Squashes are a versatile ingredient that thrives in the colder months, offering a comforting blend of sweetness and earthiness that’s perfect for hearty meals.
From creamy soups to satisfying side dishes, its rich texture and subtle flavor pair beautifully with a variety of spices and herbs.
Here are 19 creative ways to make the most of this seasonal favorite.
Orzo Risotto with Pumpkin or Winter Squash
This creamy orzo risotto with pumpkin, inspired by the traditional Neapolitan dish “pasta e cocozza,” blends simplicity with bold flavors.
Orzo pasta absorbs a rich blend of softened pumpkin, garlic, chili, and parsley, creating a texture reminiscent of risotto.
A final touch of Parmigiano Reggiano enhances the creamy consistency, though it can easily be adapted for vegan or vegetarian preferences.
Perfect as a comforting main, starter, or side dish, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the sweet, nutty notes of pumpkin or squash in a fuss-free, one-pan recipe.
Kolokythopita me Spanaki (Butternut Squash Pie with Spinach)
Kolokythopita me Spanaki is a Greek-style butternut squash and spinach pie that combines the rich flavors of spanakopita with the sweetness of squash.
Encased in thick phyllo pastry and enriched with feta, graviera cheese, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley, this savory pie balances the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the tangy richness of its filling.
The phyllo layers are generously brushed with olive oil for a flaky, golden crust, making it perfect as a main dish or a snack. A satisfying, Mediterranean twist on a traditional pie!
Leftover Thanksgiving Soup Recipe
This Leftover Thanksgiving Soup is a creative way to transform holiday leftovers into a comforting, flavorful meal.
Combining mashed potatoes, cooked squash, and carrots with turkey or chicken broth, the soup gets a fragrant twist from red curry paste and fresh ginger.
Blended until creamy, it’s simmered to perfection and garnished with paprika and parsley for a vibrant finish.
Serve it alongside crusty bread or turkey sandwiches for a satisfying cold-weather dish.
Pumpkin Pear Soup Recipe
This Pumpkin Pear Soup offers a unique blend of pumpkin’s earthiness and pear’s natural sweetness, accented by warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
Roasting the pumpkin and pears caramelizes their flavors, while a touch of maple syrup adds a subtle depth.
Ideal as a cozy appetizer or light meal, this dish is a delightful twist on seasonal flavors.
Winter Squash Gnocchi Recipe
Winter Squash Gnocchi is a quick and satisfying fall-inspired meal.
Fresh gnocchi is tossed with tender butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, and garlic, all cooked in a light butter sauce.
A touch of grated Parmesan ties the dish together, creating a comforting yet simple dinner in just 30 minutes.
Customize it by swapping the butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a seasonal twist.
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara Recipe
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian dish.
This low-carb, gluten-free recipe combines tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy egg and Parmesan sauce, crisp bacon, and fragrant garlic.
It’s ready in under two hours and best enjoyed immediately. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Harissa Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Harissa Roasted Squash is a flavorful side dish featuring tender acorn squash coated in a bold harissa, garlic, and olive oil blend, lightly sweetened with brown sugar.
After roasting, a drizzle of honey balances the heat and sweetness, making it a perfect fall accompaniment.
Versatile and simple, this recipe works with any winter squash, from pumpkin to delicata, delivering a satisfying combination of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.
Spaghetti Squash Gratin Recipe
Spaghetti Squash Gratin is a comforting side dish that combines spaghetti squash with garlic, milk, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy bake.
After cooking the squash, it’s sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then thickened with a touch of flour and milk.
The dish is topped with more Parmesan and baked until golden and bubbly.
Perfect for fall or winter meals, this versatile gratin is both gluten-free with GF flour and packed with flavor, making it an excellent addition to any dinner table.
Butternut Squash Feta Salad Recipe
This Butternut Squash Feta Salad is a hearty and flavorful fall dish that combines roasted butternut squash, arugula, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a tangy maple Dijon dressing.
The squash is seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder before roasting
Perfect for vegetarians and gluten-free diets, this salad is as vibrant as it is delicious.
Savory Baked Acorn Squash Casserole with Bacon
This Savory Acorn Squash Casserole combines the rich, nutty sweetness of roasted acorn squash with crispy bacon, a creamy egg and milk mixture, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Infused with sage and Parmesan, this hearty dish balances earthy, smoky, and cheesy flavors, making it a versatile side for fall and winter meals or a light main course.
Simple to prepare and easily customizable, it’s perfect for a holiday table or casual weeknight dinner.
The dish can be made ahead for convenience, with leftover squash or bacon prepped in advance. Warm, comforting, and full of seasonal goodness!
Kaddu Ki Sabzi (Indian Pumpkin Stir Fry)
This Kaddu ki Sabzi (Pumpkin Stir Fry) is a classic North Indian dish that showcases pumpkin cooked with aromatic spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, red chili, coriander, and garam masala.
The sweetness of tender pumpkin pairs beautifully with the tanginess of amchur (dry mango powder) and the warmth of the spices.
Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a versatile dish served with roti, poori, or rice, and perfect for everyday meals or festive occasions.
Roasted Butternut Squash Bharta | Squash Mash with Indian Spices
The Roasted Butternut Squash Bharta is a delightful Indian dish that transforms roasted butternut squash into a flavorful mash infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
Garnished with fresh cilantro and optional lemon juice for brightness, this dish pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Panera Autumn Squash Soup
This Panera Autumn Squash Soup Copycat Recipe delivers all the creamy, comforting flavors of the original.
It’s made with butternut squash, pumpkin purée, and warm spices like cinnamon and curry powder.
The squash can be roasted for extra flavor or cooked directly for a quicker option. Once blended, the soup achieves a silky texture and is perfect paired with pepitas for crunch.
Portobello and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
This Portobello and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a satisfying dish perfect for the holidays or as a vegetarian main.
Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a savory mixture of Portobello mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, and sweet dates, enhanced by sage and a touch of red wine.
The lentils and walnuts add some extra sustance to complete the meal.
This dish pairs earthy flavors with a hint of sweetness, creating a balanced, protein-rich option for festive gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Apple and Sausage Recipe
This Stuffed Butternut Squash with Apple and Sausage is a hearty, savory dish.
Roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a flavorful mixture of spicy Italian sausage, Portobello mushrooms, apples, and sage, balanced by a hint of cinnamon and crunchy walnuts.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add a little more sweetness.
Creamy Spiced Acorn Squash Soup Recipe
This quick and creamy acorn squash soup is packed with delicious spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, delivering warmth in just 30 minutes.
Start by microwaving pierced squash until tender, then scoop out the flesh. In a pot, sauté onion in butter, add smoked paprika, cayenne, and the aromatic spices, then combine with squash and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, puree until smooth, and finish with a touch of cream for a velvety texture.
Perfect for cold days, this soup pairs sweetness from the squash with subtle heat and spice, making it an easy, satisfying option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans, Cranberries, and Maple Syrup Recipe
This roasted butternut squash recipe brings together tender caramelized squash, toasted pecans, tangy dried cranberries, and a drizzle of rich browned butter and maple syrup for a dish bursting wit flavor.
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add depth, making it an ideal holiday side dish or a standout accompaniment for any meal.
To prepare, coat sliced squash with butter and spices, roast until tender and golden, then top with a nutty cranberry mixture made with browned butter and maple syrup.
Butternut Walnut Gratin Recipe
This comforting French-inspired Butternut Walnut Gratin combines tender butternut squash, sweet leeks, and earthy chestnuts, topped with bubbling Emmental cheese and crunchy walnuts.
Perfect as a main course or side dish, this gratin pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette and a glass of Riesling.
It’s an excellent way to enjoy seasonal produce with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Greek Pumpkin Stew Recipe (Kolokitha Stifado)
This one-pot Greek Pumpkin Stew, “Kolokitha Stifado,” combines butternut squash, pearl onions, mushrooms, and chestnuts for a dish that balances savory and sweet flavors.
Perfect for cooler weather, it can be served as a hearty stew or blended into a smooth soup.
To prepare, sauté onions until softened, then add garlic, pumpkin, mushrooms, chestnuts, tomato sauce, red wine, vinegar, and bay leaves. Simmer until the squash is tender, adjusting seasoning with nutmeg and cumin if desired.
Whether as a warming stew or comforting soup, it brings Greek-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort.