My Favorite Winter Squash Recipes (2024)

I love Winter Squash in the fall even if it’s a splurge on carbs, and here are My Favorite Winter Squash Recipes! See my notes about serving size if you love Butternut Squash or other winter squash like I do but don’t want too many carbs!

PIN My Favorite Winter Squash Recipes to try some later!

My Favorite Winter Squash Recipes (1)

My name is Kalyn and I’m a winter squash lover! I know it’s not super-low in carbs, but it’s high in fiber and for me all types of this squash that stores through the winter are a treat I look forward to every fall. And I’ve got some tried-and-true recipes for cooking different types of winter squash, so today I’m sharing My Favorite WinterSquash Recipes.

I inherited the butternut squash appreciation gene from my Grandma Denny; Grandma would hack apart giant butternut squash from her garden, scrape out the seeds, and wrap pieces in foil and bake them in the oven. We’d eat the squash mashed up with lots of butter, salt, and pepper. Now I’m a fan of various types of winter squash pretty much any way you cook it!

What is Winter Squash?

Winter squash includes all the squash varieties that have a hard skin which allows them to be stored through the winter. There are so many types of winter squash (see a list of 16 varieties here), but the ones I’ve used on my blog are Butternut Squash, Spaghetti Squash, Acorn Squash, Delicata Squash, and of course Pumpkin.

How much Winter Squash is a serving?

One thing I discovered when I was checking nutritional information for these recipes is that serving size makes a big difference for higher-carb veggies like this. For my recipes for Roasted Butternut Squash I try to keep the serving size to about one cup. Check the nutritional info and see what you think!

Is Winter Squash hard to cut up?

If you’re not that experienced at cooking winter squash like Butternut Squash, you might want to ready my post about How to Peel and Cut Up a Butternut Squash before you tackle one for the first time. Some stores sell squash cubes already prepped, but I think freshly cut squash has more flavor. You can definitely use the pre-cut ones if you prefer though, and they’re great for soup!

How do you get the complete recipe?

Just click the recipe title under any photo to see the complete recipe on this blog!

Roasted Winter Squash Recipes

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This Roasted Butternut Squash with Lemon, Thyme, and Parmesan is definitely a wow for me! Use even more cheese if you’d like!

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Butternut Squash goes so well with rosemary, but this Roasted Butternut Squash with Lime and Rosemaryadds an unexpected (and completely delicious) touch with the fresh lime juice!

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Roasted Butternut Squash with Moroccan Spices is loaded with flavor, and this post also has 10 More Ideas for Roasted Vegetables.

More Roasted Winter Squash:

  • Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar
  • Roasted Butternut Squash with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
  • Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary, Pecans, and Gorgonzola

Main Dishes with Winter Squash:

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Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash combines Italian Sausagewith onions, peppers, and cheese, and then stuffs the mixture inside a partly pre-baked acorn squash.

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If your family likes sausage and butternut squash I bet they’ll love this Butternut Squash and Sausage Meal.

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Spaghetti Squash Lasagna uses spaghetti squash to replace the pasta, and this is so, so delicious!

More Winter Squash Main Dishes:

  • Greek Salad Spaghetti Squash Bowls
  • Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin
  • Spaghetti Squash Taco Bowls

Soup or Chili with Winter Squash

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Butternut Squash Kale Soup is a meatless soup recipe that even carnivores will love!

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Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup was a wow when we tested the recipe! And the soup has a generous amount of sausage, green bell pepper, cauliflower rice, chicken broth, and cream, so it’s quite low in carbs for a soup with pumpkin.

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Slow Cooker Thai-Butternut Squash Soup is an amazing soup I’ve made many, many times.

More Soup or Chili with Winter Squash:

  • Butternut Squash Black Bean Soup
  • Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
  • Turkey Kale Soup with Mushrooms and Butternut Squash
  • Pumpkin Chili with Beef, Peppers, and Olives

Side Dish Ideas with Winter Squash:

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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash is great to make for a crowd, and I love how it also keeps it warm during the meal. Use the Casserole Crock Slow Cooker (affiliate link) if you have one, but this can also be made in any large oval slow cooker.

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Pesto Spaghetti Squash is one of the oldest and most popular spaghetti squash recipes on my blog, and this is always a winner!

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ThisFoil-Wrapped and Grilled (or Baked) Butternut Squash with Sagewas something we couldn’t stop eating when we made the recipe again to take new photos!

More Winter Squash Side Dishes:

  • Spaghetti Squash with Mizithra Cheese and Browned Butter
  • Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash with Kale
  • Spaghetti Squash and Chard Gratin
  • Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash

Desserts with Winter Squash:

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Low-Sugar Pumpkin Apple Crumble can be made with fresh pumpkin or butternut squash (which is called pumpkin or butternut pumpkin in many parts of the world.) We loved this when we tested the recipe!

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Sugar-Free Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake is one of the first pumpkin recipes I ever made, and now I make this every year for Thanksgiving.

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Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffinsare a moist muffin with lots of pumpkin flavor, and it’s sugar-free, gluten-free, low-carb, and Keto.

More Winter Squash Desserts:

  • Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pudding
  • Sugar-Free Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
  • Sugar-Free Pumpkin Bread
  • Sugar-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
  • Sugar-Free Pumpkin Bars
  • Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Are you a winter squash fan like I am? Let us know in the comments about how you like to cook it!

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My Favorite Winter Squash Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Do you eat the skin of winter squash? ›

All squash skin is edible. However, in the same way you wouldn't eat a banana peel, edible doesn't necessarily mean you want to eat it. Some squash has thin skin that's tasty and tender, while others have a tough shell that even cooked is chewy and stringy.

What does winter squash do to your body? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

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

The skin of a butternut squash is very thin unlike most other winter squash varieties. I usually remove it with a vegetable peeler before cooking. Butternut is commonly known for its sweeter flesh, but compared to the kabocha, it's definitely not as sweet and more like a traditional pumpkin flesh.

What tastes better, butternut or buttercup squash? ›

To make things even more confusing, they actually taste pretty similar: both are often described as having a sweet, nutty taste that goes well with soups (although butternut squash is just slightly sweeter).

Which tastes better butternut or acorn squash? ›

Acorn squash is milder in taste and slightly more fibrous in texture than butternut squash: Its sweet, nutty flavor is additionally muted by the watery character of its flesh. Still, most recipes that call for acorn squash can be made with another members of the squash family, such as Hubbard or butternut.

When should you not eat squash? ›

Knowing if your summer squash is still fresh is very similar with winter squash, but note that summer squash tends to turn bad much quicker. For best flavor, check for these signs of spoilage: Visible mold and fungus. Mushy, soft spots on a whole squash, that when cut are spongy and soft.

Can you eat too much winter squash? ›

While the high beta-carotene content in squash can provide many benefits, studies also suggest that consuming too much of this compound can increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some types of prepared squash include high amounts of added sugar.

Why is winter squash healthy? ›

Winter squash will deliver Vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber and potassium. When you're prepping winter squash, don't ditch the seeds. They can be roasted and also provide nutrients including more fiber, mono- and poly-unsaturated fats (the types you want to eat more of), vitamin E, and iron.

What is the healthiest squash you can eat? ›

Butternut Squash

In addition to vitamins A and C, butternut squash is also rich in carotenoid plant pigments and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Like acorn squash, butternut squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as baked goods, grain dishes, and soups.

Is winter squash a carb or a vegetable? ›

Winter squash: Winter squash, including butternut squash and acorn squash, is a starchy vegetable that is high in carbs. One cup of cooked butternut squash contains around 21 grams of carbs, while one cup of cooked acorn squash contains around 15 grams.

Is winter squash anti-inflammatory? ›

Winter squash also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and for that reason may help in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Early studies also suggest that vegetables in this family may block the formation of cholesterol in cells and help regulate blood sugar levels.

What is the tastiest squash? ›

Delicata – This squash has a thinner edible rind than other winter squashes and is fabulous baked or sliced into soup. Also delicious roasted with maple syrup. Butternut – Widely held to be some of the best-tasting squash, butternut squash have a rich, dense taste, evocative of sweet potatoes.

What is the sweetest winter squash? ›

Butternut Squash

It is the sweetest winter squash with a thick, bright orange, moist flesh that hides very few seeds. The squash is an elongated pear shape with a thin, pale tan skin that is easy to peel. They usually weigh between 2 and 3 pounds.

What winter squash tastes like sweet potatoes? ›

The delicata squash has a moist, creamy yellow flesh that tastes and smells like a blend of corn, butternut squash and sweet potato. It is often referred to as the sweet potato squash. They are best eaten when steamed or baked.

Which squash has the most flavor? ›

Honeynut Squash: The sweetness and flavor made this a clear winner. Delicata Squash: This is actually tied with acorn squash and both are similar in texture and flavor which is why they are ranked at the top.

What winter squash tastes like sweet potato? ›

The delicata squash has a moist, creamy yellow flesh that tastes and smells like a blend of corn, butternut squash and sweet potato. It is often referred to as the sweet potato squash. They are best eaten when steamed or baked.

What is the easiest winter squash to grow? ›

Best Squashes for Beginning Gardeners
  • Cucurbita maxima – buttercup, hubbard, and kabocha squash.
  • Cucurbita moschata – butternut squashes including the new trendy honeynut squash variety; caribbean calabaza.
Dec 30, 2020

What is a long lasting winter squash? ›

Storage life varies by squash type. Acorn squash stores the shortest amount of time: 4 weeks. Spaghetti stores four to five weeks; Buttercup, 13 weeks; Butternut, up to six months; Blue Hubbard, six to seven months.

References

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