Butternut Squash Recipes

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
Updated September 11, 2020

Cheerfully orange and so versatile, butternut squash is a sweet match for any flavor. Try it in our recipes for soup, pasta dishes, stews, salads, roasted vegetables, healthy mains and more.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Roasted Butternut Burrito Bowls

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can have this deliciously nutritious Mexican-inspired meal on the table in under an hour--or even less if you cheat and use precooked brown rice!

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Squash and Sausage Gnocchi

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Hello, comfort! This one-pan supper dish is loaded with Italian sausage, butternut squash, spinach and cheese.

3 of 22

Butternut-Tahini Dip

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy dip is packed with healthy ingredients, so it's great for keeping in the fridge for weekday snacks--but it's also tasty enough to serve at a party.

Advertisement

4 of 22

Butternut Squash and Sausage Skewers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crowd-pleasing sweet-and-salty appetizer comes from the Chowgirls Killer Catering cookbook. For ease or just a different flavor, you can skip roasting fresh Italian sausage and swap in a smoky precooked sausage. 

5 of 22

Butternut Squash Bake

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy squash casserole calls for mascarpone-a mild, soft, butterlike cheese-as well as Parmesan. You can substitute softened cream cheese for the mascarpone if you prefer. Time-saver: Look for precut squash in your supermarket. (You can also bake the squash in your oven first to make it easier to peel and cut.)

6 of 22

Orange Sauced Butternut Squash, Carrots and Dried Cherries

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet butternut squash and brown sugar balance tangy balsamic vinegar and tart cherries.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Maple-Chile Butternut Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a great dairy-free (and cholesterol-free, too) soup in its own right, but a drizzle of Asian-spiced maple syrup adds a wonderfully unexpected kick and dramatic red flourish. The recipe comes from The Birchwood Cafe Cookbook (University of Minnesota Press, $29.95).

8 of 22

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The combo of butternut squash, rigatoni, bacon and smoked cheese makes for a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese.

9 of 22

Butternut Squash, Lentil and Wild Rice Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a main-dish soup loaded with veggies. Need to reduce the sodium? Use only one can of French onion soup and replace the other with 1-1/2 cups water.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Texas Beef with Butternut Squash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lightly spiced beef chuck roast combines perfectly with soft butternut squash in the slow cooker. A surprising ingredient is unsweetened cocoa powder, which gives the dish a rich flavor. Serve with crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.

11 of 22

Wild Rice Stuffing with Squash and Mushrooms

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty, colorful side dish will be just as happy alongside pork chops or chicken as it is on your holiday table with turkey.

12 of 22

Butternut Squash Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Butternut squash, chicken broth, coconut milk, brown sugar and seasonings combine for a creamy, rich soup. For added flavor, top with Thai Gremolata, a mix of fresh basil or cilantro, chopped peanuts and finely shredded lemon peel.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Oven-Roasted Squash and Beets with Arugula

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This calicolike blend is as nutritious as it is pretty. The veggies roast separately so the beets don't dye the squash pink. The recipe comes from Urban Roots Farm in Springfield, Missouri.

14 of 22

Maple-Butternut Puree

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting brings out squash's natural sugars. Blending with maple syrup, butter and nutmeg makes it utterly addictive. Bonus: This dish reheats beautifully.

15 of 22

Squash and Sausage Shepherd’s Pie

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet Italian sausage and mashed butternut squash lend a contemporary twist to the traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Harvest Lentil Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Packed with healthy nutrients, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve as a side with a pork tenderloin roast or turkey breast or as a meat-free dinner salad with warm, crusty wheat rolls.

17 of 22

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Butternut squash, apples and onions cook with boneless beef chuck pot roast. Serve over hot cooked couscous.

18 of 22

Cheddar-Maple Squash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A little cheddar cheese, maple syrup, and turkey bacon dress up butternut squash for this side dish. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

New World Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pumpkin, dried cranberries, jalapeno peppers, and turkey add an unusual flavor twist to slow-simmering chili.

20 of 22

Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet squash and apple pair with sharp Gorgonzola and tangy dressing in this autumn salad from Black Star Farm in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The dressing calls for verjus, a tart pressed grape juice. You can order verjust online or find it as specialty stores, but wine vinegar makes a good substitute.

21 of 22

Chicken and Kielbasa Winter Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but this hearty supper soup takes just an hour to make. The secret? Deli-roasted chicken and precooked sausage. Pair with breadsticks or a crusty baguette for a perfect winter meal that will fill your house with good smells.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Walnut Room Butternut Squash Ravioli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) add crunchiness to this main dish recipe from Macy's Walnut Room in Chicago. Dried cranberries, sweet red pepper and sage add color.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com