Fall in Love with Butternut Squash: 5 Recipes to Cozy Up With This Season

Fall brings a bounty of squash, but if you’ve ever brought home a butternut squash and wondered what now?, you’re not alone. Many people pick up this seasonal favorite with great intentions, only to realize they’re not sure what to do with it. Butternut squash is incredibly versatile—it can be roasted, blended, stuffed, or even sweetened for dessert. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday side, these cozy, comforting recipes will show you just how many delicious ways you can use butternut squash.

Tips & Tricks for Prepping Butternut Squash

Working with butternut squash doesn't have to be a chore. These tips will make the process a breeze:

• Peel it first: Using a sharp vegetable peeler, start by peeling off the thick skin. This makes it easier to cut through, and some recipes work better with peeled squash.
• Cut off the ends: Slice off both the top and bottom ends of the squash to give it a stable base for cutting.
• Microwave hack: Pop the whole squash in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before peeling or cutting. This softens the skin and makes it much easier to handle.
• Scoop the seeds: After cutting the squash in half lengthwise, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. You can save the seeds for roasting, similar to pumpkin seeds, for an extra treat!
• Invest in a sharp knife: A sturdy, sharp knife will make cutting through the squash much safer and easier.

Now that you’re equipped with the tools to prep your squash like a pro, let’s explore some of the endless ways you can turn it into mouthwatering meals.

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Looking for a dairy-free, creamy pasta sauce with a rich flavor? This butternut squash pasta sauce is the ultimate comfort food, made with wholesome ingredients to keep it light yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz diced butternut squash
• 1½ cups fresh chopped tomatoes
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb pasta of choice
• ⅓ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft.
• Add butternut squash, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until squash is tender.
• Blend the mixture until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving ⅓ cup of pasta water.
• Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta, adding the pasta water for desired consistency.

Butternut Squash Apple Soup

As the chill of fall sets in, nothing warms the soul like butternut squash apple soup. This comforting blend pairs creamy butternut with the natural sweetness of tart apples, enhanced by aromatic spices, offering a delightful taste of autumn in every bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ lb potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp curry powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp fresh sage or thyme

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and ½ tsp salt. Cook until soft.
• Add potatoes, squash, and apples. Stir in vinegar, stock, water, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
• Blend the soup until smooth, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with toasted croutons for extra crunch.

Stuffed Butternut Squash

For a festive fall dinner, this stuffed butternut squash is a showstopper. Packed with savory sausage, fresh spinach, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and rich Parmesan, it’s a deliciously nutritious dish that embodies the flavors of the season.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium butternut squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground sausage
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• ½ tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Drizzle the squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 40-50 minutes until tender.
• Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned. Add garlic, spinach, pecans, cranberries, and seasonings, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Once the squash is roasted, scoop out some of the flesh, mix it into the sausage filling, and stuff the squash halves.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This warm salad balances the sweetness of roasted squash with the peppery bite of arugula, tangy feta, and a maple date dressing. Perfect for a light meal or side dish at a holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 7 cups arugula
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta
• 3 dates, pitted and chopped
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 soaked date, pitted

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
• Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth.
• In a large bowl, toss the arugula with roasted squash, feta, dates, walnuts, and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert

For a delightful fall treat or a memorable side dish, savor this baked butternut squash dessert! Featuring sweet squash and Honeycrisp apples, it delivers a cozy flavor experience that’s sure to wow your guests!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1-2 Honeycrisp apples
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Toss the cubed butternut squash with melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
• Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until caramelized and soft.
• Serve as a sweet side or top with whipped cream for a decadent dessert

Butternut squash is the ultimate fall ingredient that adds warmth and flavor to any meal. With its versatility, you can create an array of dishes that range from savory to sweet, ensuring there’s something for everyone at your table. Whether you're enjoying a comforting soup, a hearty stuffed squash, or a delightful dessert, these recipes celebrate the best of the season. So, grab your butternut squash, get creative in the kitchen, and savor the cozy flavors that fall has to offer! Looking for more fall-inspired recipes for the season? Try out our meal guides, crafted by dietitians with your gut in mind! Happy cooking!