5 Delicious Butternut Squash Recipes for Fall

Autumn, with its vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, naturally inspires cravings for foods that match the season's warmth and richness. Butternut squash, with its deep orange color and sweet, nutty flavor, is a quintessential ingredient for this time of year. Not only is it delicious, but butternut squash is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthful choice for your fall recipes. Here are five sumptuous butternut squash dishes to add to your autumn repertoire.

1. Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Sage

This comforting soup is a must-try for fall. The creamy texture of roasted butternut squash, combined with the savory notes of sage, creates a bowl of warmth perfect for those chilly nights.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 large butternut squash
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • Fresh sage leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve the squash, scoop out seeds, season with oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender (about 45 minutes).
  • Meanwhile, in a pot, sauté onions until translucent, add garlic, then cook for a minute.
  • Add stock and roasted squash, bring to a simmer.
  • Purée until smooth, stir in cream or milk, season to taste.
  • Fry sage leaves in oil until crispy, use them for garnish.

🍂 Note: To enhance the flavor, consider roasting the seeds from the squash with a bit of salt and using them as a topping.

2. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa and Spinach

This dish is both visually stunning and deliciously healthy. The combination of quinoa, spinach, and butternut squash creates a filling, nutritious meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  • Halairely and scoop out the seeds from the squash, roast until tender.
  • Sauté onions until soft, add spinach, cook until wilted.
  • Mix quinoa with spinach mixture, add feta if using, season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Fill squash halves with quinoa mixture and bake until the stuffing is heated through.

🌱 Note: This recipe can be easily adapted for vegan diets by omitting the feta or using a plant-based cheese.

3. Butternut Squash Risotto

Transform risotto into a fall masterpiece with the addition of butternut squash, providing a creamy texture and a burst of flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 small butternut squash, diced
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups Arborio rice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¹⁄₂ cup white wine
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
• Preparation:
  • Sauté onions in butter, add rice, and cook until slightly translucent.
  • Deglaze with white wine, then slowly add hot broth, stirring constantly.
  • Roast the diced squash separately, and add to the risotto when it’s nearly cooked.
  • Finish with Parmesan, butter, and a pinch of nutmeg.

🍽️ Note: For a richer texture, puree a portion of the roasted squash and stir it into the risotto for extra creaminess.

4. Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

Enjoy the crispness of apples paired with the tender sweetness of butternut squash in this refreshing fall salad.

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ butternut squash, cubed
  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • ¹⁄₄ cup pecans, toasted
  • ¹⁄₄ cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  • Roast butternut squash until tender. Let cool.
  • Whisk together vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper for dressing.
  • Toss greens with dressing, then add apples, squash, pecans, and goat cheese.

🍏 Note: For an extra crunch, try adding some thinly sliced red onion or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.

5. Butternut Squash Lasagna

For those who love hearty pasta dishes, this lasagna uses layers of butternut squash, creamy béchamel sauce, and cheese for a comforting, flavorful twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 butternut squash, sliced
  • Lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups béchamel sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh sage leaves (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
• Preparation:
  • Roast squash slices until tender.
  • Layer lasagna noodles with béchamel, ricotta, mozzarella, and squash slices.
  • Top with remaining cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
  • Garnish with fresh sage if desired.

🧀 Note: For a vegetarian-friendly option, you can replace the béchamel with a tomato-based sauce or use a vegan cheese alternative.

These butternut squash recipes not only celebrate the flavors of fall but also bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your table. Whether it's the velvety soup, the hearty stuffed squash, or the sweet and savory salad, each dish utilizes the versatility of butternut squash. Try them out this autumn to enjoy the season's bounty and bring some delightful colors and tastes to your autumnal feasts.

Can I substitute another type of squash for butternut?

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Yes, you can substitute with acorn, kabocha, or pumpkin squash for similar results in texture and taste. Each squash will offer a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I know when butternut squash is ripe?

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A ripe butternut squash will have a hard, smooth rind that is uniformly colored with no soft spots or signs of decay. The stem should be dry and firm.

What’s the best way to store butternut squash?

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Store whole butternut squash in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place where it can last for several months. Once cut, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.