As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of fall flavors.
Butternut squash, with its naturally sweet, nutty profile, is the star of the season, transforming into everything from creamy soups to hearty mains and delightful sides.
Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive dish to impress, these approachable butternut squash recipes are sure to become your new autumn favorites.
Get ready to cozy up your kitchen!.
Table of Contents
Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts & Farro Bliss Bowl
This vibrant bliss bowl brings together roasted miso-glazed Brussels sprouts and squash with hearty farro for a satisfying and quick vegan dinner.
The umami-rich miso sauce perfectly complements the sweetness of the squash and the earthiness of the sprouts, creating a truly nourishing meal.
It's a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce with minimal fuss..
Pro Tip: Prep the farro and roast the vegetables ahead of time for a speedy assembly later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts & Farro Bliss Bowl
Spicy Butternut Squash Soup
Warm your soul with this incredibly flavorful spicy butternut squash soup.
It’s a harmonious blend of sweet squash, bold Thai red curry paste, and creamy coconut milk, creating a rich and comforting bowl.
This soup is surprisingly quick to make, especially if you opt for pre-cubed squash, offering a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings..
Pro Tip: For a milder soup, reduce the amount of Thai red curry paste or omit the cayenne pepper.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Butternut Squash Soup
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor, this maple-roasted butternut squash is a showstopper side dish.
The squash is roasted to tender perfection with just a hint of maple sweetness, letting the natural flavors shine.
It’s a fantastic complement to any meal, bringing a touch of autumn comfort to your table..
Pro Tip: Serve this alongside roasted chicken or pork for a classic, comforting pairing.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Thai Butternut Squash & Chickpea Curry
This fragrant curry is a weeknight wonder, combining the sweetness of butternut squash with hearty chickpeas in a creamy, spiced coconut broth.
It’s a flavorful and well-balanced meal, packed with nutrients and exotic Thai-inspired tastes.
The slight heat and creamy texture make it utterly irresistible..
Pro Tip: For an authentic touch, try to find fresh lemongrass and a good quality Thai red curry paste.
Get the Recipe: Thai Butternut Squash & Chickpea Curry
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Kale
This vibrant salad is a celebration of fall flavors, featuring tender roasted butternut squash, hearty massaged kale, crunchy nuts and seeds, and creamy goat cheese.
Tossed in a bright lemon-dijon vinaigrette, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and beautiful.
It’s perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side for holiday meals..
Pro Tip: Meal prep this salad by keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the kale's freshness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Kale
Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto
Experience the creamy comfort of risotto with this entirely vegan butternut squash version.
Made in an Instant Pot, it’s surprisingly easy and delivers a rich, savory-sweet flavor with tender arborio rice.
The optional pine nut and sage topping adds a wonderful textural contrast and aromatic finish..
Pro Tip: Roast the squash and garlic beforehand for an even deeper, caramelized flavor in the risotto.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Indulge in a restaurant-worthy pasta dish with this creamy, dreamy butternut squash sauce.
Roasting brings out the squash’s natural sweetness, which is then blended with garlic and coconut milk for a luscious, comforting sauce.
It's a simple yet elegant way to enjoy pasta with a delightful fall twist..
Pro Tip: Top with pan-fried sage leaves and toasted walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Get ready for a flavor fiesta with these irresistible roasted butternut squash tacos! The tender, slightly crispy squash is paired with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty honey-lime cilantro sauce.
These vegetarian tacos are a quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious way to spice up your weeknight meals..
Pro Tip: Warm your tortillas on a gas stovetop flame or in a dry skillet for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Butternut Squash Black Bean Quinoa Bowl
This flavorful quinoa bowl is a hearty and healthy option, combining spiced roasted butternut squash with protein-packed black beans and fluffy quinoa.
The fresh cilantro and lime juice add a bright, zesty finish that ties all the elements together beautifully.
It's versatile enough to be a main meal or a vibrant side dish..
Pro Tip: Serve this bowl as a complete meal with your favorite protein, or enjoy it as a flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Black Bean Quinoa Bowl
Butternut Squash Curry
This comforting butternut squash curry is a quick and healthy dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Simmered with chickpeas in a rich coconut milk and curry sauce, it’s warm, hearty, and wonderfully spiced.
Served over rice with fresh cilantro, it’s a delightful vegan meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying..
Pro Tip: Use pre-cut butternut squash and canned chickpeas to significantly cut down on prep time.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Curry
Maple Roasted Squash Kale Salad
This stunning salad is a fall favorite, loaded with maple-roasted squash, seasoned chickpeas, crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans.
Dressed with a simple maple vinaigrette, it’s a colorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for meal prep or as a lighter Thanksgiving side.
It’s guaranteed to impress with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors..
Pro Tip: You can make the roasted squash, chickpeas, and dressing a day in advance for easy assembly.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Squash Kale Salad
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
Cozy up with a hearty bowl of slow cooker butternut squash chili.
This warming, healthy chili is packed with tender squash, fiber-rich beans, and savory spices, all slow-cooked to perfection.
It's an incredibly easy and satisfying meal, especially on a chilly fall or winter evening..
Pro Tip: Mash the chili slightly with a spoon or masher towards the end of cooking to help thicken it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
Moroccan-Inspired Butternut Squash Stew
This hearty stew is a flavorful adventure, blending the natural sweetness of butternut squash with warming Moroccan spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Lentils and chickpeas add a satisfying heartiness, making it a nourishing and comforting meal.
It's a perfect one-pot wonder for a chilly evening..
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a swirl of coconut cream just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan-Inspired Butternut Squash Stew
Crispy Baked Butternut Squash Fries
Forget greasy takeout fries! These baked butternut squash fries are a healthier, equally delicious alternative.
Roasted to crispy perfection with a hint of spice, they offer a delightful texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite dips.
They're a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies!.
Pro Tip: Ensure fries are in a single layer on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Butternut Squash Fries
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
This comforting soup marries the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the crisp, tart notes of apple, creating a wonderfully balanced flavor profile.
It’s a smooth, velvety soup that feels both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for warming you up on a cool autumn day..
Pro Tip: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas adds a lovely creamy finish and a delightful crunch.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole
Packed with flavor and made in just one dish, this Southwest-inspired casserole is a weeknight dinner hero.
The sweetness of butternut squash meets savory ground beef (or a vegetarian option), black beans, and a touch of spice for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s as easy to clean up as it is to make..
Pro Tip: This casserole freezes beautifully! Bake, cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for quick future meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole
Chickpea Butternut Squash Tagine
Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this aromatic tagine.
Tender butternut squash and hearty chickpeas simmer in a fragrant broth infused with warming spices like cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.
The addition of dried fruit and citrus notes adds an authentic touch, making this a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish..
Pro Tip: Serve this tagine over fluffy couscous or quinoa for a complete and delightful meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Butternut Squash Tagine
Cheesy Butternut Squash Fritters
These delightful fritters are incredibly simple to make, featuring just five ingredients! The naturally sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with melted cheese, creating a savory and slightly crispy bite.
They're perfect as a quick appetizer or a unique side dish that’s sure to impress..
Pro Tip: Try serving these with a cooling tzatziki sauce or a spicy aioli for an extra flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Butternut Squash Fritters
Roasted Butternut Squash Bacon Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is a hug in a bowl! Sweet roasted butternut squash blends with savory bacon, wilted spinach, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
It’s a wonderfully cozy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners..
Pro Tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and easily reheated in the microwave or oven.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Bacon Pasta
Coconut Bulgur and Butternut Squash Bowl
This vibrant bowl is a delicious and healthy combination of toasted coconut, fluffy bulgur, and tender roasted butternut squash.
Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a wonderfully satisfying meal, especially when components are prepped ahead for a quick weeknight assembly..
Pro Tip: Toasted coconut can burn quickly, so watch it closely and stir constantly once it starts to brown.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bulgur and Butternut Squash Bowl