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!