flavors!

Vegan Version: Substitute the raclette with a blend of nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a creamy, cheesy flavor that’s plant-based.
Nut-Free: Swap the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts, ideal for those with allergies.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick that enhances the flavor profile.
Extra Veggies: Mix in cooked spinach or kale to the rice filling for a vibrant color and added nutrition; plus, it enhances the dish’s heartiness!
Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with goat cheese or aged cheddar in place of raclette for a different but equally delicious cheesy topping that brings a new zest.

Herb Variations: Incorporate fresh basil or oregano instead of thyme for a unique twist that adds freshness and aromatic zest to your filling.
Sweet Addition: Dice and sauté a small apple along with the onion for a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors.
Grain Swap: Replace the wholegrain rice with quinoa or farro for a heartier grain that brings its own delightful texture to the dish.

How to Store and Freeze Stuffed Squash with Raclette

Fridge: Store any leftover stuffed squash in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezer: You can freeze the stuffed squash for up to 2 months. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm in the oven at 180ºC for about 20-25 minutes until heated and the cheese is bubbling again.

Serving Cold: If you enjoy it cold, diced, and mixed into salads, allow the stuffed squash to cool completely before refrigerating.

Make Ahead Options

These stuffed squash with raclette are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prep the filling (rice mixture, nuts, and seasonings) up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply roast the butternut squash and assemble the dish just before serving to ensure it’s just as delicious when fresh. When ready to cook, fill the squash with the prepared mixture, top with the cheese, and grill for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling. This way, you not only save valuable time on a hectic day but can still enjoy a delightful gourmet meal without the fuss!

Expert Tips for Stuffed Squash with Raclette

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Selecting a ripe butternut squash will enhance the natural sweetness, making your stuffed squash with raclette even more delicious.
Don’t Rush Roasting: Ensure the squash is tender without falling apart by roasting until just done. A little patience goes a long way in developing flavor.

Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix in additional vegetables or spices to your rice mixture—be creative with what you have at home!
Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the raclette as it grills; it can go from perfectly bubbly to overly browned quickly—no one likes burnt cheese!
Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm to appreciate the gooey raclette and the cozy filling.

Pair Wisely: A light, crisp salad complements the richness of the stuffed squash with raclette beautifully, balancing the meal’s flavors.

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Raclette Recipe FAQs

How do I choose a ripe butternut squash?
Absolutely! Look for a butternut squash that has a matte skin, which indicates it’s ripe. Avoid any squash with dark spots or signs of mold; the surface should be a uniform beige color. The stem should also be intact and dry.

How should I store leftover stuffed squash?
You can store any leftover stuffed squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture, or warm it gently in the oven at 180ºC for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Can I freeze stuffed butternut squash?
Very! To freeze your stuffed squash, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. You can enjoy them for up to 2 months! When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

What should I do if my squash is undercooked?
If your butternut squash isn’t tender after the suggested roasting time, it may need additional cooking. Simply add 10-15 more minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t fall apart. The flesh should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork but still hold its shape.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! This stuffed squash with raclette is vegetarian but contains dairy due to the cheese. If you’re cooking for someone with a nut allergy, you can substitute the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the risk. Always check labels for potential allergens in ingredients like rice or pre-packaged items.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before stuffing your squash, and enjoy the head start on a delicious home-cooked meal!