What to Eat Now: Winter Squash Recipes

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 best winter squash recipes for butternut, acorn, kabocha, hubbard, pumpkin and more!

did you know? all winter squash is edible!

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…

Tip: 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 which is why they’re used decoratively.

winter squash are interchangeable in recipes

• You can substitute one for another in any classic butternut or pumpkin recipe…think turban squash pie, or blue hubbard soup and get creative! Whether you slice it up or puree it, different varieties of squash will bring new life to your old standard recipes.

winter squash seeds are healthy and delicious, 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.

hardy 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 (a cool basement is perfect) so buy them now when you see them, and enjoy them all winter long.

my favorite winter squash recipes

Here’s a fun collection of recipes to inspire you this fall and winter. If you want some basic information on how to cook the different varieties of squash, check out my How to Cook Any Type Of Winter Squash post.

CACIO E PEPE SPAGHETTI SQUASH

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

PUMPKIN SALAD ~ Occasionally Eggs

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE LIQUEUR

POTATO AND ACORN SQUASH SOUP ~ Hungry Couple

STUFFED SQUASH WITH LENTILS AND KALE ~ Heavenlynn Healthy

WHIPPED KABOCHA SQUASH

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

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

PUMPKIN CORNBREAD

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

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

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIZZA ~ Kitchen Konfidence

HOW TO ROAST SQUASH SEEDS, FIVE WAYS

RED CURRY KURI SQUASH SOUP~ Love & Lemons

MAPLE SAGE ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH ~ A Family Feast

MAPLE PECAN HASSELBACK BUTTERNUT SQUASH ~ Seasons & Suppers