10+ Winter Squash Recipes to Cozy Up Your Meals

Winter squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. From butternut to acorn, these versatile veggies can add warmth and flavor to your meals.

You’ll find plenty of delightful recipes that allow you to enjoy winter squash in various ways throughout the season.

These recipes offer a range of options, whether you’re looking for simple sides or hearty main dishes. Cooking with winter squash can elevate your meals and impress your family and friends.

Explore the many ways to prepare this seasonal favorite and discover your new go-to dishes!

1) Roasted Butternut Squash with Olive Oil

Roasting butternut squash with olive oil is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this winter vegetable. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the richness of olive oil.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet. Roast it for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the squash is golden brown and tender.

Enjoy your delicious roasted butternut squash as a side dish or on a salad!

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until golden.

2) Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa is a delightful dish you can enjoy during the colder months. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for healthy meals. The acorn squash serves as a bowl filled with tasty ingredients.

You will love the combination of quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and spices. It creates a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great way to add more plant-based nutrition to your diet!

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squashes in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle olive oil on the squash and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
6. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
7. Add mushrooms and spinach, cooking until soft.
8. Mix the quinoa with the sautéed vegetables.
9. Stuff the quinoa mixture into the roasted squash halves.
10. Bake again for 10 minutes before serving.

3) Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

This Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic dish. By using spaghetti squash instead of pasta, you create a lighter meal that’s still satisfying. The roasted squash has a great texture and absorbs the creamy sauce well.

Pancetta gives you that savory flavor, while egg yolks and Parmesan cheese add creaminess. The combination gives you a rich and tasty sauce that clings to the strands of squash.

Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash (about 4 to 5 pounds)
• 8 ounces pancetta, diced
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the inside with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes.
5. In a pan, cook the pancetta until crispy, then set aside.
6. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese.
7. When the squash is done, scrape out the strands with a fork and toss with the pancetta and egg mixture. Serve warm.

4) Curried Delicata Squash Soup

Curried delicata squash soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. The sweetness of roasted delicata squash pairs well with aromatic spices. This soup is easy to make and deliciously satisfying.

To start, you’ll roast the squash until it’s tender. Then, blend it with flavorful spices like curry powder and add creamy yogurt for richness. You can top it with curried chickpeas for extra flavor and protein.

This soup is not just tasty; it’s also nutritious. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce during the colder months.

Ingredients

• 2 medium delicata squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut squashes in half, scoop out seeds, and brush with olive oil.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
5. Add curry powder and stir for a minute.
6. Scoop out squash flesh and add to the pot.
7. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Blend until smooth, then stir in yogurt.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot. Enjoy!

5) Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage

Butternut squash risotto is creamy and comforting. The sweet flavor of the squash pairs wonderfully with fresh sage. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

Start by roasting the squash until it’s soft and slightly caramelized. This brings out a rich sweetness. Stir it into your risotto while cooking for added flavor.

You can add vegetable broth gradually as you stir the risotto. This helps achieve that creamy texture you want. Finish with grated cheese for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss diced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a pot, heat broth and keep warm.
4. In a separate pan, cook Arborio rice with sage.
5. Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly.
6. Stir in roasted squash and Parmesan cheese before serving.

6) Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

Acorn squash with maple glaze is a delightful dish that brings warmth to any winter meal. The sweetness of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of roasted squash. This recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your family.

To start, you’ll need to roast the acorn squash until it becomes tender. Adding a glaze of maple syrup enhances its natural flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon can add an extra touch of warmth.

This dish makes a lovely side for holiday dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squashes in half and remove the seeds.
3. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
4. Melt the butter and blend it with maple syrup and cinnamon.
5. Brush the mixture over the squash halves and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender.

7) Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna

Pumpkin and spinach lasagna is a delicious and nutritious dish. It combines the creamy texture of pumpkin with healthy spinach. This makes it a great meal for cozy nights.

You’ll need lasagna noodles, pumpkin, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and spices to bring this dish to life. Layer everything for a beautiful meal that looks as good as it tastes.

This recipe is also a good option if you want leftovers. It freezes well, so you can enjoy it later.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer noodles, pumpkin mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
6. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.

8) Squash and Farro Salad

This Squash and Farro Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any season. The combination of roasted squash and nutty farro makes for a filling and nutritious meal.

Start by roasting your favorite winter squash until it’s tender and caramelized. Then, mix the squash with cooked farro, adding a bit of kale or spinach for some green.

For extra flavor, you can toss in some crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts. A simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar brings everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup farro
• 2 cups winter squash, diced
• 2 cups kale or spinach
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roast the diced squash for 20-25 minutes.
3. Cook farro according to package instructions.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, farro, and greens.
5. Add feta and nuts.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.

9) Winter Squash Casserole

Winter squash casserole is a warm and comforting dish. It’s a great way to enjoy the sweetness of squash in a hearty meal. You can use different types of winter squash, like butternut or acorn.

To get started, mash cooked squash. Then, mix it with eggs, butter, and sugar for a delicious flavor. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the taste.

The casserole bakes in the oven, resulting in a creamy texture that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mashed cooked winter squash
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: spices like cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed squash, melted butter, eggs, sugar, and salt.
3. Mix well until smooth.
4. Pour into a greased casserole dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.

10) Squash and Lentil Stew

Squash and lentil stew is a warm, hearty dish perfect for cold days. You’ll love the combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is simple and nutritious, making it a great choice for dinner.

Start by heating olive oil in a pot. Then, add diced onions and bell peppers, and cook until they are soft. Next, mix in cubed butternut squash and rinsed lentils.

Pour in vegetable broth and your favorite spices. Then, let it simmer until the lentils and squash are tender. This dish serves well with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until they are soft.

3. Add cubed butternut squash and rinsed lentils.

4. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.

5. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until everything is tender.