Pimento Cheese Stuffed Squash

Yellow summer squash stuffed with creamy pimento cheese and topped with bread crumbs and parsley is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy summer squash.

This dish works as either a side dish or a vegetarian summer meal. Not a fan of summer squash? Use zucchini instead.

Pimento Cheese

If you’re from the south, you no doubt grew up eating pimento cheese lathered between 2 squishy pieces of white bread. If you’re not from the south, you may not be very familiar with pimento cheese. Also known as “The Pate of the South”, it is made from shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. There are many ways to enjoy it: as a spread on crackers, in an omelet, on a burger, on a pizza, or even made into Fried Pimento Cheese Balls.

There are many slight variations on Pimento Cheese and practically every southern family has a recipe for it stashed away in a kitchen drawer, handed down through the family. Most likely the best Pimento Cheese is the one you grew up eating.

When I make pimento cheese to use it for something like stuffed squash, I go heavier on the cheese and lighter on the mayo than I would if I was making it for sandwiches.

During the summer months it seems like summer squash and zucchini are taking over the world. They are everywhere. So I like to try as many ways of cooking them as possible, like these Lasagna Zucchini Boats which can also be made with squash.

Make In Advance

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Squash is a really simple dish to make. The pimento cheese can be made a day or two in advance and the squash can also be steamed ahead of time. Then all that is left to do is scrape out the seeds and pulp, spoon pimento cheese into the cavity, top with panko crumbs and bake until warm and bubbly. Turn the broiler on for a minute or 2 to give some color to the panko crumbs and you’re ready to grab a fork and dig in!

Recipe Tips

• Want it spicier? Double the amount of cayenne pepper.
• This recipe can be made with zucchini instead of squash.
• Be sure to drain the pimentos well or the filling will be watery.

Storage

Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350 degree oven or air fryer.

More Squash Recipes

• Summer Squash and Onions
• Yellow Squash Casserole
• Pimento Cheese Squash Casserole
• Panko Parmesan Squash Planks

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Squash

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Delicious yellow summer squash stuffed with creamy pimento cheese and panko crumbs and baked until warm and bubbly. Can be served as a vegetarian meal or as a side dish.

Equipment

• Steamer Basket
• Rimmed Baking Sheet

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Ingredients

• ▢ 4 medium yellow squash or zucchini
• ▢ 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese,, shredded
• ▢ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 tablespoons grated onion
• ▢ 1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimentos,, drained well
• ▢ 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ▢ 1/3 cup panko crumbs
• ▢ 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ▢ 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Instructions 

• Cut squash in half horizontally. Place squash in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 6 to 8 minutes (until tender but not soft). Let cool and then scoop out seeds and pulp using a spoon. Discard seeds.
• Make pimento cheese. (Can be done in advance.) In a medium bowl, combine cheese, mayonnaise, onion, pimentos, and cayenne pepper. Stir to mix well.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place squash, cut side up on a baking sheet.
• Sprinkle cut sides of squash with salt and pepper.
• Fill each squash cavity with pimento cheese.
• In a small bowl, stir together panko crumbs, melted butter, and parsley.
• Sprinkle panko crumb mixture on top of squash.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is warm and melted.
• Broil for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly brown the panko crumbs.

Notes

Be sure to drain the pimentos well. I like to gently squeeze them between a few paper towels.

Double the amount of cayenne pepper if you want more than a slight spiciness.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 521mg | Potassium: 591mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1326IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media!

Originally posted July 29, 2014.

Sharing with The Country Cook’s Weekend Potluck