25+ Recipes That Make the Most of Butternut Squash

Sheela Prakash

updated Oct 4, 2022

Page URL

butternut squash shrimp curry sits in a bowl on a table next to rice and another dish of curry — Credit: Shelly Westerhausen
Coconut Shrimp Curry with Butternut Squash and Spinach

I grew up thinking the only way to eat butternut squash was to mash it with lots of butter, milk, and brown sugar. Although that’s a delicious way to enjoy it (it’s still one of my favorites!), I’ve learned there are many more possibilities when it comes to preparing the vegetable.

Here are a couple dozen butternut squash recipes, plus some basic prep (because it’s probably been a while, and helpful to have a refresh on the best way to cut and peel butternut squash) and cooking instructions — so you can make soups, salads, pastas, and even casseroles with this sweet, hearty fall vegetable.

Butternut Squash Basics

Cozy Soups

A steaming pot of butternut squash soup is the epitome of fall comfort. What’s great is most versions freeze well, too, so you can make a double batch for the future.

1 / 6

Butternut Squash Soup

We upgraded the classic soup with a few key ingredients (like apples and pumpkin puree) that makes it even better than Panera's.

2 / 6

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

A hearty root vegetable soup that's incredibly versatile — and perfect for meal preppers.

3 / 6

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash, sage, and apple join forces in this easy Instant Pot soup that celebrates all the flavors of winter and fall.

4 / 6

Bean, Bacon and Butternut Squash Soup with Swiss Chard

A little bit of bacon lends big savory flavor to this textured soup.

5 / 6

Southwestern Butternut Squash Soup

Cumin and coriander add spicy warmth to this soup while a squeeze of orange and lime give it a hit of late-fall sunshine.

6 / 6

Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup

You can roast vegetables with the intention of making this soup or you can use whatever roast vegetables you have leftover to make this soup a part of your next-day meal plan.

Sides of All Kinds

No matter how it’s prepared, sweet and tender butternut squash is the ideal seasonal side dish for roast chicken, fish, and more.

1 / 7

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

For crispy and tender butternut squash in a fraction of the time, use your air fryer.

2 / 7

Mashed Butternut Squash

This root vegetable mash is velvety smooth, easy to prepare, and is a great alternative to potatoes at mealtime.

3 / 7

Roasted Butternut Squash with Orange Tahini, Walnuts, and Za’atar

A citrusy tahini sauce, toasted walnuts, and savory za'atar lend big, bold flavor to this simple sheet pan of roasted butternut squash.

4 / 7

Wild Rice Pilaf with Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries

This wild rice studded with butternut squash, pecans, and dried cranberries can be enjoyed warm or cold.

5 / 7

Baked Butternut Squash

This timeless fall side dish is simple and versatile enough that you'll find yourself turning to it again and again all season long.

6 / 7

Kale & Quinoa Salad with Roasted Squash and Sweet Potatoes

This hearty kale salad, packed with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing, is absolutely perfect for fall.

7 / 7

Orzo with Butternut Squash, Spinach & Blue Cheese

Blue cheese provides bold flavor in this orzo salad, though goat cheese can be substitutted, if you prefer.

Main Dishes

Of course, turning it into the main event is never a bad idea, either — especially when it’s mac and cheese, pizza, and beyond.

1 / 13

Vegan Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Shepherd's Pie

A plant-based alternative to a classic dish, this vegan version of shepherd’s pie boasts of a delicious filling of sweet potato, butternut squash, and "meat" crumbles.

2 / 13

Coconut Shrimp Curry with Butternut Squash and Spinach

This South Indian-inspired curry is made with a paste of fresh coconut, ginger, shallots, and dried red chiles, and is best enjoyed over steamed rice.

3 / 13

Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Mushrooms, Sausage, and Butternut Squash

This fall-inspired recipe for crispy sheet pan gnocchi comes together in 30 minutes.

4 / 13

Butternut Squash Ravioli

This fresh pasta will satisfy all of your autumn cravings.

5 / 13

Butternut Squash Rose Tart

Blossoms made of butternut squash ribbons, sage- and garlic-flecked ricotta, and a tender olive oil crust make for a dish that’s 100 percent worthy of the main event.

6 / 13

Butternut Squash Risotto

This easy risotto is packed with tender butternut squash and flavored with fresh sage.

7 / 13

Pizza with Crispy Kale, Butternut Squash, Bacon & Smoked Mozzarella

Smoked mozzarella ties together the sweetness of the squash and the heartiness of the kale ever so nicely.

8 / 13

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Here's how to make an easy butternut squash mac and cheese that is all flavor and no fuss.

9 / 13

Butternut Squash and Broccolini Rice Bowl with Soy Chorizo

This easy vegetarian meal is made with some of Trader Joe's best (and cheapest) ingredients.

10 / 13

Creamy One-Pot Butternut Squash Pasta with White Beans and Kale

This 30-minute vegetarian dinner is packed with protein, thanks to a can of white beans a dollop of Greek yogurt. It cooks all in one pot (sauce and all!), making for easy clean-up.

11 / 13

Ricotta Toast with Cider-Braised Squash

Butternut squash is braised with apple cider, whole grain mustard, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of brown sugar until tender, then piled atop ricotta toast for the ultimate vegetarian fall dinner.

12 / 13

Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

Here, roasted butternut squash is puréed with cream and Parmesan cheese to create a velvety Alfredo sauce that coats every inch of the al dente pasta.

13 / 13

Rigatoni with Winter Squash and Kale

This hearty fall pasta is filled with kale, sausage, roasted squash and tossed in a sharp and cheesy white wine sauce.

Filed in: