What to Eat Now: Winter Squash

What to Eat Now: Winter Squash ~ there’s a wonderland of winter squash out there, and it turns out the good eating goes way beyond pumpkin pie.  So let’s get all those gorgeous gourds out of the tacky fall displays and into our kitchens, where they belong ~ here are the 30 best winter squash recipes for butternut, acorn, kabocha, hubbard, pumpkin and more!

All those pretty squash you always thought were strictly decorative are totally edible, in fact they can be spectacularly delicious.  And no worries if you aren’t lucky enough to live near a farmers market that goes through fall, your local pumpkin patch or supermarket will offer lots of choice.   The next time you reach for a butternut squash, grab one of the unfamiliar varieties right next to it, I’ve got your back with lots of yummy ways to use it, right here…

 

 All Winter Squash is edible

• All varieties of winter squash are edible, the only exceptions are shellacked ornamental gourds.  And even they are edible (before they’re lacquered!) but they don’t taste as good as other varieties and so they’re used decoratively.

Rule of thumb: winter squash is pretty much interchangeable ~

• you can substitute one for another in any classic butternut or pumpkin recipe…think turban squash pie, or blue hubbard bisque and get creative!

All winter squash seeds are healthy and delicious, so don’t toss them!

• Rinse and remove any stringy stuff and let them dry.  Toss with a little olive or coconut oil and season with your favorite spices (they can be sweet or savory.)  Spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 325F oven for about 15-20 minutes, giving them a stir once or twice during the cooking.  When you hear them start to pop, they’re done.

Winter squash will last for months in a cool dark place

• Start with firm, unblemished produce.  Large, thick skinned squash will last many months at 50F so buy them now when you see them, and enjoy them all winter long.

Here are some of my favorite winter squash recipes ~

 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SKILLET PASTA ~ Life is But a Dish

 

DELICATA SQUASH RINGS ~ Honestly Yum

 

ROASTED HOKKAIDO PUMPKIN ~ The Girl Loves to Eat

 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE  ~ Broma Bakery

 

PUMPKIN CRUMB CAKE ~ The View from Great Island

 

PUMPKIN SALAD ~ Occasionally Eggs

 

POTATO AND ACORN SQUASH SOUP ~ Hungry Couple

 

STUffed SQUASH WITH LENTILS AND KALE ~ Heavenlynn Healthy

 

HOMEMADE PAPPARDELLE WITH KABOCHA SQUASH SAUCE, ‘NDUJA, AND SAGE ~ Wild Greens & Sardines

 

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH WITH APPLE, PARSNIP AND SAGE  ~ Feasting at Home

 

EASY PUMPKIN BREAD ROLLS ~ Inside the Rustic Kitchen

 

KALE AND ROASTED RED KURI SQUASH SALAD ~ A House in the Hills

 

CREAMY FOUR CHEESE SPINACH BUTTERNUT SQUASH ~ eatwell101

WINTER SQUASH PIE WITH CANDIED PECANS (gluten free, dairy free) ~ Heartbeet Kitchen

 

PUMPKIN SEED PESTO PASTA WITH CARAMELIZED DELICATA SQUASH ~ How Sweet Eats

 

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP ~ A Sweet Pea Chef

 

WHOLE ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH WITH CHIPOTLE BUTTER ~ The View from Great Island

 

HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN PUREE (OR ANY SQUASH) ~ The Kitchen McCabe

 

ROASTED MEXICAN SPAGHETTI SQUASH ~ Cooking for Keeps

 

PUMPKIN LEATHER ~ Chatelaine

 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND GOAT CHEESE RAVIOLI WITH BROWNED BUTTER + OREGANO BREAD CRUMBS ~ Half Baked Harvest

 

PUMPKIN CREME BRULEE ~ Baking a Moment

 

SAUSAGE AND PARMESAN STUFFED ACORN SQUASH ~ Salt & Lavender

 

SPIRALIZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH BOWLS ~ Simply Quinoa

 

LEBANESE PUMPKIN HUMMUS ~ Lazy Cat Kitchen

 

ACORN SQUASH BREAD ~ The Vintage Mixer

 

CHEESY STUFFED MUNCHKIN PUMPKINS ~ Gin & Crumpets

 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIZZA ~ Kitchen Konfidence

 

SPICED HONEY ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS ~ The Chunky Chef

 

RED CURRY KURI SQUASH SOUP~ Love & Lemons

 

MAPLE SAGE ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH ~ A Family Feast

 

MAPLE PECAN HASSELBACK BUTTERNUT SQUASH ~ Seasons & Suppers

 

 

Don’t forget to pin these 30 Best Winter Squash Recipes!