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Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon for #SundaySupper

Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon | Magnolia Days

The first freeze came early. Winter is still a few weeks away and yet the season is showing its signs. A cold wind blows the remaining leaves from the trees. Soon the landscape will be grey-brown empty trees speckled with an occasional evergreen. It is time to warm up from the inside as the frosty chill arrives. Winter squash can be comforting, warming, and filling. Baking softens winter squash to be used in so many ways. It is the first step in making skillet buttercup squash with bacon.

Buttercup squash can be tough to cut. It is not quite as hard as butternut squash though. I would compare the density to acorn squash. The most important thing is to have a big, heavy-duty knife. Once you cut through it, the rest is easy. Bake it with a little water until tender. Mash it up and add it to a skillet of onions softened in bacon fat. Stir in crispy bacon and you have a savory side dish that goes splendidly with ham, pork, turkey, and chicken.

Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon | Magnolia Days

My winter squash cooking only recently expanded. I honestly didn’t tackle many of them. My go-to recipes were Baked Acorn Squash and Butternut Squash Soup. Then this year I discovered calabaza and made Candied Pumpkin. It was time to expand again and so I chose butternut. Next up? I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to see what inspires me and go from there.

Which winter squashes do you cook? There are so many varieties available these days. Long ago it seemed only pumpkin, butternut, and acorn squash could be found at regular grocery stores. If you want to know what to cook with many of the varieties, scroll down to find a list and links to recipes by Sunday Supper bloggers. Big thanks to the very talented Heather at girlichef for hosting this Squashin’ Winter event.

Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon | Magnolia Days
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Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon

A recipe for skillet buttercup squash with bacon. Buttercup squash is baked, mashed and cooked in a skillet with bacon and onion. It is a wonderful side dish.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 2 buttercup squash medium size
  • 6 slices bacon regular thickness, not thick-cut
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Cut squashes in half. Scoop out and discard seeds and stringly flesh.
  3. Place squash halves cut side down in a baking dish (or two baking dishes if needed). Add about 1/2-inch hot water to the dish(es). Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Allow squash to cool to room temperature. Scrape out the flesh into a bowl and discard skins. Mash squash thoroughly. You should have about 4 cups of mashed squash.
  5. Brown bacon in a medium skillet. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate. Pour out most of the bacon fat, leaving only about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
  6. Add onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  7. Return cooked bacon to the skillet along with squash, butter, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  8. Cook until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for skillet buttercup squash with bacon. Buttercup squash is baked, mashed and cooked in a skillet with bacon and onion. It is a wonderful side dish.

Recipe adapted from one in the Southern Living 1985 Annual Recipes cookbook (out of print).

How about more winter squash recipes? Check out these from Sunday Supper bloggers:

Breakfasts and Breads

Appetizers, Starters, and Condiments

Soups, Sandwiches, and Salads

Main Dishes

Side Dishes

Desserts

Wine Pairing Recommendations for Squashin’ Winter #SundaySupper from Enofylz Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

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Recipe Rating




Nicole

Sunday 24th of November 2013

I have never heard of Buttercup Squash and now I am desperately on a search. I must try it, I am into all things squash for the past couple of weeks. So delish! This looks fantastic!

Renee

Tuesday 26th of November 2013

I had not seen buttercup squash at my store until this year. I think it is getting more common these days.

Carla

Thursday 21st of November 2013

I've never heard of buttercup squash before! Just butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and of course pumpkin. I'll keep an eye out for it at the store.

Renee

Saturday 23rd of November 2013

Do keep an eye out and grab one or two when you see them. They are so good.

Anita at Hungry Couple

Wednesday 20th of November 2013

I haven't run into buttercup squash yet. Sounds like I need to go hunting...

Renee

Thursday 21st of November 2013

Yes you do! It was in my grocery store next to the butternut squash. I'm sure you can find it easily in your area.

Laura

Wednesday 20th of November 2013

Butternut and Acorn have really only been the two winter squash varieties that I have played with in the past. However I have been given a buttercup squash to try and I have been wondering what to do with it. Seeing as how we love anything with bacon in it this sounds like a good place to start.

Renee

Thursday 21st of November 2013

I like buttercup because it is a lot smaller than a butternut and with only the two of us it then it fits for our meals better.

Katie

Tuesday 19th of November 2013

I feel like squash and bacon were just meant to be together! YUM!

Renee

Thursday 21st of November 2013

I completely agree Katie