32 butternut squash ideas for when that big squash on the counter needs a plan
If there’s a butternut squash sitting in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to use it. Roast it until caramelized, blend it smooth, or fold it into a hearty dish. These recipes make good use of every sweet, golden bite.
Turkey Quinoa Skillet with Butternut Squash
This turkey quinoa skillet is cozy, colorful, and all made in one pan. With lean protein, quinoa, and roasted squash, it’s the kind of meal that works for both busy weeknights and meal prep Sundays. Get the recipe: Turkey Quinoa Skillet with Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash Soup
This butternut squash soup recipe is perfectly creamy, nourishing, and so easy to make. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this naturally vegetarian and gluten-free butternut squash soup is cozy and delicious and everyone’s favorite fall comfort food. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Soup
Easy Instant Pot Risotto with Butternut Squash
This easy Instant Pot risotto with butternut squash is creamy, comforting, and cooks entirely in your pressure cooker. Sweet squash, fresh sage, and shredded parmesan make it smooth, satisfying, and perfect for any weeknight. Get the recipe: Easy Instant Pot Risotto with Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad
This roasted butternut squash salad pairs caramelized squash with peppery arugula and a creamy balsamic Dijon dressing. It’s an easy way to enjoy fall flavors for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad
Peanut Butternut Squash Protein Smoothie
This easy protein smoothie tastes just like a peanut butter cup but with hidden veggies – aka frozen butternut squash. It is perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack that will keep you fueled. Get the recipe: Peanut Butternut Squash Protein Smoothie
Butternut Squash Spinach Breakfast Bake
This butternut squash spinach breakfast bake is packed with hearty ingredients and cozy flavor. It’s a warm, satisfying crustless frittata that makes cool mornings feel a little easier. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Spinach Breakfast Bake
Chicken Butternut Squash Soup
This low-carb, keto-friendly chicken soup with butternut squash is cozy, filling, and packed with protein. It all comes together in one pot, with the squash adding just enough natural sweetness. Get the recipe: Chicken Butternut Squash Soup
Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
This spicy roasted butternut squash with quinoa and dried cranberries brings together warm, balanced flavors that feel right for fall. It works well as a warm salad or a simple gluten-free side dish. Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole
This cozy butternut squash casserole is loaded with Mexican spices and plenty of cheesy goodness. It’s a versatile dish that’s tasty enough to win over even the pickiest eaters. Get the recipe: Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Crispy Lentils
This butternut squash mac and cheese puts a fresh spin on a classic, topped with crispy lentils for extra texture. The creamy squash and cheesy sauce make it cozy, rich, and a little better-for-you, too. Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Crispy Lentils
Thai Pumpkin Curry with Butternut Squash
If you love Thai food, this easy Thai pumpkin curry is a must-try. Creamy coconut milk, spicy red curry paste, butternut squash, and fresh lime make it a comforting and flavorful dinner or a quick weekend lunch. Get the recipe: Thai Pumpkin Curry with Butternut Squash
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry
This butternut squash curry comes together quickly in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop in about 10 minutes. Enjoy it on its own or serve it over rice or quinoa for a cozy autumn meal. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries (Old Bay Seasoned)
Love seasoned fries? These Old Bay air fryer butternut squash fries are crispy, flavorful, and a fun twist you’ll want to make again. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries (Old Bay Seasoned)
Vegetarian Lentil Chili with Butternut Squash
This lentil chili with roasted butternut squash is a hearty and comforting recipe packed with flavor. With kidney beans and warming spices, it makes a filling meal that’s worth the extra effort. Get the recipe: Vegetarian Lentil Chili with Butternut Squash
Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles
Spicy roasted butternut squash noodles are pasta with a plot twist. They bring big flavor and a fun change-up that instantly makes dinner feel less boring. Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles
Butternut Squash Salad with Feta
Butternut squash salad with feta is a tasty way to switch things up this fall instead of the usual squash soup. It combines feta, arugula, crunchy pistachios, and pomegranate for a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Salad with Feta
Roasted Honeynut Squash
This roasted honeynut squash offers a mix of flavors and textures perfect for any fall or winter meal. Add it to your holiday table as a colorful side alongside turkey. Get the recipe: Roasted Honeynut Squash
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This air fryer butternut squash is a simple side that works for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Serve it as is or top with browned butter and crispy sage for a little extra flair. So easy, you might never go back to oven-roasting. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Brown Butter
Butternut squash pasta with sage brown butter comes together in just three ingredients and 10 minutes. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Brown Butter
Creamy Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup
This Italian sausage butternut squash soup is cozy, high in protein, and packed with veggies. It’s like Tuscan chicken in soup form and perfect for both family dinners and easy weekday lunches. Get the recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup
Chicken Butternut Squash Bowls
These chicken butternut squash bowls are cozy, colorful, and totally lunch- or dinner-ready. Roasted squash, fluffy quinoa, and tender chicken come together for a warm, feel-good meal you’ll keep making. Get the recipe: Chicken Butternut Squash Bowls
Cinnamon Maple Butternut Squash Bread
This cinnamon-spiced butternut squash bread is simple, flavorful, and baked just right. Low in sugar and high in fiber, it’s a wholesome fall-inspired treat that hits the spot. Get the recipe: Cinnamon Maple Butternut Squash Bread
Butternut Squash Pancakes
These butternut squash pancakes give all the flavor and texture of pancakes with a healthy twist. They are gluten-free and vegan breakfasts that add a little something extra to start the day. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Pancakes
Curry Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
You’re going to love this curried butternut squash lentil soup. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, and there’s a slow cooker option for when you just want to dump and go. Get the recipe: Curry Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
Easy Butternut Squash Hash
This butternut squash hash is packed with protein and perfectly balances sweet and savory. Hearty, comforting, it’s a breakfast you’ll want even if you’re skipping eggs, dairy, or gluten. Get the recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Hash
Apple and Butternut Squash Galette
This rustic pie has a spiced apple and butternut squash filling wrapped in a chai-infused almond flour crust and finished with a drizzle of coconut caramel. It’s a cozy autumn dessert that feels a little extra special. Get the recipe: Apple and Butternut Squash Galette
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Ramen
This autumn-inspired ramen bowl gets its creamy texture and cozy flavor from butternut squash. Make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop and pair it with your favorite noodles for an easy bowl of comfort. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Ramen
Pasta with Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash
This pasta with roasted garlic butternut squash is a quick and easy vegetarian recipe that even squash haters will love. Butternut squash, garlic and onion are roasted, then simmered with fresh herbs in white wine and broth before being blended into a smooth, creamy sauce. Get the recipe: Pasta with Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash
Creamy Baked Rigatoni With Butternut Squash
This creamy baked rigatoni with butternut squash is the cozy pasta dinner you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, velvety, and just the right mix of sweet and savory. Perfect for nights when you want comfort. Get the recipe: Creamy Baked Rigatoni With Butternut Squash
Simple Butternut Squash Soup with Sage
This butternut squash soup with sage is made with roasted, caramelized squash, fried sage, leeks, and a touch of fresh cream. A few simple chef’s secrets take this soup from ordinary to something special. Get the recipe: Simple Butternut Squash Soup with Sage
Vegan Butternut Squash Chili
This hearty vegan chili is packed with lentils, butternut squash, peppers, tomatoes, and plenty of warming spices. Pair it with crispy chickpea quinoa crackers for a cozy bowl that’s perfect on a cool autumn evening. Get the recipe: Vegan Butternut Squash Chili
Chicken Enchilada Bake with Butternut Squash
This chicken enchilada bake with butternut squash and black beans is a lighter, veggie-packed casserole. It’s layered with tender vegetables and chicken, then finished with cheese and baked until hot and bubbly. Get the recipe: Chicken Enchilada Bake with Butternut Squash