When the weather turns colder, it’s time to turn our attention away from our beloved zucchini and patty pan squash and towards the bounty of winter squash that is now upon us. Pumpkins may get all the glory and fanfare but there are so many types of winter squash for us to discover and enjoy. Winter squash may be one of the most versatile foods and each type has its own flavor and texture. Check out 10 Ways to Cook Comforting Fall Foods With Winter Squash for tips and recipes.
How many types of winter squash can you name? There are acorn, butternut, buttercup, carnival, delicata, Hubbard, Kabocha, pumpkin, and spaghetti squash, just to name a few. Get a full lesson in Winter Squash 101 to learn even more.
When choosing a squash, look for one with clean, thick skin and without any bruises or soft spots. Winter squash can be stored in a cool place for months. Squash can be roasted, fried, stuffed, turned into soups, used in stews and even becomes desserts. Here are 20 winter squash recipes that will keep you warm all winter.
1. Spiced Butternut Squash Winter Vegetable Soup
This Spiced Butternut Squash Winter Vegetable Soup is everything you need to feel warm and cozy. Warm cinnamon and nutmeg paired with hearty veggies make this spiced soup the perfect meal for a chilly autumn day.
2. Kabocha Croquettes
Also known as Japanese pumpkin, kabocha squash is like a velvet butternut squash, and it is the squash you have been searching for your whole life! These Kabocha Croquettes are similar to those served in Japanese restaurants called “kabocha korokke.” Here they’re amped up with bold seasoning and shallow fried as opposed to deep-fried.
3. Cinnamon Spice Spaghetti Squash Cake
This Cinnamon Spice Spaghetti Squash Cake is a game changer! If you thought you had nothing left to do with squash, you clearly haven’t tried this cake yet. The squash, once baked, is quite sublime and really the only flavor that really shines is the cinnamon and spices. It’s such a warming snack cake and is a pretty interesting way to use up some leftover squash.
4. Baked Acorn Squash With Nut-Free Spinach Pesto
This Baked Acorn Squash with Nut-Free Spinach Pesto is such a lovely autumnal dish. The roasted little squashes are great on their own, and would be delicious with a big salad or mashed potatoes or cauliflower for a really comforting and warming meal. Plus, because the pesto is nut-free, this is a dish that everyone can enjoy.
5. Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos with Crisp Apple and Chipotle Lime Drizzle
Let’s call these Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos with Crisp Apple and Chipotle Lime Drizzle the official tacos of autumn. They have seasonal butternut squash, freshly picked apples and a little spicy chipotle-lime dressing to kick it up a notch. They are satisfying and simple to whip up on a weeknight.
6. Stuffed Sage Carnival Squash
This Stuffed Sage Carnival Squash is an easy and impressive dish. The festive squash is stuffed with apples, kale, pumpkin, and vegan sausage. It’s the perfect star or companion of any holiday dinner.
7. Black Bean and Spaghetti Squash Casserole
If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and filling, look no further than this Black Bean and Spaghetti Squash Casserole. It has tomato, black beans, spinach, squash, and vegan feta cheese for a hearty and comforting dish. It’s a nice twist on the usual casserole.
8. Sauteed Delicata Squash Rings
Simply sautéing squash rings makes for a fast and easy side dish that looks beautifully impressive. These Sauteed Delicata Squash Rings are crispy outside, soft, and sweet inside. They look like a plate of autumn flowers and are pretty enough to be the centerpiece of any holiday table.
9. Creamy Kabocha Butter
This Creamy Kabocha Butter recipe takes its cue from pumpkin butter. It replaces your standard orange gourd with roasted kabocha, a seasonal squash hailing from Japan whose flavor has been described as a pumpkin combined with a sweet potato. Here it’s combined with the sweet flavor of maple syrup and the warmth of ground cinnamon – yum! Enjoy your kabocha butter as a spread on crackers or apples, or grab a spoonful straight from the jar as a late night snack!
10. Buttercup Squash Spice Cakes
These richly-spiced Buttercup Squash Spice Cakes are so incredibly lovely. The buttercup squash mixture is incorporated throughout the entire batter, but it really shines as the filling because you can taste the allspice and ginger in the cake separately from the creamy squash. This is a delicious and unique addition to your autumn dessert repertoire!
11. Kale and Chickpea Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
If you are under the impression that veggies are just meant to be side dishes, you have to try this amazing Kale and Chickpea Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. It’s filled with sautéed kale, chickpeas, and toasted almonds. It’s filling, wholesome, and tastes as good as it looks. This is an impressive dish for the holiday table.
12. Butternut Squash Apple Pie
Beat it, pumpkin! There’s a new gourd in town, and its name is butternut squash. Sure, you’ve probably had butternut squash roasted or pureed into soup, but it really shines in this creamy and sweet autumnal Butternut Squash Apple Pie. Adding tart, juicy apples really seal the deal on its deliciousness!
13. Acorn Squash Rings With Walnuts and Dried Apricots
These Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots are special enough for your holiday table and simple enough for any weeknight dinner. The recipe uses the powerful flavors of garam marsala to make it spectacular. Stuffed with walnuts and apricots, this is a dish you’ll want to make often.
14. Cheesy Kabocha Squash Pizza Sauce
If you’re getting tired of the same old marinara sauce that usually sits atop your pizza, it’s time to switch things up. This rich and creamy Kabocha Squash Pizza Sauce is just what you need. It’s garlicky, creamy, and cheesy – this needs to be the star of your next pizza!
15. Miso Sesame Spaghetti Squash
This Miso Sesame Spaghetti Squash would make a nice little side dish, or if you’re looking for a grain-free main, you could use this as well. If you love eating salads made out of spiralized vegetables like zucchini, beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash is kind of the same idea but it’s naturally noodle-y!
16. Autumn Harvest Squash and Apple Burgers
Autumn is in the air and these Autumn Harvest Squash and Apple Burgers celebrate everything that’s delicious about the season. Butternut squash and apples make a dynamic duo, and here they are like you’ve never seen them before: in a veggie burger!
17. Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Pear Salad
Salads made with winter produce are hearty and delicious like this Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Pear Salad. Spaghetti squash and pears make a unique, yet tasty pairing while the almonds and hemp seeds provide crunch. A little jalapeno adds a kick to this beautiful winter salad.
18. Orange Maple Butternut Squash and Tofu Salad
This Orange Maple Butternut Squash and Tofu Salad is a lovely salad for fall and winter when there aren’t many veggies about, but your body is craving something fresh and nourishing. The quinoa, kale, and toasted peanuts add texture, flavor and make this a satisfying dish. It’s simple to make but special enough where you could bring it to a holiday party – it would definitely be a hit!
19. Buckwheat Scones with Butternut Squash Butter
Butternut squash butter is like apple butter’s quirky cousin with a whole lot of personality, and it pairs beautifully with these mini gluten-free Buckwheat Scones. Eat them while wearing your warmest, coziest sweater, and sipping on a mug of your favorite tea. We feel warmer already.
20. Warm Autumn Panzanella With Cinnamon Cider Dressing
Every season has a salad and this Warm Autumn Panzanella with Cinnamon Cider Dressing is the poster child for this one. This combo of roasted vegetables, dark leafy greens, and warm spices are exactly what these cooler days are calling for. Use whatever bread you like and when that cinnamon cider dressing hits the warm roasted veggies, oh that smell!
Pumpkin is amazing but these other winter squash deserve attention too. These recipes will have you celebrating the bounty of veggies that winter brings.
Lead image source: Baked Acorn Squash with Nut-Free Spinach Pesto
