20 ways to cook with butternut squash this fall

Butternut squash brings warmth and sweetness to both savory and sweet recipes, and this list has a wide mix of ideas for soups, mains, sides, and snacks. Its creamy texture and mellow flavor make it easy to pair with bold spices, tangy cheeses, and cozy fall ingredients. You’ll find comforting bowls, crisp bites from the air fryer, and even a smoothie or dessert with rich seasonal flair. These ideas cover everything from weeknight meals to holiday spreads.

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

This version blends the sweetness of apples with the silkiness of pureed squash. A bit of cream or coconut milk makes it extra smooth. It’s lightly spiced and goes well with a crusty roll. The flavor is mild and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Cubed squash turns golden and crispy in the air fryer with just a little oil and seasoning. The edges caramelize while the inside stays soft. It’s fast and makes a great side for just about any meal. Toss it with herbs or parmesan for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Sweet apples blend with squash in this velvety soup that’s both tart and smooth. A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg adds depth. It’s excellent as a starter or light meal with bread. The mix of fruit and vegetable gives it a complex flavor.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

This moist cake uses pureed squash for sweetness and texture. A warm spice blend runs through the batter, while the buttermilk glaze soaks in on top. The result is rich, soft, and full of autumn flavor. It’s an easy cake to serve in slices with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Butternut Squash Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

Creamy coconut milk and curry spices turn squash into a bold, fragrant broth. Noodles soak up all the flavor, making the dish hearty and satisfying. Add toppings like cilantro or chili oil for a finishing touch. It’s a flavorful mix of comfort and heat.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip

Roasted squash and tangy goat cheese blend into a creamy dip with bold flavor. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and works well with pita chips or veggies. A sprinkle of herbs or chili flakes on top adds color and bite. Serve warm for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip

Butternut Squash Pita Nachos

Crisp pita chips are topped with roasted squash, cheese, and fresh garnishes. The squash adds a sweet contrast to savory toppings. You can customize them with beans, herbs, or a drizzle of sauce. It’s a fresh spin on classic nachos.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pita Nachos

Butternut Squash Risotto

This risotto gets creaminess from slow-stirred rice and mashed squash. Each bite is soft and rich, with a subtle sweetness. Add parmesan or fresh sage to round out the flavor. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together with simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Smoothie

This smoothie blends squash with banana, spices, and milk for a creamy, spiced drink. It tastes like fall in a glass and works well chilled or blended with ice. The texture is thick and smooth, like a milkshake. Great for breakfast or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Smoothie

Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen

A flavorful broth made with squash gives this ramen its rich, golden color. Noodles, vegetables, and tofu soak up the broth’s sweetness and depth. Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds for texture. It’s warm, filling, and full of umami.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

This pilaf pairs nutty wild rice with cubes of roasted squash and herbs. It’s a colorful dish with chewy and soft textures in every bite. Dried cranberries or pecans can be added for extra contrast. It’s a great side for fall dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

Layers of roasted squash and melted cheese come together in a creamy bake. The top turns golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s rich, satisfying, and good for feeding a crowd. You can prep it ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Pureed squash makes a velvety sauce that coats pasta in golden color. It’s rich but not heavy, with garlic and herbs adding depth. Use short pasta shapes to hold the sauce well. A bit of parmesan on top pulls it all together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

This soup is cozy and filling with soft dumplings floating in a thick squash base. The dumplings soak up the flavor while keeping their shape. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own. Serve hot with black pepper or herbs on top.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Spiralized squash gets sautéed with garlic and oil until tender. It’s a light alternative to pasta with a bold garlicky bite. Add greens or nuts for more texture. The noodles cook fast and hold flavor well.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

This bright orange hummus uses roasted squash for color and sweetness. It’s blended smooth with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. Serve with crackers or veggie sticks as a seasonal appetizer. A sprinkle of paprika or seeds makes it pop.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Fresh pasta is filled with a squash mixture and sealed into soft pillows. They’re boiled and often served with brown butter or sage sauce. The filling is creamy and mild with a touch of sweetness. It’s a classic dish made extra special from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry

Using the Instant Pot speeds up this fragrant curry full of squash and warm spices. Coconut milk makes the sauce creamy and rich. Serve it over rice or with naan to soak it all up. It’s a one-pot dish with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

This chili is thick and filling with lentils, squash, and a tomato base. The spicy crackers add a crunchy contrast to the soft stew. It’s flavorful and satisfying even without meat. A spoonful of yogurt or avocado on top cools the heat.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers