The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (2024)

The best butternut squash recipes including an easy butternut squash soup recipe, butternut squash and goats' cheese lasagne and butternut squash risotto.

Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable that can roasted, toasted, pureed for soups, mashed or used in casseroles, breads and muffins and it has a comforting flavour to it that evokes autumn. We’ve gathered our best butternut squash recipes, so depending on how much time you have and what ingredients you’ve got in the fridge, there’s bound to be something that tickles your fancy.

The sweet, nutty taste of the butternut squash goes great with chilli and meat like lamb or venison. It’s great roasted and added to a leafy salad as it adds some texture and slight sweetness, but it’s also great as the main event – like ourbutternut squash and goat’s cheese recipe(pictured). This is a superb dish to serve at a dinner party, either as a starter or a main for a vegetarian guest. The butternut squash doubles up as a serving dish and looks really impressive in its individual serving portions. Once you’ve scooped out the seeds, all you need to do is add earthy goats’ cheese and herbs and roast until soft and melting in the middle. It’s a low-fuss, easy and delicious dish that can be prepared in no time at all and stuck in the oven right before your guests arrive.

If you’re a bit short on time then a butternut squash soup is ideal as it can be ready in under 30 minutes. You just need to add the squash to a stock and add seasoning and it’ll be ready in no time.

Where you may see pumpkin or even sweet potato used in recipes, you can usually swap them for butternut squash if you’ve got one at home. There’s no reason to shy away from using butternut squash anymore!

Click through for more delicious butternut squash recipes…

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (1)

(Image credit: Gareth Morgans)

Conchiglie with Squash and Sage

This conchiglie with squash and sage recipe is so simple to make but brimming with flavour - perfect for weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (2)

Warm Root Vegetable Salad

This vegetable salad would be a meal on its own, served with some cheese and a hunk of crusty bread.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (3)

Carrot, Butternut Squash and Coriander Soup

A twist on an old favourite, butternut squash adds extra depth to this soup giving it a nutty edge and a glorious amber glow. Serve with a spoonful of yoghurt to cut through the richness

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (4)

Beetroot, Butternut and Goats' Cheese Tartlets

A stunning starter for dinner parties or vegetarian main, you can't beat the flavour combination of this beetroot, butternut and goat's cheese tartlets recipe.

Butternut Squash, Sage and Taleggio Tart

A colourful butternut squash, sage and Taleggio tart recipe that will brighten up any buffet or picnic table. Pungent cheese, nutty sage and sweet butternut squash work perfectly together on a buttery puff-pastry base. Add slivers of red chilli for a fiery kick.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (6)

Butternut Squash and Goats' Cheese Lasagne

A delicious, meat-free lasagne recipe - if cooking for strict vegetarians, replace the Parmesan with a suitable veggie alternative, such as a mature cheddar.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (7)

Roast Butternut Squash Risotto

Roasting the squash first brings out its natural sweetness which is delicious with the salty Parmesan stirred through this filling roast butternut squash risotto recipe.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (8)

Conchiglie with Chorizo, Chickpeas and Roasted Butternut Squash

Spanish flavours dominate in this pepped-up conchiglie with chorizo, chickpeas and roasted butternut squash recipe. Make sure you buy cooking chorizo (as opposed to the pre-cooked version) and sprinkle with lemon and parsley just before serving for an added zesty note.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (9)

(Image credit: Charlie Richards)

Turkey and Butternut Squash Curry

This turkey and butternut squash curry recipe is perfect for using up leftovers from a roast dinner - but we suspect you'll be tempted to make it during the week too!

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (10)

Pumpkin Muffins

This pumpkin muffins recipe is so tasty (and just as good made with butternut) - the perfect partner with a mug of coffee, or in a packed lunch.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (11)

Chilli and Butternut Squash Quesadillas

A Mexican favourite of flour tortillas sandwiched together with a savoury cheese and vegetable mix, you'll love this chilli and butternut squash quesadillas recipe

Squash and Ricotta Cannelloni with Taleggio

This meat-free squash and ricotta cannelloni with taleggio recipe will be a huge hit with everyone. For strict vegetarians, ensure the cheeses are veggie too.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (13)

Butternut Squash Soup

Comfort food without the calories comes courtesy of this warming butternut squash soup recipe. Eat the bread on the day it's made or freeze. It also makes great toast the next day.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (14)

Roasted Butternut and Wilted Rocket Spaghetti

The simplest of dishes can also be the most satisfying - just a handful of ingredients are needed to make this tasty plate of roasted butternut and wilted rocket spaghetti recipe.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (15)

Venison and Butternut Squash Stew

Make this warming venison and butternut squash stew in advance and eat it on a rainy day. It's a wonderful combination of rich red wine and meaty venison, with the sweet earthiness of butternut squash to give it a lift.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (16)

Giant Couscous with Roasted Butternut Squash

This giant couscous with roasted butternut squash couscous recipe has plenty of bite and makes dishes all the more filling. Partner it with roasted butternut squash and mint for a hearty Middle Eastern-inspired salad.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (17)

Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Spicy Butternut Squash Salad

A healthy supper option, combining antioxidant-rich butternut squash and punchy fusion-lemongrass chicken skewers with spicy butternut squash salad recipe fragrant with lime, lemongrass and coriander. Cook the skewers on the barbecue for extra flavour.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (18)

North Indian Chickpea, Lentil and Butternut Squash Curry

Use butternut squash and pulses as a healthy, filling alternative to meat in this fragrant curry. Frying off the spices first releases all the aromatic flavours.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (19)

(Image credit: BBC)

The Hairy Bikers' Butternut Squash Ravioli

Your guests will be so impressed by this ravioli recipe from The Hairy Bikers.The fried sage and sun-dried tomatoes pack a real flavour punch when combined with the squash.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (20)

Moroccan Squash Pasta

Roasted butternut squash with a hint of spice tossed together with a speedy French dressing is a speedy, satisfying combo.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (21)

Roast Rib of Beef with Horseradish and Roasted Butternut Squash

Pair a glorious roast rib of beef with horseradish and roasted butternut squash for a modern take on a roast dinner.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (22)

Warm Butternut Squash Tagine

Tagines are the perfect centrepiece for a dinner party, served alongside a big bowl of herby couscous. This warm butternut squash tagine recipe is a delightful blend of butternut squash wrapped up in fragrant Moroccan spices.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (23)

(Image credit: charlie richards)

Sweet Thai Duck Breast and Butternut Salad

The richness of duck meat holds up perfectly to the strong Thai flavours in this warm sweet Thai duck breast and butternut salad recipe.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (24)

Squash and Beetroot Salad

This stand-alone butternut squash salad looks so colourful! Avoid stirring the feta through the salad but scatter on top before serving.

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (25)

(Image credit: charlie richards photography ltd)

Roasted Squash and Goats' Cheese with Breadcrumbs

This meat-free roasted butternut and goats cheese salad recipe is perfect for a weekend lunch or light supper

The Best Butternut Squash Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

How to cook butternut squash Martha Stewart? ›

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until almost completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Turn cut-side up and roast until very tender and beginning to dry out a bit on top (but not brown).

How does Rachael Ray cook butternut squash? ›

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and drizzle with EVOO. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh nutmeg and roast until just tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

How does Jamie Oliver cook butternut squash? ›

Method. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Wash and dry the whole squash, then place on a baking tray. Pierce once or twice with the tip of a sharp knife, then bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until golden and very soft.

Do you cook butternut squash cut side up or down? ›

After your squash is cut in half, scoop and discard the seeds, then roast the butternut squash with the skin on, until fork tender. You can roast the butternut squash cut side down or cut side up, you will get a more caramelized squash when roasted cut side down.

How to hack butternut squash? ›

Microwave Hack for Easier Butternut Squash Peeling

Simply slice off the top and bottom, poke the squash all over with a fork and microwave it on high for about 3 minutes. When it's cool enough to handle, peel the squash. The softened flesh will make peeling (and slicing) way easier.

Why is my roasted butternut squash mushy? ›

Squashes behave very differently when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Generally, a squash that is roasted in the oven is going to have a much softer texture, one that can get mushy if mixed with other ingredients, but making it ideal for a purée, soup, or being mashed.

How to cook butternut squash Alton Brown? ›

Procedure. Heat oven to 400°F. Brush the squash cubes with a little butter and season with 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper. Place the squash on a sheet pan and roast until the flesh is nice and soft, 30 to 35 minutes.

Should butternut squash be peeled before roasting? ›

Learn how to roast butternut squash the EASY WAY without any prep work. No pre-peeling, chopping or deseeding (yes really!). Just whole-roast it in the oven until soft and tender.

Is it better to cook pumpkin or butternut squash? ›

Texture-wise, butternut squash tends to be less stringy than pumpkin, making it a more popular choice for soups and purees, and those who are more sensitive to texture. Still, both can be used in heartier dishes like chilis and curries.

What are the methods of cooking squash? ›

COOKING METHODS
  • ROAST SQUASH WHOLE. Place squash in an oven-safe dish in a 400 degree oven. ...
  • BAKE UNPEELED HALVES OF QUARTERS. With a sharp knife, cut squash in halves or quarters. ...
  • MICROWAVE. ...
  • STEAM squash halves or cubed squash in a little water or in a vegetable steamer until tender when pierced (about 10-20 minutes).

What is the difference between honeynut squash and butternut squash? ›

Honeynut squash has a similar shape and flavor to butternut squash but averages about half the size and is sweeter. It has two to three times more beta-carotene than butternut squash. Honeynut squash can be roasted, sautéed, puréed, added to soups, stews, and braises, and has enough sugar content for desserts.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

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