Beyond Butternut: 30 Winter Squash Recipes (2024)

Cooking in the winter has its challenges, like uninspiring produce shelves at the grocery store and slim pickins at the farmers market. Something that’s guaranteed to be part of this season’s bounty? Squash. There are endless varieties (acorn, butternut, spaghetti, delicata, hubbard, turban) and even more ways to prepare it. Below are 30 mouthwateringly delicious recipes you must try this season. And when you’re done with that, don’t forget about dessert.

1. Butternut Squash with Apples: A touch of fruit and a helping of brown sugar will take your butternut side dish to the next level. (via Betty Crocker)

2. Acorn Squash with Chile-Lime Vinaigrette: The spicy citrus glaze atop this acorn squash adds the perfect zing to each bite. (via Smitten Kitchen)

3. Roasted Delicata Squash: A simple roast to this less common — and delicious — variety. (via Summer Tomato)

4. Meatless Meatball over Herbed Spaghetti Squash: For the vegetarian who wants a break from regular pasta. (via Cooking Light)

5. Fiorentini with Butternut Squash: A simple yet flavorful option for those who do love pasta. (via Bon Appetit)

6. Acorn Squash Quesadillas with Tomatillo Salsa: Is Mexican on the menu tonight? Add acorn squash for a winter-y touch. (via Smitten Kitchen)

8. Roast Turks Turban Squash and Duck Bacon Risotto: Are you in a food coma yet? We are, too. (via Sanura Weathers)

9. Roasted Hubbard Squash Soup with Hazelnuts & Chives: This recipe elevates the traditional squash soup to a whole new level — one with added crunch. (via Fine Cooking)

10. Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna: Layers upon layers of squash, cheese and pasta? Yes, please! (via Martha Stewart)

11. Fried Cornmeal Shrimp with Butternut Squash Risotto: You may have to hit the gym after devouring a bowl of this stuff, but it’s worth it. (via Bon Appetit)

12. Roasted Acorn Squash and Gorgonzola Pizza: This just became our newest favorite pizza, and we’re pretty sure it’s going to be yours as well. (via Smitten Kitchen)

13. Squash and Root Vegetable Slaw: The lightest squash recipe of the bunch, this slaw incorporates winter’s freshest veggies into one healthful bite, side dish, or sandwich topping — however you prefer. (via Bon Appetit)

14. Black Bean and Butternut Squash Burritos: These might rival the acorn quesadillas above, but are worth adding to the Mexican menu anyway. (via Oh She Glows)

15. Classic Baked Acorn Squash: Perfect for the squash beginner. (via Simply Recipes)

16. Roasted Red Kuri Coconut Curry Soup: An exotic take on the traditional squash soup — and one that’s nearly guilt-free. (via Skinny Taste)

17. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup: In case you loved the butternut-apple combo above, here’s a pureed version you can enjoy as a soup. (via Bon Appetit)

18. Red Lentil and Squash Curry Stew: Make this ahead and enjoy leftovers all week long. (via Oh She Glows)

19. Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Parmigiano-Reggiano Recipe: A cheesy spaghetti that’s more forgiving in the calorie and fat department. (via Chow)

20. Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Butternut Squash: Chicken Pot Pie is one of those dishes you either love or hate, but with butternut squash, there’s no question: love. (via Bon Appetit)

21. Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese: It’s like a baked ziti, but without the pasta — or the guilt. (via Skinny Taste)

22. Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter: They had us at “sage brown butter.” (via Bon Appetit)

23. Delicata Squash with Caramelized Shallots & Sherry: A light (or shall we say delicate?) and flavorful preparation. (via Fine Cooking)

24. Roasted Squash with Mint and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Add crunch and a refreshing spice to your next squash dish. (via Bon Appetit)

25. Sweet Roasted Rosemary Acorn Squash Wedges: We dare you to click through to see the globs — and globs — of buttery, brown sugar-y glaze. (via The Pioneer Woman)

26. Butternut Squash Tart with Fried Sage: The flaky crust of this tart adds a lovely texture to the smooth melt-in-your-mouth squash filling. (via Bon Appetit)

27. Roasted Rosemary Delicata Squash: Another simple option for those with less kitchen ambition. (via White on Rice Couple)

28. Yam, Butternut Squash and Pomegranates: Boost the butternut flavor and texture with sweet potatoes and pomegranate seeds. (via Olive Oil and Lemons)

29. Caramelized Butternut Squash: Anything with “caramelized” in the name is a winner. (via Food.com)

30. Butternut Squash and Cheddar Bread Pudding: Delicious! We saved the best — and arguably most decadent — for last. (via Bon Appetit)

What’s your favorite type of winter squash? And how do you prepare it? Tell us in the comments below.

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Miranda Eifler

Miranda is a Brooklyn, NY-based runner, maker, adventure-seeker and risk-taker in the kitchen. She has a thing against Tuesdays, loves a good glass of wine, and wishes time would just slow down. Find her at miralanz.com.

Beyond Butternut: 30 Winter Squash Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

What is the healthiest winter squash? ›

Acorn Squash

Laura Farrell, R.D. mentions eating the fiber-rich skin can promote optimal digestive function. Acorn squash is a good source of vitamin A, magnesium and potassium and is high in vitamin C.

What to do with immature winter squash? ›

You can continue to ripen unripe squash by bringing them inside, washing them off and putting them in a sunny spot. You watch them carefully, turning them occasionally until they reach the proper color for eating. About 10 of my unripe squash are currently taking the indoor sun cure.

How does Rachael Ray cook butternut squash? ›

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and drizzle with EVOO. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh nutmeg and roast until just tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

How to cook butternut squash Martha Stewart? ›

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until almost completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Turn cut-side up and roast until very tender and beginning to dry out a bit on top (but not brown).

Can you eat too much winter squash? ›

While the high beta-carotene content in squash can provide many benefits, studies also suggest that consuming too much of this compound can increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some types of prepared squash include high amounts of added sugar.

Is butternut squash anti-inflammatory? ›

Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash

It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, two powerful antioxidants that support vision. Butternut Squash's high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce your risk of inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

Are winter squash anti-inflammatory? ›

Winter squash also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and for that reason may help in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Early studies also suggest that vegetables in this family may block the formation of cholesterol in cells and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Is Delicata squash the same as butternut squash? ›

09 Oct Delicata Squash: I Can't Believe It's Not Butternut

Also known as “sweet potato squash” for its brown sugar flavor, delicata tastes like a cross between fresh corn and pumpkin pie. Like all hard squash, delicata is high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, relatively low in calories and astonishingly versatile.

What winter squash tastes like sweet potato? ›

The delicata squash has a moist, creamy yellow flesh that tastes and smells like a blend of corn, butternut squash and sweet potato. It is often referred to as the sweet potato squash. They are best eaten when steamed or baked.

What is the sweetest winter squash? ›

Over the past several years, butternut squash has become a standard ingredient on menus as the star in a creamy soup, ravioli filling, or risotto flavor. It is the sweetest winter squash with a thick, bright orange, moist flesh that hides very few seeds.

What is toxic squash syndrome? ›

Cucurbit poisoning, often referred to as toxic squash syndrome, is an uncommon illness that can result in severe hair loss and symptoms similar to food poisoning. Cucurbitacins are compounds that can be found in the Cucurbitaceae family, which also comprises of cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, and squash.

What not to plant with winter squash? ›

For example, winter squash tends to ramble and vine all over the garden. It will easily trample root crops like radishes. The broad leaves and fast-growing squash vines are also prone to shading out anything planted too close to it.

Is it OK to eat unripened butternut squash? ›

Did you know you can eat under-ripe, immature butternut squash? They are gourd-eous!

How does Jamie Oliver cook butternut squash? ›

Method. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Wash and dry the whole squash, then place on a baking tray. Pierce once or twice with the tip of a sharp knife, then bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until golden and very soft.

What is the cooking method for butternut squash? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the squash cubes on the baking sheet and toss with a drizzle of olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper. Roast 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

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