Delicata Squash Stuffing
Elevate your stuffing this holiday season with a rich and flavorful twist. This Delicata squash stuffing is loaded with rich, savory flavor, thanks to sautéed delicata squash, carrots, onions, and celery cooked until perfectly tender and fragrant. Tossed with crusty bread, fresh herbs, and a simple broth, it bakes into a golden, cozy side that feels both classic and elevated. It’s a beautiful addition to any holiday table—warm, colorful, and full of homemade comfort in every bite.
—Ingredients—
1 loaf Rustic Italian bread cubed and dried (or 8-10 cups boxed bread cubes)
1 Delicata Squash
2 stick unsalted butter
3 celery stalks
1 medium onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 cloves garlic
2 sprigs rosemary
3 sprigs thyme
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 cans (10.5oz) Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
3 cups chicken broth
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut a rustic Italian loaf into small cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the bread cubes 25–30 minutes, until dried out and lightly toasted. Remove and set aside.
4. While the bread toasts, prep the produce: trim the ends of the Delicata squash, scoop out the seeds, slice and dice into small, bite-size pieces. Chop the celery and onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the herbs.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and two cans of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup until smooth; set aside.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
7. Add the chopped celery, onion, and Delicata squash to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook about 5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
8. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped herbs and cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the cooked vegetables. Pour the soup-and-broth mixture over everything. Toss gently until the bread is evenly coated.
10. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the stuffing mixture into it, spreading into an even layer.
11. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake the stuffing about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
12. Remove from oven, garnish with additional chopped parsley, serve warm and enjoy!
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Delicata squash is a unique winter squash known for its sweet, delicate flavor and edible skin, making it an excellent ingredient to elevate traditional stuffing recipes. Unlike other winter squashes, you do not need to peel delicata before cooking, which saves preparation time and adds texture to the dish. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory herbs like rosemary and thyme, which are highlighted in this recipe. When preparing the delicata squash, it’s important to remove the seeds thoroughly and cut the squash into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking alongside onions and celery. The use of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup combined with chicken broth creates a creamy, flavorful base that keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful after baking. Toasting the rustic Italian bread cubes before mixing helps provide a crisp texture on the outside while absorbing the rich broth inside. For variation, some cooks like to add toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits like cranberries to add extra dimension and personality to the stuffing. This recipe’s balance of ingredients lends itself well to customization depending on taste preferences and dietary needs. This delicata squash stuffing makes a wonderful accompaniment not just for Thanksgiving turkey but also for other roasted meats or as a vegetarian main dish if you substitute vegetable broth and omit chicken-based ingredients. The comforting aromas of fresh herbs and garlic sautéed with the vegetables fill the kitchen with warmth, making this recipe ideal for festive family gatherings or cozy dinners during fall and winter months. For best results, serve the stuffing fresh from the oven, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables, completing a well-rounded meal. Whether you are a seasoned cook or experimenting with holiday dishes for the first time, this delicata squash stuffing recipe brings a special touch of home-cooked comfort to your festive celebrations.
