Looking for some easy butternut squash recipes to add to your repertoire? These are some of my favorites!
Of all the winter squash varieties out there, I think we can agree that butternut squash is the best, right? Or at least one of the best! It’s naturally sweet, a little bit nutty, and cooking only makes it sweeter and nuttier.
Before we jump into my favorite easy butternut squash recipes, let’s cover Squash 101—the ins and outs of cooking with butternut squash.
How Do You Select a Good Butternut Squash at the Grocery Store?
First and foremost, when you're shopping for a butternut squash to use in a recipe, look for a squash that is firm all around and feels heavy for its size. This indicates that it is fresh and ripe. Avoid butternut squash with soft spots or gashes, as these are either signs of spoilage or a spot where spoilage is likely to occur soon.
Another important factor to consider is the color. A good butternut squash should have a deep, rich color, ranging from light beige to dark orange. Avoid squash that are pale or have a greenish tint, as these may not be fully ripe.
Finally, pay attention to the stem of the squash. It should be intact and dry. If it’s moist or moldy, the squash is probably old, spoiled, or on the verge of spoiling.
How Do You Prep Butternut Squash for Cooking?
The shape of butternut squash can make it a little bit intimidating when it comes to prep.Many butternut squash recipes will have instructions for preparing the squash.
My best advice if you’re cubing butternut squash is to consider the top and the bottom as two separate entities. Cut off the neck of the squash, then peel and cube it. The bulbous end has seeds in the middle, so you’ll want to peel that first, then cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp before cubing. (The seeds can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds!)
If you’re roasting squash to mash or puree, prep is much easier. Simply cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and pulp, then roast as directed.
Do You Have to Peel Butternut Squash Before Cooking?
The short answer is no, you do not have to peel butternut squash before using it in recipes. The longer answer is: it depends and here’s why.
Like acorn squash, the skin on butternut squash is edible. But if you find acorn squash skin unpleasant to eat, you’ll definitely dislike butternut squash skin, which is even tougher. For this reason, most recipes do recommend peeling and discarding the skin.
Alternatively, you can also roast the squash whole or halved with the skin on, as described above. Once cooked, the skin can easily be removed and you can use the flesh for your recipe.
Is Butternut Squash Good for You?
Butternut squash is a nutritious ingredient to incorporate into your meals. It's low in calories and high in fiber and it also contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
My Favorite Easy Butternut Squash Recipes
Moroccan Chickpea Stew in the Slow Cooker
This easy vegan Moroccan chickpea stew comes together in the slow cooker, making it perfect for a busy weeknight! Packed with butternut squash, red lentils, and tomato, it’s a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Check out this recipe
These nourishing Buddha Bowls feature quinoa, tender roasted butternut squash, garlic roasted beets, kale, broccoli, and chickpeas, all drizzled with a creamy tahini-miso dressing.
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Butternut Squash Cornbread
Who knew you could use butternut squash to make an easy cornbread recipe?! This cornbread is the epitome of comfort food during the cozy winter months and perfect for holiday get-togethers.
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Roasted Butternut Squash
Whether you're serving this easy Roasted Butternut Squash as a vegan side dish for a holiday gathering or for a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress with its layers of flavor and texture, along with the perfectly caramelized squash.
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Quinoa Breakfast Tacos with Kale + Butternut Squash
Made with wholesome and nourishing ingredients, these breakfast tacos are not only healthy and detox-friendly, they’re also a delicious way to start your day!
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This Roasted Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, with roasted squash adding an earthy, sweet flavor and velvety smooth texture.
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Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto
If you love risotto made with rice, you’ll love quinoa risotto too! This recipe packs in much more protein than the original, while the butternut squash makes it creamy and delicious.
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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut squash mac and cheese is as indulgently creamy and cheesy as the classic version, but with some extra nutrition thanks to everyone's favorite winter squash!
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Creamy Walnut Pasta
Nutty walnuts and butternut squash are a match made in heaven in this easy, creamy pasta recipe!
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Fall Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash and Apples
This satisfying quinoa salad brings together the flavors of roasted butternut squash, crisp sweet apples, and toasted pecans, creating a salad that can stand as a meal on its own.
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Vegan Black Bean Enchiladas
Black beans and butternut squash make the filling for this easy vegan enchilada recipe. Bonus: it’s freezer-friendly too!
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Spiralized Butternut Squash Bowls with Harissa Chickpeas + Quinoa
Yes, you can spiralize butternut squash! Dust off your spiralizer and put it to use making colorful squash noodles for these hearty meal bowls.
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Chipotle Butternut Squash White Bean Burgers
These delicious butternut squash white bean burgers are easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavor thanks to the addition of smoky chipotles in adobo.
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