15 Recipes That Make the Most of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of those ingredients that shows up in a lot of familiar recipes, but it has way more range than just roasting or blending into the same soup over and over. Its natural sweetness and velvety texture give it flexibility for savory dishes that feel rich without relying on cream or butter, and it fits just as well in a curry or casserole as it does in pasta sauce, dip, or even nachos. Whether you’re using it to bulk up a rice dish, stir into risotto, or blend into broth, it holds flavor, adds color, and brings something different to the table with little effort. These recipes use squash in ways that feel full, satisfying, and far from boring, whether you’re working with fresh cubes, purée, or roasted leftovers.
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
This warm dip blends roasted squash with tangy goat cheese, creating a smooth, spreadable mix with a little sharpness and sweetness. The texture is rich but not heavy, and it pairs well with crackers, bread, or crisp veggies. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of herbs finishes it off. It’s great straight from the oven or reheated later.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Butternut Squash Risotto
Arborio rice simmers slowly in broth, soaking up soft cubes of squash until creamy and tender. The starches in the rice and the mellow squash create a naturally thick base without needing extra cream. It’s a dish that rewards stirring and finishes well with grated cheese. Each bite is silky with a slight chew.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings
This thick soup serves as both base and backdrop for soft dumplings that cook right in the pot. The squash is blended smooth, creating a velvety broth that’s slightly sweet and peppered with herbs or spice. The dumplings add a doughy bite that holds up well. A spoonful brings a mix of comfort and texture.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Set it and forget it with this hands-off soup that uses long cooking time to deepen flavor. Chunks of squash break down into a creamy finish after hours in the slow cooker. You can blend it smooth or leave some texture. Add cream, spice, or fresh herbs when serving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Spiralized squash noodles cook quickly in olive oil and garlic, keeping a firm bite and subtle flavor. The garlic brings depth while allowing the squash’s natural sweetness to come through. Toss with grated cheese, pine nuts, or fresh herbs for a simple finish. A lighter take on traditional pasta.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry
Pressure cooking brings out squash’s sweetness while infusing it with bold spices in minutes. This curry combines coconut milk, garlic, and curry powder for a creamy, punchy sauce. The squash stays tender without falling apart. It’s fast, colorful, and bold.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
A hearty base of wild rice is folded with roasted squash, herbs, and sometimes nuts or dried fruit. The grains stay firm, and the squash adds softness and contrast. It’s nutty, earthy, and just slightly sweet. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole
This dish layers tender squash slices or chunks with melty cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs or a creamy sauce. It bakes until golden and bubbly with crisp edges and a smooth interior. The balance of rich and mild flavors works well as a side or centerpiece. A crowd-pleaser that reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole
Butternut Squash Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
Squash blends into a coconut-based broth that coats noodles and vegetables in creamy, spiced flavor. It’s mildly sweet, with the curry adding depth without overwhelming. Garnishes like lime, chili oil, or scallions brighten each bowl. This soup comes together quickly and eats like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Roasted squash purée becomes a smooth, orange sauce that clings to pasta, sometimes with cheese, garlic, or cream added. It’s both sweet and savory, with a silky texture that coats each noodle. Toppings like crispy sage or nuts bring a little crunch. A rich pasta dish that doesn’t feel too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Thin sheets of pasta hold a filling of squash, often blended with ricotta, Parmesan, or herbs. Each piece boils briefly and is best served with browned butter or a light sauce. The filling is smooth and mildly sweet, contrasting the saltiness of the topping. A great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Blended apples and squash create a soup with layers of flavor, earthy, sweet, and slightly tart. The texture is completely smooth and works well with a swirl of cream or a dusting of cinnamon. It’s a nice change from pure squash soups. Serve hot with crusty bread or a crunchy topping.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen
A squash-infused broth gives this plant-based ramen body and subtle sweetness. Topped with noodles, greens, and tofu or mushrooms, it offers balance in both flavor and texture. It’s satisfying without being too heavy. Customize with chili oil or miso for extra depth.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen
Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
Toasted pita chips serve as the base for layers of roasted squash, melty cheese, herbs, and optional extras like beans or olives. Each bite combines crisp bread with soft squash and bold toppings. A drizzle of yogurt or tahini ties everything together. A fun way to use squash in a totally new format.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This version uses red curry paste, coconut milk, and squash to make a deeply flavorful soup with heat, creaminess, and color. It blends smooth and tastes layered with garlic, ginger, and lime. Add toppings like cilantro, crispy onions, or chili flakes. A bold and warming soup that doesn’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup
