How to Make Easy, Inexpensive Stuffed Squash With Leftover Ham (Diabetic Friendly, Air Fryer or Oven)

This simple baked squash is easy to put together with leftover ham and makes a great dinner with just a simple salad on the side. You can use whatever squash you have on hand. I like to use delicata squash when I can get it, but acorn squash, small butternut squash, or even zucchini will work. You'll need to cook the squash first (except for the zucchini) and remove the seeds. A mixture of vegetables complements the savory/smokey ham, and cheese adds creaminess and extra flavor. I use a combination of grated Parmesan, cottage cheese, and whatever other cheese I have on hand--cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack all work. You can bake the squash in a regular oven, but I usually cook the squash in the air fryer in about 25 minutes. The stuffed squash is loaded with nutrition--protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals--and is great if you're on a diabetic diet or want to "eat healthy." Enjoy!

Easy Stuffed Squash Recipe With Leftover Ham Using Air Fryer or Oven (Diabetic Friendly)

Easy Stuffed Squash With Ham (Diabetic Friendly) -- Serves 2-4

1-2 squash (depending on the size, cooked, halved, and seeded I use a medium

delicata, but acorn squash, butternut squash, and zucchini will work)

1 small onion, chopped (1/2-1 cup)

1/4 cup of chopped celery

3-4 large mushrooms, chopped

1 cup of chopped ham

1/2 cup of chopped or cubed cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, etc.)

1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup of cottage cheese (I use low-fat)

1 large egg

Salt and pepper, optional (the ham and cheeses are pretty salty, so I leave out the salt)

Spritz a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and place the squash in it. Put the onion, celery, and mushrooms in a large microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water and microwave them for about two minutes or until they soften a bit. Stir in the chopped ham and the cheeses. Stir in the egg and about 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, if you'd like, until combined. Stuff the squash halves with the mixture, mounding the mixture a bit, if necessary.

Air Fryer: Air fry the squash at 320 degrees for 20-25 minutes. You can also use the bake setting, if you have one on your air fryer, at 330 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the stuffed squash for about 30 minutes.

Easy, Inexpensive Stuffed Squash Recipe With Leftover Ham Using Air Fryer or Oven