Mouthwatering Butternut Squash Recipes for Fall and Winter Meals

Delicious and Nutritious Butternut Squash Recipes

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that is known for its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture when cooked. It's an extremely versatile vegetable that can be roasted, sautéed, puréed into soups and stews, or used in a variety of baked goods. Butternut squash is also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Here are some delicious ways to use this healthy squash in your cooking.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash. Toss cubes of squash with olive oil, salt, pepper and spices like cumin or curry powder. Roast at 400°F until fork tender and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Roasted butternut squash makes a great side dish but can also be tossed with pasta, used in grain bowls or salads, or added to soups.

Butternut Squash Soup

For a creamy, comforting soup, you can't go wrong with butternut squash. Sauté diced onion in olive oil and butter. Add cubed squash and vegetable or chicken broth. Simmer until squash is tender, then purée with an immersion blender. Finish with spices like sage, nutmeg or curry powder. Garnish with roasted squash seeds or a swirl of plain yogurt.

Butternut Squash Pasta

Butternut squash and pasta is a classic autumn pairing. Roast cubed squash until soft, then toss with your favorite pasta and garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, spinach or kale. The starch from the pasta and natural creaminess of the squash makes a delicious sauce.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

For a seasonal twist on lasagna, use roasted puréed butternut squash in place of ricotta cheese. Layer the squash with pasta, tomato sauce, spinach and mozzarella cheese. The sweetness of the squash balances beautifully with the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Butternut Squash Risotto

The creaminess of butternut squash makes it an ideal addition to risotto. Sauté diced squash and onion, then add Arborio rice. Cook, stirring frequently and adding broth 1/2 cup at a time, until rice is al dente. Stir in roasted squash purée and finish with Parmesan. Top with fried sage leaves.

Butternut Squash Curry

Butternut squash and curry are made for each other. Sauté onion, carrots, cubed squash and spices like cumin, coriander and curry powder. Add coconut milk and simmer until squash is tender. Serve over rice with naan bread, toasted cashews and cilantro. This curry is delicious and filling.

Butternut Squash Chili

Looking for a hearty vegetarian chili? Swap out meat for cubes of butternut squash. Sauté squash with onion, bell pepper and spices like chili powder, cumin and oregano. Add beans, tomatoes, vegetable broth and simmer. Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Top with avocado, cheese or sour cream.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Turn roasted butternut squash into a hearty main dish salad. Toss roasted cubes with chopped kale or spinach, toasted pecans or walnuts, feta or goat cheese and a maple cider dressing. The sweetness of the squash, nuts and dressing pairs perfectly with the earthy greens.

Butternut Squash Quesadillas

Roasted butternut squash, black beans and cheese sandwiched between tortillas makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Try using corn tortillas to switch things up. Serve with guacamole, salsa and sour cream.

Butternut Squash Enchiladas

For an autumn twist on enchiladas, fill tortillas with roasted butternut squash, black beans, and top with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly and melted. Top with avocado, cilantro and green onion. The sweet squash balances beautifully with the spicy sauce.

Butternut Squash Frittata

Eggs, squash and cheese - what's not to love? Sauté diced squash and onion. Pour whisked eggs over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until set. Cut into wedges for an easy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Add spinach, sausage or bacon for extra flavor.

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

This protein-packed salad is perfect for meal prep. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Toss with roasted diced squash, chickpeas, feta, fresh herbs and a lemony dressing. Makes for a satisfying work lunch or side at dinner.

Butternut Squash Pizza

Roast cubes of butternut squash seasoned with garlic, rosemary and olive oil. Top pizza crust with sauce, cheese and squash. Finish with fresh arugula after baking. The sweetness of the squash caramelized edges takes pizza to the next level.

Butternut Squash Bread or Muffins

Butternut squash purée is a great way to sneak veggies into baked goods. Swap out half the oil or butter in a bread or muffin recipe for puréed squash.Combine with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a doubly delicious treat. Serve with cinnamon butter.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Adding butternut squash to mac and cheese adds extra nutrition and color while making this comfort food even creamier. Simply purée cooked squash and stir into your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Top with crispy, toasted breadcrumbs and you're all set.

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Fresh stuffed pasta dazzles on the dinner table but can be time consuming to make. Instead, stuff store-bought ravioli with a mixture of roasted squash, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic and sage. Cook according to package directions and top with browned butter sauce and crispy fried sage.

With its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture, butternut squash can transform everything from pastas to pizzas, salads, soups and more. Take advantage of this autumn superstar by cooking up one of these delicious and nutritious recipes today.

FAQs

How do I roast butternut squash?

To roast butternut squash, start by peeling it with a vegetable peeler or knife and then seeding it. Cut it into 1-inch chunks. Toss the chunks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and tender.

Can you eat butternut squash raw?

Butternut squash can be eaten raw but it is best to cook it to bring out its sweetness. If you want to eat it raw, peel it first, slice it thinly, and add it to salads. Massage with lemon juice, oil, and salt to soften it up.

How long does butternut squash last?

An uncut butternut squash will usually last 2-3 months in a cool, dry place. Once cut, the squash flesh should be used within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked butternut squash lasts 3-4 days refrigerated.

What does butternut squash taste like?

Butternut squash has a sweet and nutty flavor similar to pumpkin. The texture becomes smooth and creamy when cooked. Butternut squash can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Can you swap butternut squash for pumpkin?

Yes, butternut squash can be used as a substitute for pumpkin in most recipes. The flavor is comparable, so the results will be similar. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed since butternut squash may cook faster than pumpkin.