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30+ Recipes for Winter Squash

Brianne Izzo
By Brianne Izzo

The temperatures may be dropping outside, but my kitchen is heating up with my favorite winter squash recipes! This is the best time of year to enjoy winter squash varieties, from butternut squash to kabocha, spaghetti squash, acorn, and yes, even pumpkin. Here are over 30 savory squash recipes for every occasion, including family dinners and holiday meals.

A collage of different winter squash recipes including stuffed spaghetti squash, roasted butternut squash with with quinoa, and more with text overlay.
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Harvested in the fall and hardy enough to be stored through the winter, winter squash are naturally gluten-free and one of my favorite ingredients this time of year. In the winter squash recipes below, you’ll find familiar favorites, like butternut squash and acorn squash, plus spaghetti squash recipes, delicata squash, and more.

Varieties of Winter Squash

Fun fact: Squashes are botanically classified as fruit, though they’re often treated as a vegetable in cooking. They come in a variety of shapes and colors:

  • Butternut Squash: Has tan skin and orange flesh with a long neck and bulbous bottom that contains the seeds. They have a somewhat sweet flavor.
  • Pumpkin: The ones you eat are typically smaller than a traditional Halloween pumpkin, and these have a thick layer of flesh and orange skin. They are sweet with an earthy flavor.
  • Acorn Squash: Known for its acorn shape and deep ridges, you want to eat the orange flesh while the skin is still green. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Spaghetti Squash: This squash usually has a yellow color with pale flesh that comes apart in noodle-like strings when cooked (check out five ways to cook spaghetti squash). It has a very neutral flavor.
  • Delicata Squash: This long, cylindrical squash is yellow with green stripes in the ridges, and pale orange flesh. The flavor and texture are similar to a sweet potato.
  • Kabocha Squash: These look similar to a knobby, green pumpkin and have bright yellow-orange flesh. They taste sweeter than butternut squash and nutty.
  • Buttercup Squash: Has a similar appearance to kabocha squash but with a flatter top, a circular ridge on the bottom, and yellow-orange flesh. It is sweet but with a dry texture compared to other winter squash.

These are the most common varieties for cooking, but others include carnival squash, sweet dumpling squash, hubbard squash, red kuri squash, and more. Check out your local farm stands and markets to explore all of these different types.

Should I Peel Winter Squash Before Cooking?

The thick rind on winter squash is technically edible and usually softens during cooking. However, it can be quite tough if not cooked thoroughly. Whether you peel your squash depends on the recipe. If you opt to peel your winter squash, be sure to have a strong, sharp peeler. You can also microwave the squash for a few minutes to start to soften the skin and make it easier to peel.

30+ Best Winter Squash Recipes

Here are my best savory dishes featuring sweet, earthy winter squash. Its mild flavor pairs well with many different dishes, and this collection shows just how versatile it is!

Butternut Squash Recipes

Common cooking methods include roasting and grilling, but butternut squash is also delicious simmered and pureed to use in soups.

Overhead view of a bowl of butternut squash soup with cream, pepitas, and herbs on top.

Butternut Squash Soup (Stove or Instant Pot)

This soup is perfectly velvety smooth and creamy, but without using any cream. And the addition of savory herbs perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the squash.
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A spoonful of roasted butternut squash with cinnamon flecks.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cinnamon

Roasting in the oven brings out the rich, caramelized flavor. And it is complemented by the warmth of cinnamon and an optional bit of heat from a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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A serving spoon taking a scoop of mashed butternut squash from a bowl.

Brown Butter Mashed Butternut Squash

Just a bit of brown butter gives this side dish a rich, velvety texture and savory, nutty flavor. Quick enough to make for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough to find a place on a holiday menu.
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A bowl of quinoa with roasted butternut squash cubes and pomegranate seeds on top of a red plaid cloth napkin.

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Toss the quinoa, butternut squash, and pomegranate seeds together with a simple balsamic dressing and you can enjoy it as a hot side dish. Or store it in the fridge to have for lunch all week because it makes a delicious cold salad.
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chili lime roasted cauliflower and butternut squash in a shallow terra cotta bowl on top of a colorful striped napkin with a wooden serving spoon

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower and Butternut Squash

This easy side dish is kicked up with chili powder for just a hint of heat, smoky cumin, and the zing of lime. The smoky and spicy combination is delicious when brightened up with fresh and tangy citrus.
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Butternut squash macaroni and cheese is spooned out of a baking dish

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

The classic baked mac is gluten free with butternut squash making it so creamy. And the earthy flavor complements the tangy, cheesy goodness.
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A spoon stuck into a bowl of cubed air fryer butternut squash.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

This quick and easy veggie side is perfect to round out all of your fall and winter meals, from weeknights to holiday dinners. Keep it simple or try the flavor variations.
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Greens sitting on a plate next to a slice of gluten free butternut squash pizza.

Butternut Squash Pizza

This gourmet pizza seriously delivers on flavor. Sweet and soft cubes of roasted squash and salty, crispy prosciutto are a match made in heaven, especially with the tangy goat cheese.
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Closeup of a bowl of curry butternut squash soup with lime, coconut, and peanut garnish.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

This smooth and creamy soup is infused with aromatic flavors for a twist on classic comfort food. The warmth of Thai red curry paste and coconut milk brings bold flavors balances by the sweetness of the squash.
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Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash on a sheet pan.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

A gorgeous combination of bright colors with sweet and savory flavors makes this a stunning and delicious side dish. And you won't believe that it only takes four main ingredients.
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Butternut squash salad served on a plate.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Pomtgranate

Filled with seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy this salad as a light side dish or lunch. Or top it with your favorite protein for a satisfying dinner.
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A spoonful of layered butternut squash casserole with steam rising off of it.

Butternut Squash Casserole with Pesto and Gorgonzola

The herbaceous flavor of savory pesto is the perfect counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the squash. With the pungent bite of gorgonzola, it's an unexpectedly delicious and elegant dish.
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A birdseye view of a bowl of butternut squash soup garnished with a sage leaf.

Butternut Squash Cheddar Cheese Soup

This soup is velvety smooth with a hint of sweetness and lots of creamy, cheesy goodness. It's the perfect combination of two favorite soup recipes.
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An arugula salad with butternut squash, apples, and walnuts.

Baby Arugula Butternut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

This incredible salad has peppery arugula, sweet roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, sweet and tangy cranberries, and maple-roasted walnuts. It is filled with so many seasonal flavors!
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Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Many people think of using pumpkin in desserts, but the creamy texture of pumpkin is lovely in sauces, soups, and more. It can also be roasted.

Baked pumpkin penne is served from a baking dish.

Baked Pumpkin Pasta

This cozy baked pasta dish has chicken sausage and a rich pumpkin cream sauce. It's satisfying, delicious, and totally comforting.
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Peas peek out of a plate of pumpkin alfredo noodles.

Fettuccine Pumpkin Alfredo

The traditional cream sauce gets a veggie-packed twist. Made with both cauliflower and pumpkin puree, it's smooth, rich, and satisfying,
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pieces of roasted pumpkin.

Roasted Pumpkin with Parmesan

Enjoy the natural sweetness of pumpkin enhanced by roasting along with savory parmesan. It's a simple and surprising side dish.
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A bowl of pumpkin risotto.

Pumpkin Risotto

You'll look like a gourmet chef with this recipe, but it's so simple. This new fall favorite is intoxicatingly delicious with pumpkin flavor and warm spices paired with sage, Parmesan, toasted pepitas, and luxurious browned butter.
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Someone dunking a piece of bread into a bowl of pumpkin soup.

Pumpkin Soup

A classic that is so quick and easy to make. But it is so luxurious with its thick and creamy consistency and explosion of flavor.
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Spaghetti Squash Recipes

As a gluten-free alternative to pasta, you’ll find spaghetti squash used in much the same way as noodles, simply covered in sauce or in casseroles. See 5 ways to cook spaghetti squash.

A white baking dish full of spaghetti squash lasagna with one portion removed.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

This low-carb lasagna recipe trades traditional pasta noodles for cooked spaghetti squash. It's loaded with juicy turkey sausage, homemade tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Truly feel-good comfort food!
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Spaghetti squash casserole in a white ceramic baking dish.

Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Comfort food packed not only with veggies, but also with amazing flavors. You’ll love the rich but not too heavy tomato cream sauce, and turkey sausage that makes it hearty and satisfying.
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A plate of beef stroganoff over egg noodles

Beef Stroganoff Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

The new take on a classic dish is made with fresh ingredients and stuffed inside spaghetti squash halves. It's nostalgic comfort food that you will be sure to enjoy.
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A cast iron skillet of barbecue chicken spaghetti squash casserole.

BBQ Baked Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This crowd-pleaser is flavorful and so cheesy. It has all of the smoky barbecue flavor you love with some creaminess from Greek yogurt and crispy gluten free Panko topping.
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Acorn Squash Recipes

Given its ridged shape, acorn squash can be hard to peel. So it is usually roasted or baked in halves or cut into slices. Once cooked, the flesh is tender enough to come away from the skin easily if you prefer not to eat it.

Half of an acorn squash studded with meat sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese on a plate with a fork.

Italian Stuffed Acorn Squash

All the best parts of lasagna are stuffed into a veggie bowl. This easy meal is ready in about 30 minutes and has a simple but hearty meat sauce and three kinds of cheese for plenty of gooey goodness.
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Pieces of roasted acorn squash on a platter garnished with herbs.

Roasted Acorn Squash

This simple, colorful side dish is a gorgeous and tasty addition to your meal. It is perfectly caramelized with savory seasonings to complement the natural sweetness.
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Mashed Acorn Squash with Maple and Rosemary

Mashed acorn squash seasoned with maple syrup, garlic, rosemary, cinnamon, and ginger is the perfect fall or winter side dish recipe!
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More Recipes With Winter Squash

These additional varieties are just as versatile as the ones listed above and have similar preparation methods.

Baked Buttercup Squash pieces with Goat Cheese and pomegranate seeds.

Baked Buttercup Squash with Goat Cheese

This elegant side is both sweet and savory, studded with juicy pomegranate seeds, and so delicious with tangy goat cheese. It looks fancy, but it's so simple to make.
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Delicata squash halves stuffed with spinach.

Stuffed Delicata Squash

This satisfying meatless meal has quinoa, tofu, apples, raisins, spinach and Parmesan cheese. It can also be served as a side dish.
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Oven Roasted Kabocha Squash with Peanut Sauce in a dish garnished with sesame seeds and herbs.

Oven Roasted Kabocha Squash with Peanut Sauce

You'll be making roasted squash on repeat once you try it. The technique can be used in all kinds of ways, but the creamy peanut sauce makes it extra amazing.
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Roasted Kabocha Squash on a plate drizzled with with Miso Glaze

Roasted Kabocha Squash with Miso Glaze

This version of roasted kabocha is absolutely delicious with a garlicky miso glaze that comes together quickly. It is packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes.
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Roasted Delicata Squash pieces ona abaing sheet.

Brown Sugar Roasted Delicata Squash

The squash is roasted with brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon for a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for fall and winter meals. It pairs so well with chicken, seafood, and so many more favorites.
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