10 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes To Try This Season!
I adore cooking with seasonal ingredients, and come the cozy fall and winter months, I’m always looking for delicious ways to incorporate butternut squash into my regular recipe repertoire. It’s nutritious, it’s an antioxidant powerhouse, and it’s also wonderfully versatile. I use it in everything from salads, to soups, to creamy pasta dishes, and at this time of the year, you can pick it up everywhere from local farmers markets to neighbourhood grocery stores.
In this collection, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite butternut squash recipes that are super easy to prepare and perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season.
Before we dive in, here are some quick tips for cooking with butternut squash that’ll help you to create the best results every time:
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for a squash with smooth, unblemished skin that feels heavy for its size, which indicates it’s ripe and full of flavor.
- Peeling Made Easy: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin easily. Start by peeling the neck first, then the rounded base.
- Cut Safely: When cutting a butternut squash, first slice off the top and bottom to create a flat surface. Then, carefully cut it in half lengthwise to remove the seeds.
- Save the Seeds: You can roast the seeds for a healthy and crunchy snack. Clean and dry the seeds, toss them with oil and salt, then bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Spices: Butternut squash pairs wonderfully well with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, curry powder, or smoked paprika. Experiment with different spices to enhance its natural sweetness.
- Cook the Skin: If you’re roasting small pieces or halves, you can leave the skin on—it becomes tender and edible after cooking, adding extra nutrients and texture!
- Batch Cook for Convenience: Roast or steam extra butternut squash and freeze it in portions. It can be easily reheated or added to soups, salads, or casseroles later.
- Test for Doneness: When roasting or steaming, the squash should be fork-tender but not mushy. Overcooking can make it lose its structure.
1. Roasted Butternut Squash
Let’s kick things off with a simple yet delicious one! Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. I like to serve this one with roasted meats, and it also makes a fantastic addition to salads.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using.
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
2. Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy soup combines roasted butternut squash with warming spices like ginger and nutmeg for a cozy bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is like a warm hug in a bowl!
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast the butternut squash at 425°F (220°C) until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Add roasted squash and vegetable broth, bringing to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Blend until smooth, stirring in coconut milk if desired.
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
This comforting pasta dish combines creamy butternut squash sauce with savory sausage and fresh spinach for a hearty meal. It’s a delicious way to incorporate veggies into your pasta, and who doesn’t love a creamy sauce? This one’s great for busy weeknights when you want an easy yet balanced dish that’ll satisfy the whole family.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add roasted butternut squash and heavy cream; blend until smooth. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta, sausage, and spinach in the sauce until heated through.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
This vibrant salad combines roasted butternut squash with hearty kale and a zesty dressing for a delicious winter dish. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings when you want to offer up something that’s a little lighter yet still satisfying. My top tip – massage the kale with a little olive oil before using. It helps to break it down a little so it’s much more palatable.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast the butternut squash until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add roasted squash, kale, walnuts, and cranberries. Toss to combine and serve.
5. Butternut Squash and Whipped Feta Dip
This creamy dip features roasted butternut squash blended with whipped feta, and it’s perfect for gatherings and parties. Whipped feta dips are super on trend right now, and I find they’re always a big hit with a crowd!
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, roasted and cooled
- 4 oz feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs and a little extra crumbled feta. Serve with pita chips or veggies.
6. Butternut Squash Muffins
These delicious muffins are made with roasted butternut squash, giving them a moist texture and a hint of sweetness. They make a perfect breakfast or snack, and they’re a great way to use up leftover squash!
Serves: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pureed butternut squash (cooked and mashed)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together butternut squash, oil, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. Butternut Squash Coconut Curry
This hearty vegan curry is packed with butternut squash, coconut milk, and fragrant spices, making it a warm and satisfying dish.
Why You Should Try It: It’s a comforting bowl of flavor that’s perfect for cozy winter nights!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add butternut squash, coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
8. Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad
This colorful salad combines roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds, offering a beautiful crunch and sweetness. It’s a refreshing salad that’s as pretty as it is tasty—perfect for holiday tables!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast the butternut squash until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and serve.
9. Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
This side dish features crispy roasted Brussels sprouts paired with tender butternut squash for a festive and delicious combo. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will brighten up any holiday meal! It’s also a slightly more unique veggie side dish, making it a great choice if you’re trying to get more goodness into your diet whilst still keeping things interesting.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized, flipping halfway through. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving if desired.
10. Turkey and Butternut Squash Chili
You can’t beat a warming bowl of chili over the fall and winter months! This hearty recipe combines ground turkey with butternut squash for a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for colder weather.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, brown ground turkey over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in butternut squash, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings!
These 10 Best Butternut Squash Recipes are sure to bring warmth and goodness to your winter table! From hearty soups to vibrant salads, this versatile vegetable is the star of the show, and as you can see, there are just so many ways to enjoy it. Which recipe will you be trying first?