11 Butternut Squash Recipes to Try

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a warm-season, annual plant that grows on a vine. Butternut squash plants produce fruits that start green and mature into beige-colored gourds with thick, hard rinds. The soft, orange flesh has a nutty flavor reminiscent of pumpkin. Butternut squash has an oblong, hourglass shape and seeds and pulp in its wide base. Rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and other nutrients, butternut squash is a hearty food packed with gluten-free carbohydrates.

Butternut squash recipes can make for healthy weeknight dinners and comfort food side dishes. Whether you want the squash crispy or a bit softer, consider the following preparation methods:

1. 1. Air fry: An air fryer is a simple way to cook butternut squash that does not require cooking oil, lessening your intake of saturated fats. Chop your squash ahead of time and drop the veggies into the air fryer. Cook to your desired level of crispiness.
2. 2. Braise: Butternut squash soup is a popular cold-weather dish. The sweet flesh of butternut squash soaks up flavorful stock and spices. Braise the squash in stock or broth to soften, blend or purée, and season. Alternatively, prep the squash in a slow cooker before you mix it into soup.
3. 3. Microwave: In the microwave, a medium-sized butternut will take about ten minutes or so. Be sure to cut slits in the skin to allow steam to escape, or cut into one-inch cubes first. Turn halfway through before heating for five more minutes.
4. 4. Roast: Dice the vegetable into squash cubes, mix with olive oil, cumin, cayenne, and rosemary, then roast the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet for half hour. This will make for a filling side dish.
5. 5. Steam: Large, diced butternut squash only takes a few minutes to steam. Heat a few inches of water in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add the squash to the basket and cover. Consider it done when a fork easily pierces the squash.

Many of the best butternut squash recipes have quick prep times. Consider making the following butternut squash dishes:

1. 1. Baked butternut squash medley: Make a fall vegetable side by roasting brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and turnips. You can add spices like rosemary, cumin, and paprika and top this harvest appetizer with flaky salt. Serve the roasted veggies with roast chicken.
2. 2. Butternut squash and kale salad: Make a kale salad with sliced red onion, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and roasted butternut squash. Balsamic vinegar dressing pairs well with the mix-ins.
3. 3. Butternut squash curry: Japanese curry, also known as kare raisu (curry rice), is a dish of vegetables and meat—typically beef—in a thick curry sauce served with rice. Add butternut squash to this Japanese curry recipe for extra flavor and texture.
4. 4. Butternut squash galette: A butternut squash galette is a free-form tart featuring a flaky all-butter crust surrounding a squash filling. You can add caramelized onions, herbs, warming spices, or cheese for extra flavor.
5. 5. Butternut squash lasagna: Put a spin on an Italian classic by making a vegetarian lasagna with butternut squash instead of meat. Sauté red pepper, carrots, onion, and spinach to add to the filling.
6. 6. Butternut squash pie: Similar to pumpkin pie, butternut squash pie consists of a starchy vegetable, eggs, dairy, and warming spices in a thin pie crust. You can make butternut squash pie with canned butternut squash purée, or you can purée a fresh squash.
7. 7. Butternut squash quinoa: Prepare fluffy quinoa and mix in roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, shelled pistachios, and sautéed spinach for a flavorful fall meal. Add extra flavor with olive oil, thyme, and white vinegar.
8. 8. Butternut squash risotto: Butternut squash risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish featuring butternut squash. To make butternut squash risotto, sauté Arborio rice in chicken stock, then add puréed butternut squash pieces. You can top the risotto with Parmesan cheese, fresh sage, and parsley.
9. 9. Butternut squash soup: Roasted butternut squash soup recipes involve braising squash in a stock. Add maple syrup and coconut milk to sweeten and thicken the soup. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and black pepper. Try this creamy butternut squash bisque recipe with heavy cream for a decadent dish.
10. 10. Butternut squash tacos: If you want to make vegetarian tacos, substitute carnitas for veggies like roasted butternut squash. Cube and cook the squash at 400 degrees on a baking sheet, let it cool slightly, and then add fix-ins like black beans, shredded cheese, hot sauce, and pickled onions to make homemade tacos.
11. 11. Candied squash: Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, maple syrup, and brown sugar to make a sweet, caramelized side dish. Top the candied vegetables with roasted pecans and pumpkin seeds.

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