Butternut Squash Bliss: Delicious Recipes To Try

Butternut squash is a beloved fall staple, not only for its vibrant orange color and sweet nutty flavor but also for its incredible versatility. From soups and stews to roasted sides and even desserts, this winter squash offers a wealth of culinary possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of delicious butternut squash recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash

This is a classic for a reason! Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a caramelized and tender treat.

Here’s a simple method:

1. Prep the squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and peel if desired.
2. Season: Toss the squash halves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, or rosemary).
3. Roast: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until tender.

Serving suggestions:

Enjoy the roasted squash on its own as a simple and satisfying side dish.

Top with crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, or fresh herbs.

Add it to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrients.

Puree it into a creamy soup.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly fall evening.

Here’s a basic recipe:

1. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Simmer: Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and any desired seasonings (like ginger, curry powder, or thyme). Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
4. Blend: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Garnish: Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped chives, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Variations:

Add a touch of cream or coconut milk for a richer flavor.

Stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of simmering.

Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons.

3. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This elevated mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
2. Cook the pasta: Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions.
3. Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the squash: Stir in the roasted squash and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
6. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Tips:

Use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan.

Add a handful of breadcrumbs to the top for extra crunch.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

4. Butternut Squash Risotto

This creamy risotto is a sophisticated and satisfying dish.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Toast the rice: Add Arborio rice to the pot and stir until lightly toasted.
3. Add wine: Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed.
4. Simmer and stir: Gradually add hot broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed before adding more.
5. Add the squash: Stir in the roasted butternut squash and continue to cook and stir until the rice is tender but still slightly al dente.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips:

Use high-quality broth for the best flavor.

Add a touch of cream or mascarpone cheese for extra richness.

Garnish with toasted nuts or crispy sage leaves.

5. Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

This simple and flavorful pasta dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
2. Sauté sage: In a large skillet, sauté fresh sage leaves in olive oil until crisp.
3. Cook the pasta: Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions.
4. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the roasted squash, sautéed sage, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Season: Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Use pasta shapes like orecchiette or farfalle that can hold the sauce well.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese.

6. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

This sweet and savory soup is a perfect autumnal treat.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
2. Sauté apples: In a large pot, sauté diced apples and onions in butter until softened.
3. Simmer: Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and any desired seasonings (like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg). Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash and apples are very tender.
4. Blend: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Garnish: Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped chives, and a drizzle of honey.

Tips:

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor.

Add a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar for extra sweetness.

Top with toasted walnuts or crumbled feta cheese.

7. Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

This flavorful curry is a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in olive oil.
3. Add spices: Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.
4. Simmer: Add the roasted squash, chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flavors have melded.
5. Garnish: Serve with rice, quinoa, or naan bread.

Tips:

Use a combination of spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of simmering.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

8. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Tart

This elegant tart is perfect for a special occasion.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the crust: Make your favorite pie crust or use a store-bought one.
2. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
4. Assemble the tart: Spread the roasted squash over the prepared crust. Top with crumbled goat cheese, sautéed onions, and any desired herbs (like thyme or rosemary).
5. Bake: Bake the tart in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

Use a flaky puff pastry for a richer crust.

Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving.

Garnish with fresh figs or pomegranate seeds.

9. Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Fries

This healthy and delicious alternative to traditional french fries is a crowd-pleaser.

Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and cut butternut squash and sweet potatoes into thin fries.
2. Toss: Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired spices (like paprika, garlic powder, or cumin).
3. Bake: Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Tips:

Use a mandoline slicer for evenly cut fries.

Toss the fries halfway through baking for even cooking.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or aioli.

10. Butternut Squash Bread

This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for a cozy fall afternoon.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the squash: Follow the instructions for roasting butternut squash above.
2. Mash the squash: Mash the roasted squash until smooth.