Spicy Vegan Italian Cucuzza Squash Bake (2024)

This healthy plant-based Spicy Vegan Italian Cucuzza Squash Bake is an easy, savory recipe that's ready in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a Meatless Monday meal! It's a casserole made with fresh garden vegetables and is a comfort meal everyone will love!

Here's Why This Recipe Works

My top 3 favorite reasons:

1. Use "Cucuzza" Squash or Yellow Squash
2. Can Be Ready To Serve In Under 30 Minutes
3. Options To Make A Vegan Version Or An Authentic Version With Non-Vegan Ingredients

You can feel good about making my healthy recipe because it's vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free.

How To Make This Recipe: Step-By-Step Instructions

Here's how to make this recipe and I'll show you how easy it is with step-by-step instructions below.

Before beginning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set aside an 8 x 8 baking dish.

Step 1: Prep the Veggies + Sausage

Firstly, you will need to prep the veggies + sausage:

1. Cucuzza - Because cucuzza squash is usually extra-large in size, you may not need the entire piece. Start by cutting it in half, peeling the skin off, and cutting into small cubes.
2. Onions, Tomatoes + Jalapeno - Dice each of these into small pieces.
3. Sausage - Cut these into thin slices. You can use 2-4 sausage links, but I always use 4.

Step 2: Saute' the Veggies

Secondly, add the ingredients for the casserole to a non-toxic skillet and saute' them on low-medium heat.

After that, saute' the ingredients for about 10 minutes, or until the cucuzza and onions are soft.

Step 3: Assembly

Thirdly, once the cucuzza and onions are soft, transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.

• Add in the sliced sausage, diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of vegan shredded cheese.
• Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Sprinkle the additional 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
• Lastly, bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is "Cucuzza"(aka as "Gagootz")?

It's a type of squash that grows on a long vine, typically in backyard gardens - which is where I got mine.

However, cucuzza squash is traditionally used in Italian dishes like this Spicy Vegan Italian Cucuzza Squash Bake.

It's made with fresh vegetables + herbs such as cucuzza, onions, tomatoes, jalapeno, and garlic.

What Other Recipes Can I Make With Cucuzza?

Because cucuzza squash grows in abundance, it can be challenging to find creative ways to use it.

Another quick and easy recipe my Dad shared with me is thisItalian Cucuzza Squash Stew, which is also super easy to make.

Can I Make This If We're Not Vegan?

Yes! If you are new to cucuzza, it's a classic Italian recipe that uses Italian sausage and real dairy cheese.

I got this recipe from my Italian dad, who makes the authentic version with Italian sausage and real dairy cheese.

However, I adapted his recipe to this vegan version so my family could enjoy it.

If you don't need the recipe to be vegan, make these substitutions for a more authentic cucuzza dish:

• Substitute the vegan sausage with --> Italian sausage
• Substitute the vegan cheese with --> real dairy mozzarella shredded cheese

In addition, if you didn't need the recipe to be gluten-free, you could sprinkle some bread crumbs over the top before baking.

Karielyn's Expert Tips + Ingredients Substitutions

Here are some of my expert tips to make this recipe perfectly:

Cucuzza. I've actually never seen cucuzza available in the grocery stores and get mine from my dad's home garden. But don't worry if you can't find fresh cucuzza - it can be substituted with zucchini or yellow squash.

Vegan Sausage: If you don't need the recipe to be vegan, this can be substituted with Italian sausage.

Vegan Shredded Cheese: If you don't need the recipe to be vegan, this can be substituted with real dairy mozzarella shredded cheese.

Jalapeno + Red Pepper Flakes. When I want my cucuzza dish to be spicy, I add a jalapeno and red pepper flakes. If you don't like spicy food or will be serving this to children, you can reduce the amounts or omit.

Avocado Oil: This can be substituted with organic extra-virgin olive oil in the same amount.

Onions: I used "white" onions in this recipe, but you can use your favorite variety with the exception of a sweet onion since this is a savory recipe.

Tomatoes: If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand or want to save a little time, you can use (1) cup of organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce can) as a substitute.

Want More Healthy Plant-Based Dinner Recipes?

Check out these:

• Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Spicy Turmeric Twice Baked Potatoes
• Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
• or my CLEAN EATING Cookbook with over 75+ plant-based recipes made with clean, real food ingredients just like this one that you will love!

Did You Make This Recipe?

I'd love to hear about it! Please give it a rating and leave a comment below...it would make my day! : )