10+ Easy Butternut Squash Recipes for Delicious Fall Cooking

Butternut squash is a versatile and tasty vegetable that can enhance many dishes. You can enjoy it in various forms, from sweet to savory, making it an excellent choice for any meal.

With these easy butternut squash recipes, you will find simple ways to prepare this delicious ingredient and impress your family and friends.

Whether you are looking for a comforting side dish or a unique main course, butternut squash can fit the bill. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture complement many flavors, making it a favorite in fall cooking. You’ll love how easy it is to cook and how it can transform your meals.

1) Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup and Cinnamon

Roasting butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness. Adding maple syrup and cinnamon makes this dish a tasty treat. You’ll enjoy the warm, cozy flavors.

To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, cut the squash into cubes and place them on a baking pan. Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle cinnamon over the squash. Toss everything well to coat.

Next, roast the squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. The squash should be tender and caramelized when done.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash into cubes.
3. Place the cubes on a baking pan.
4. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
5. Toss to coat the squash evenly.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

2) Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk is a warming dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make in just 30 minutes. The coconut milk adds a rich taste that balances the sweetness of the squash.

Start by roasting your butternut squash until tender. This helps to enhance its natural sweetness. Then, blend it with coconut milk and spices for a smooth texture.

You can add ginger, garlic, and a bit of curry powder for extra flavor. This soup is comforting and satisfying, making it a wonderful main dish or a side.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger (fresh or ground)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half and remove the seeds.
3. Roast the squash, cut side down, for 25-30 minutes.
4. Scoop out the flesh and place it in a blender.
5. Add coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. Heat the soup on the stove before serving. Enjoy!

3) Baked Butternut Squash with Olive Oil

Baking butternut squash with olive oil is simple and delicious. You’ll enjoy the sweet, nutty flavor, especially when it gets tender and slightly caramelized. This dish can be a great side or even a tasty addition to salads.

To prepare, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. After that, drizzle olive oil on the cut sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Next, place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the squash is soft and the edges are golden.

You can serve it as is or mash it up for a creamy dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Place cut side down on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.

4) Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Brown Butter

This dish is a delightful way to enjoy butternut squash. The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of brown butter and the earthiness of sage.

Start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s tender. The roasting brings out its natural flavors.

While the squash cooks, prepare your pasta. Toss it with the brown butter and chopped sage for a rich flavor boost.

Mix in the roasted squash and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
4. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sage and cook until browned.
5. Combine cooked pasta, roasted squash, and brown butter. Mix well.

5) Butternut Squash Risotto with Parmesan

Butternut squash risotto with Parmesan is a creamy and comforting dish. It blends the sweet flavor of butternut squash with the richness of cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner.

You will need Arborio rice, which helps create the creamy texture you want. The process is simple, starting with sautéing onions and adding the squash. Then, gradually stir in broth for that perfect risotto consistency.

The final touch is stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It gives the dish a great depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ onion, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 5 cups hot chicken broth
• ⅓ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the butternut squash and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the Arborio rice and stir until coated.
5. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer.
6. Gradually add hot chicken broth, one ladle at a time.
7. Stir continuously until the rice absorbs the broth.
8. Once the rice is tender, mix in the Parmesan cheese.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

6) Grilled Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

Grilled butternut squash adds a wonderful flavor to your salad. Pair it with quinoa for a nutritious and filling dish. This salad is perfect as a side or a light meal.

To make this salad, start by grilling slices of butternut squash until they’re tender and slightly charred. While the squash grills, cook quinoa according to package instructions.

Then, combine the quinoa with your grilled squash, add some fresh greens, and toss everything together. You can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds for crunch.

For a tasty dressing, consider using olive oil and lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups fresh greens (like arugula or spinach)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Slice the butternut squash and grill until tender.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
4. In a bowl, mix the grilled squash, quinoa, and greens.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.

7) Spicy Butternut Squash Chili

Spicy butternut squash chili is a delicious way to enjoy this fall favorite. It mixes the sweetness of butternut squash with spicy ingredients for a warming dish. You can make it vegetarian or add ground turkey for extra protein.

In your chili, include tomatoes, beans, and chilies for a hearty texture. Topping it with avocado adds creaminess that balances the spice. This dish is perfect for chilly nights when you want something comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound ground turkey (optional)
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of black beans, drained
• 1 can of green chilies
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Avocado for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. If using, add ground turkey and cook until browned.
4. Stir in butternut squash, tomatoes, beans, chilies, broth, and spices.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

8) Butternut Squash Casserole with Cheese Topping

This Butternut Squash Casserole is a warm and comforting dish. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The creamy squash combined with a delicious cheese topping makes it a delightful side dish.

Start by cooking the butternut squash until it’s soft. You can boil, steam, or even microwave it. Mixing in cheese adds richness and flavor that’s hard to resist.

For a tasty crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed nuts or breadcrumbs on top before baking. This adds a nice texture to each bite. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and your casserole is ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed butternut squash
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup crushed nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the butternut squash until soft.
3. In a bowl, mix the mashed squash with sour cream, eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with crushed nuts or extra cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

9) Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

This butternut squash and chickpea curry is a warm and comforting dish. It combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the heartiness of chickpeas. Plus, it’s easy to make!

You will need coconut milk for a creamy texture and spices like cumin and turmeric for flavor. This dish is great served over rice or with naan bread.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft.
3. Stir in spices and cook for another minute.
4. Add butternut squash, chickpeas, and coconut milk.
5. Simmer until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Stir in spinach, if using, and cook until wilted.
7. Serve with rice or naan. Enjoy!

10) Stuffed Butternut Squash with Couscous

Stuffed butternut squash is a tasty and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. You can fill it with couscous, veggies, and spices for a hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner or a festive side dish.

Start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s tender. While it cooks, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. You can mix in ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, and dried cranberries for extra flavor.

Once the squash is done, fill the halves with the couscous mixture. Bake them again briefly to let the flavors blend. This dish is delicious and colorful!

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup mushrooms, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Halve the butternut squash and scoop out the seeds.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. Cook the couscous in vegetable broth.
5. Sauté mushrooms and spinach in a pan.
6. Mix the cooked couscous, veggies, and cranberries.
7. Fill the squash halves with the couscous mixture.
8. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!