29 Butternut Squash Recipes You'll Want to Make All Season

Butternut Squash Mac Cheese
Photo: Andy Lyons

Once fall arrives, butternut squash is a must-have ingredient for your seasonal menu. To really celebrate the golden-hued winter squash, we've rounded up some of the best butternut squash recipes from our Test Kitchen to inspire your next meal. Whether you're craving butternut squash soup, roasted butternut squash, or butternut squash pasta, there's a recipe for everyone in this lineup.

01 of 29

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup
Jason Donnelly

When it comes to simple soup recipes, this is the butternut squash recipe you'll want on hand. Simply puree the squash with onions, butter, and vegetable broth. A bowl of this soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days.

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02 of 29

Butternut Squash and Fettuccine Alfredo

Butternut Squash and Fettuccine Alfredo
Carson Downing

Fresh fettuccine noodles meet butternut squash spirals in this fall take on your favorite rich and creamy pasta dish. If you don't have a spiralizer to make your own butternut squash noodles, look for some that are already prepped in the produce or frozen section of the grocery store.

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03 of 29

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Butternut Squash Lasagna
Andy Lyons

Classic lasagna is, well, classic, but this is a take on the Italian dish you don't want to pass up. Baked butternut squash is combined with a creamy white sauce then layered with lasagna noodles and cheese for an out-of-this-world butternut squash casserole.

04 of 29

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
Kritsada Panichgul

Carrots add a little extra sweetness and color to this butternut squash soup recipe, while leeks bring an added depth of flavor. Sprinkle on a few toasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

05 of 29

Spaghetti with Roasted Butternut Squash

Spaghetti with Roasted Butternut Squash
Andy Lyons

Roasted garlic, bacon, walnuts, and pecorino cheese go into this mouthwatering butternut squash pasta recipe. Browned butter is the simple, nutty sauce that brings all those flavors together. For an extra hit of fiber, choose a whole grain pasta option.

06 of 29

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry with Butternut Squash
Blaine Moats

Here's a 30-minute meal that beats takeout. Green curry paste (a blend of lemongrass, green chile, and ginger) is the key ingredient in this vegetarian butternut squash recipe. Look for it in Asian markets or the Asian section of your grocery store. Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice.

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07 of 29

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac Cheese
Andy Lyons

If you didn't think macaroni and cheese couldn't get any more comforting, you're about to be proved wrong. This tasty butternut squash pasta recipe is decked out with crispy bacon, smoky cheese, and caramelized onions. For another delicious savory butternut squash recipe, try this Cavatappi bake.

08 of 29

Roasted Butternut Squash and Sausage Enchiladas

sausage and roasted butternut squash enchiladas
Jason Donnelly

Give your next Mexican-inspired dinner a fall twist with this oh-so-good roasted butternut squash recipe. You can use purchased enchilada sauce if you're in a time crunch, but we recommend making our quick homemade sauce that only takes about 5 minutes to whip up.

09 of 29

Squash and Curried Noodle Soup

Squash & Curried Noodle Soup
Blaine Moats

Creamy coconut milk balances out the warm curry and turmeric spices in this comforting soup recipe. Use veggie broth to make this a vegan butternut squash recipe. Bonus: it only takes 30 minutes to have this one-pot dinner ready.

10 of 29

Crispy Parmesan-Roasted Butternut Squash

Crispy Parmesan-Roasted Butternut Squash
Andy Lyons

It only takes 3 ingredients (plus a few pantry staples) to pull this butternut squash recipe together. After a quick roast in the oven, you've got a healthy side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. To save time, you can buy precut fresh butternut squash.

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11 of 29

Squash and Sausage Shepherd's Pie

Squash and Sausage Shepherd’s Pie
Jason Donnelly

Mashed butternut squash with Parmesan tops off our delicious spin on classic shepherd's pie. The extra hint of sweet flavor comes from Italian sausage. Make this dish even more fun by making them in individual casserole dishes so everyone at the table gets their own.

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12 of 29

Baked Butternut Squash with Thyme

Baked Butternut Squash with Thyme
Dana Gallagher

Salt, butter, thyme, and squash are all it takes to make this baked butternut squash recipe! Slice the roasted butternut squash into individual servings for a showy side dish. For a sweet take, try this delicious roasted butternut squash recipe featuring molasses and cinnamon.

13 of 29

Butternut Squash Bake

Butternut Squash Bake
Andy Lyons

This butternut squash casserole recipe will really dress up a simple dinner when served alongside a slice of meat loaf or roast beef. It combines noodles, shallots, fresh parsley, and two kinds of cheese for irresistibly rich results.

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14 of 29

Butternut Squash Soup with Thai Gremolata

Butternut Squash Soup with Thai Gremolata
Blaine Moats

With coconut milk, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a basil-peanut topper, this amazing butternut squash soup is one you'll have to make every year (if not more). The best part about the Thai-inspired soup is that it easily comes together in your slow cooker.

15 of 29

Curried Cider-Pork Stew

Curried Cider-Pork Stew
Andy Lyons

This hearty butternut squash recipe stars quick-cooking pork. The flavorful one-bowl dinner also has fresh apples in the mix to add extra autumn appeal. Serve your bowls with a bit of sour cream, orange peel, and oregano for a delicious- and fancy-looking finish.

16 of 29

Pappardelle with Butternut Squash and Blue Cheese

Pappardelle with Butternut Squash and Blue Cheese
David Loftus

Butternut squash pasta recipes are great options for meatless Mondays. This rich pasta pairs the butternut squash with blue cheese, sage, and pine nuts. Don't forget to save some of your pasta water before draining: it helps the sauce stick to the pasta.

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17 of 29

New World Turkey and Butternut Squash Chili

New World Chili
Andy Lyons

Not your ordinary chili recipe, this slow cooker version combines the butternut squash with turkey, corn, cranberries, and jalapeño pepper for a unique taste sensation. It's a butternut squash recipe that really packs fall-favorite flavors into one addicting dish.

18 of 29

Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling

Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling
Scott Little

For a quick take on butternut squash ravioli, spoon the filling into wonton wrappers instead of making the homemade ravioli. If you're new to the homemade pasta game, follow our easy instructions.

19 of 29

Chicken Butternut Squash Soup

Chicken-Butternut Squash Soup
Andy Lyons

This recipe for butternut squash soup is fabulously filling. The roasted butternut squash is combined with chickpeas, dried apricots, rotisserie chicken, and nutmeg-spiced walnuts for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

20 of 29

Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Gratin
Kim Cornelison

If you're looking for roasted butternut squash recipes that will be the hit of your next family gathering, check this one out. Here, the roasted butternut squash is combined with spinach, cheese, and rich creme fraîche for a surefire winner. Be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe.

21 of 29

Butternut Squash-Wild Rice Casserole

Butternut Squash-Wild Rice Casserole
Andy Lyons

Chewy wild rice makes a delicious (and healthy) addition to this baked butternut squash recipe. Keep this make-ahead recipe handy for gatherings where you need to contribute a dish.

22 of 29

Winter Squash and Brown Bread Stuffing

Winter Squash and Brown Bread Stuffing
Edmund Barr

In this butternut squash recipe, two types of bread (honey wheat bread and bread with raisins) are tossed with traditional dressing ingredients to create a delicious, seasonal side dish. You can use butternut squash or any other in-season winter squash in this delicious stuffing recipe.

23 of 29

Butternut Squash Pie with Gingersnap Crust

Butternut Squash Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Andy Lyons

Move over, pumpkin pie! This sweet butternut squash recipe roasts the squash to get a deep flavor before using the pulp to make the pie base. The spice in the gingersnap crust makes this one fall pie you won't forget.

24 of 29

Butternut Squash Soup with Ravioli

Butternut Squash Soup with Ravioli
Andy Lyons

It's the extra touches (a hint of cayenne pepper and molasses) that give this vegetarian butternut squash soup so much flavor. And it only takes 30 minutes to make from start to finish! To prepare this soup ahead of time, make the recipe without the ravioli and store up to two months in the freezer.

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25 of 29

Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Butternut Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Andy Lyons

Although most butternut squash recipes call for serving the squash as a vegetable, it's technically considered a fruit. That's why it tastes great in dessert recipes, too. Here, it pairs with pears and cranberries for a sweet, seasonal finish to your winter meal.

26 of 29

Pickled Butternut Squash

Pickled Butternut Squash
Andy Lyons

When you have more butternut squash than you can handle, pickling it is a great way to make sure you can utilize that golden fruit while it's in peak condition. Use the same recipe to pickle other winter squash, too. After you've pressure canned the butternut squash, let them sit in your pantry for at least three weeks before enjoying.

27 of 29

Savory Butternut Squash Dressing

Savory Butternut Squash Dressing
Reed Davis

This butternut squash casserole is perfect for the Thanksgiving table (or any festive occasion where turkey is on the menu). It showcases the squash with wild rice, fresh cranberries, sourdough bread cubes, and just the right amount of seasonings.

28 of 29

Caramelized Squash Salad with Pistachios and Goat Cheese

Caramelized Squash Salad with Pistachios and Goat Cheese
Andy Lyons

Introducing your new favorite fall salad: mixed greens tossed with crumbly feta cheese, roasted butternut squash, and crunchy pistachios. Citrus, maple, and ginger flavor-charge the tangy-sweet dressing in this healthy butternut squash recipe.

29 of 29

Butternut Squash Posole

Butternut Squash Posole
Kritsada Panichgul

Next time you make butternut squash soup, why not go global? This recipe is inspired by posole (or pozole in more modern references), a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy and chili powder. Our fall version features chicken, kale, savory seasonings, and the star of the soup: butternut squash.

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