Baked Squid Stuffed with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Whole squid tubes stuffed with a fragrant mixture of garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked until tender and golden. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs whole squid tubes, cleaned, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 1 cup dry breadcrumbs, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well to form the stuffing.
  2. Step 2: Stuff each whole squid tube (about 1 lb total) with the breadcrumb mixture, securing the open end with toothpicks. Place stuffed squid in a baking dish.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup white wine around the squid and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Drizzle with an extra 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until squid is tender and the top is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Squid Stuffed with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Squid Stuffed with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole squid tubes, cleaned from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Squid Stuffed with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Squid Stuffed with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Squid Stuffed with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.