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.
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 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
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
RED CURRY KURI SQUASH SOUP~ Love & Lemons
MAPLE SAGE ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH ~ A Family Feast
MAPLE PECAN HASSELBACK BUTTERNUT SQUASH ~ Seasons & Suppers
These all look amazing! But our favorite one is your Pumpkin Crumb Cake!!
Thanks so much for including my pumpkin rolls Sue! I absolutely love this collection of recipes, I’ve never seen so many beautiful photos in one place!
Those pumpkin rolls are incredible, Emily 🙂
I love squash and live next to The Common Market in Frederick, MD. I’m positive they have all of the various squash in their store. And I intend to try every one of your recipes. Can’t wait. Thank you
What a great collection of recipes. I can’t wait to try some of them. Pinned!
These are all just gorgeous and I can’t help staring at all the fall deliciousness!
Thanks Chris!
What a wonderful round up! I’m not sure what to make first! I never know what to do with winter squash…thanks for the post!
I got so ‘into’ winter squash while I was curating this round up that I just warned my husband to expect LOTS of it on the dinner table this week!
This is one gorgeous roundup! I want to try them all 🙂
Thanks for visiting Tricia ~ have a fabulous Sunday 🙂
Great round-up Sue and thanks so much for including my butternut squash 🙂 I could eat my weight in squash, so loving all this inspiration!
Your hasselbacks are awesome Jennifer <3