Baked Chayote Squash

Cheesy, custardy stuffed squash with bread crumbs on top. This dish is great as a side with beans, meat, and rice, Central American-style.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 377 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
• 4 chayote squash, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (such as Kerrygold®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Place the chayote into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until very tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.

Step 3

Remove the seed and seed membrane from the chayote using a spoon; discard. Scoop out as much of the remaining pulp as possible into a bowl without puncturing the shell. Pat the shell dry with a paper towel and place in a baking dish; set aside. Squeeze the excess water from the reserved pulp. Stir in the butter, egg, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons Cheddar cheese until well-blended. Fill each of the chayote shells with the pulp/cheese mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese on top, followed by the bread crumbs.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and the cheese has melted, 35 to 45 minutes.