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.

What does butternut squash pair well with? ›

Serve your butternut squash with one of these other fall-flavored chicken recipes: Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Apples or Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables. Pasta. Round out your favorite pasta recipes from Baked Turkey Meatballs to Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with this healthy vegetable side.

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.

What are 3 ways you can eat butternut squash? ›

7 ways to cook with butternut squash
  • Butternut squash soup. ...
  • Spicy squash and spinach soup. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash. ...
  • Butternut squash laksa. ...
  • Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas. ...
  • Beef and butternut squash moussaka. ...
  • Chilled toffee apple creams.

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.

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

Can You Eat Butternut Squash Skin? It's important to note that while many people choose to remove butternut squash skin (and this is best practice for soup making, where you want smooth results), you can 100% eat roasted butternut squash skin. Slice butternut squash into crescents and roast it with the skin on.

What does butternut squash do for the gut? ›

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

Is butternut squash good for your bowels? ›

It's high in fibre which means it may contribute to a healthy gut by improving digestion and reducing constipation. It's also low in calories and packed with beta-carotene – our bodies convert this to vitamin A to support the immune system, healthy eyes and strong bones.

What does butternut squash do for the body? ›

Butternut squash offers nutritional values like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Health benefits of this winter squash include managing high blood pressure, preventing asthma, and promoting healthy skin and hair. Contrary to the name, winter squash is grown in the summer and harvested in the fall.

Is it better to steam or boil butternut squash? ›

The squash also retains most of its nutrients when it is steamed and has a wonderfully sweet butternuttiness to it. Steamed butternut can also be used in a variety of ways – added to salads, mashed, puréed or enjoyed as is with a simple seasoning of your choice.

Why is my roasted butternut squash mushy? ›

It's important to set your heat at 425°F - yes, that high! If your oven is set at a temperature that is too low, you'll end up with uncooked or mushy roasted squash. Don't be afraid to turn up the heat!

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

Cooking butternut squash halves
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut off ¼" from the top and bottom of the butternut squash. ...
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the butternut squash halves cut side down. Bake for 50-60minute or until tender.
Oct 23, 2021

Can you eat too much butternut squash? ›

Special Precautions and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Butternut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but it can cause diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use butternut in large amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What goes well with butternut squash? ›

Chicken or turkey or pork goes well with butternut squash. I personally enjoy using a blend of mild curry powder cumin cinnamon and nutmeg (or pumpkin spices) on buttered cooked diced or puréed squash. Then make a complimentary dish with similar spices and flavors.

How do you prepare butternut squash for eating? ›

Chop off the stem and slice the squash in half vertically. Set the cut side of the halves facing up, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. If your squash is too hard to safely cut, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven for a few minutes until slightly softened.

Should butternut squash be cooked face up or face down? ›

Is it better to roast butternut squash face up or down? I personally prefer to roast my butternut squash with the cut-side-up. In my opinion, roasting it cut-side-up allows for the butternut squash to caramelize, rather than just steam and cook.

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