Winter squash is one of the best seasonal, comforting ingredients to cook in winter. There are almost as many types of winter squash recipes as there are ways to cook it – probably more!

Think of classics like butternut and acorn squash to favorites like spaghetti and kabocha squash, and delicata squash.

Soups, salads, casseroles, an easy side dish, and even simple baked squash. We have something here for everyone to enjoy the best way all season!

What to Cook Winter Squash?

You can cook winter squash from the grocery store in many ways, and many ingredients go well with it. Roasting with a little butter is the most common method to enjoy sweet squash.

However, the good news is it can also be baked, boiled, or cooked in the microwave.

Winter squash tastes fine on its own, but there are tasty ways to enhance its natural flavor in delicious ways: herbs and spices, maple syrup, and honey.

Make a meal of it and add it to soups and casseroles!

Does Winter Squash Need to be Peeled?

Winter squash skin is perfectly edible, so you don’t need to peel it! All you need to do is cut your squash in half and scoop the seeds before cooking.

Don’t throw the seeds away either – they’re great for roasting!

Winter Squash Recipes

These are the best recipes to make with seasonal winter squash!

1. Cheesy Stuffed Acorn Squash

Source: littlesunnykitchen.com

This stuffed squash with lots of cheese is the ultimate winter comfort food!

Fill your acorn squash with a delicious ground chicken mixture. Mushrooms deliver a rich, earthy taste alongside aromatic garlic and onion.

Sweet apple goes well with thyme and rosemary for a herb flavor. Stir in parmesan, too. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, golden topping!

2. Whole Roast Buttercup Squash

Source: artofnaturalliving.com

This is one of the easiest winter squash recipes; hardly any prep is required!

All you need to do before roasting your whole squash is wash it. Pop it on a baking sheet and cook until it’s tender and starting to collapse!

Serve the squash as it is (with the seeds removed), or add a tasty topping. Caramelized pecan nuts and crispy sage leaves work well!

3. Hasselback Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Butter

Source: thehealthyepicurean.com

Forget Hasselback potatoes and try this delicious butternut squash instead!

Make thin slices in a peeled and seeded butternut squash. Coat it with olive oil to help it soften while cooking.

When your squash is soft, brush it with a delicious cinnamon-vanilla butter and bake until it’s nicely caramelized!

4. Sauteed Butternut Squash

Source: ifoodreal.com

Tender butternut squash cubes are topped with tasty, crunchy nuts and crumbled cheese.

Gently sauté squash cubes until they’re starting to get soft. Bring out the natural sweetness with honey and garlic, and add toasted pecan nuts too.

Top your squash with creamy goat cheese and fresh thyme before serving. This could also make for a nice fall appetizer!

5. Butternut Squash  Carbonara

Source: thehealthyepicurean.com

This creamy pasta dish is a unique, flavorful twist on a classic carbonara.

Blend tender butternut squash with a bit of pasta water. Nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and black pepper add a delicious depth of flavor.

Crispy bacon pieces add a rich, salty taste to your pasta sauce. Mix with your squash puree and cooked spaghetti until well combined.

Stir in egg yolks to create a smooth, glossy sauce. Add shredded parmesan for a rich cheesy taste! Sprinkle more parmesan on top before serving!

6. Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Source: ifoodreal.com

This festive stuffed butternut squash is loaded with deliciously sweet and savory flavors.

Roast your squash halves before stuffing them with a tasty filling. Make this with crumbled Italian sausage, garlic, onion, and fragrant sage.

Add sweet apples and cranberries, crunchy pecans, and buttery spinach. They add a variety of extra textures and flavors. Spoon the filling into your squash and broil until golden brown!

7. Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage

Source: whatagirleats.com

Sweet delicata squash is roasted with sweet honey and fragrant sage.

Mix pieces of delicate squash with sweet shallots. Mix oil, honey, and sage to make a lovely, fragrant marinade. Toss this with the squash and shallots until coated well, and roast until soft and golden.

8. Wild Rice and Butternut Squash

Source: iheartvegetables.com

This squash and wild rice salad is colorful and delicious, with many satisfying textures!

Wild rice adds a hearty texture to this dish. It complements the soft roasted butternut squash and crunchy pistachios. Pomegranate arils deliver bursts of sweet flavor.

Toss your salad with olive oil, honey, and red wine vinegar before serving!

This is one of the best healthy Thanksgiving appetizer recipes!

9. Butternut Squash Lasagna with Sage

Source: whatagirleats.com

This butternut squash dish is a tasty Mediterranean twist on classic Italian lasagna.

Roast your squash until it’s tender enough to mash and mix with chicken broth. Add fresh sage for a delicate herb flavor. This makes one of the layers for your lasagna.

Make the creamy, cheesy layer by mixing heavy cream, ricotta, egg yolks, and shredded mozzarella. Use vegetable broth for added flavor.

Layer your squash mixture, cheese sauce, and noodles, then top with grated parmesan. Bake until the noodles are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling!

10. Roasted Delicata Squash Salad

Source: fromvalerieskitchen.com

This stunning delicata squash salad has texture, flavor, and a tangy maple dressing!

Pieces of maple syrup-roasted delicata squash are served on top of tender baby spinach and arugula.

Add texture with creamy, salty feta and crunchy toasted walnuts. Dried cranberries provide sweet pops of flavor.

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup for your vinaigrette. Drizzle over your salad before serving!

This salad is one of the best potluck ideas for feeding a crowd!

11. Roasted Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas

Source: knifeandsoul.com

Fragrant roasted butternut squash curry is comforting, warming, and flavorful.

Roast pieces of butternut squash before adding them to your curry. It brings out the natural sweetness and complements the savory taste.

Aromatic onion, ginger, garlic, and chili form the base of your curry. Add curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, and cumin for a spiced flavor.

Tomato puree and vegetable stock form a rich tomato base. Sour cream provides a smooth, creamy texture. Stir in chickpeas, squash, and spinach, and garnish with toasted peanuts for crunch!

12. Butternut Squash Bread

Source: crumbtopbaking.com

Butternut squash bread with a maple glaze is a delicious twist on the pumpkin version!

A homemade squash puree goes into your bread. This is easy to make by roasting your squash and mashing it! Mix it with your batter ingredients and add vanilla extract for a delicate flavor.

Combine flour, coconut sugar, and butter for your streusel topping. Add ground cinnamon and ginger for a lovely spiced taste. It produces a satisfying crunchy layer on top of your bread!

Mix powdered sugar and maple syrup for your sweet maple glaze. Pour this all over when your bread has cooled!

13. Butternut Squash and Sage Pizza

Source: cookingwithcurls.com

This tasty butternut squash pizza will take your pizza night to the next level!

Roast your squash with cayenne pepper and fresh sage to impart a delicious flavor. Caramelize onions with butter and white wine for a rich depth of flavor.

Spread your caramelized onions over pizza dough and sprinkle lots of cheese. Mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan are the perfect blend!

Layer your pieces of squash on top and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling!

Winter Squash Soup Recipes

Soup is essential for meal rotation during the colder winter months. Browse below for the best squash soup recipes!

14. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com

Thick, creamy butternut squash soup is the perfect comforting winter food.

Roast pieces of butternut squash, carrots, celery, and apple until soft and tender. Add shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme, too, for a delicious depth of flavor.

Simmer your roasted veggies in vegetable broth, fresh ginger, and sage. Blend your soup with some milk until it’s smooth and creamy.

Garnish with crispy bacon, chopped chives, and a swirl of heavy cream!

15. Thai Pumpkin Soup

Source: savorthebest.com

Rich, creamy Thai pumpkin soup is packed with delicious flavor and a hint of chili spice.

This is quick and easy to make using a can of pure pumpkin puree. Onions, garlic, ginger, and stock provide a delicious depth of flavor.

Use Thai red chili paste for a mild kick of heat. Coconut cream and milk help achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Stir in fresh lime juice before serving for a bright flavor punch!

You’ll also enjoy these other flavorful fall soup recipes!

16. Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

Source: stemandspoon.com

Rich and silky smooth, this roasted squash and carrot soup is like a winter hug in a bowl!

Roast your butternut squash, carrots, and yellow onion cubes until tender. Add a whole bulb of garlic, too, for the most delicious depth of flavor!

Cinnamon, cloves, and fresh rosemary deliver a warming herbed taste. You could make it spicy with cayenne or curry powder instead. Blend your soup, then stir in heavy cream for a velvety texture!

17. Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

Source: barleyandsage.com

This tasty, creamy roasted squash soup is a showstopper served in an edible bowl!

Acorn squash delivers a light buttery taste to your soup. Use carrots for an extra hint of sweetness. Aromatic sautéed onion adds a depth of flavor.

Fresh thyme, sage, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper infuse a warming, wintry taste. Blend your veggies with vegetable stock, honey, and milk for creaminess. Garnish with toasted pepitas before serving!

18. Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup with Winter Squash

Source: justinecelina.com

Mexican flavors of a classic dish inspire this chunky tortilla soup with squash!

A rich base comes from whole stewed and fresh cherry tomatoes. Vegetable broth, onions, and garlic impart flavor during slow cooking.

Orange bell pepper works well alongside your winter squash.

Add a Mexican taste with paprika, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Brown rice and black beans are essential for this dish, too.

Top your soup with strips of crispy corn tortilla, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado!

If you liked the flavors of this soup, these tasty Mexican recipes are for you!

19. Spaghetti Squash Soup with Sausage

Source: saltedplains.com

This hearty, healthy spaghetti squash soup is packed with veggies and meaty flavor!

Spicy Italian chicken sausage is ideal for adding a warming taste to your soup. Aromatic onions and garlic provide a delicious depth of flavor alongside Italian herbs and red pepper flakes.

Add Swiss chard and sweet, tender carrots for different textures. The spaghetti squash takes the place of noodles in your soup!

20. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup

Source: zardyplants.com

This homely pumpkin and sweet potato soup has a comforting taste and thick, decadent texture.

Roasting your squash and potato brings out the delicious sweet taste. Sugar pie pumpkin is the ideal squash for this recipe.

Sautéed yellow onion and minced garlic deliver an aromatic flavor to your soup. Fresh thyme and sage are the perfect herb pairing for squash and potato.

A pinch of cayenne pepper provides the perfect amount of heat. Garnish your soup with roasted pepitas and fresh herbs!

21. Honeynut Squash Soup

Source: theflourhandprint.com

Warming and cozy honey nut squash soup has a natural nutty, sweet taste.

As honey nut squash is naturally sweet, add a tart apple to your soup to balance the flavor. Use yellow onion and garlic for an aromatic base. Sprigs of thyme provide a rich herbed taste.

Simmer your squash in vegetable broth and canned coconut milk. Cooking it “low and slow” delivers the best flavor!

Baked Winter Squash Recipes

These are the tastiest recipes for baked winter squash!

22. Honey Balsamic Roasted Acorn Squash and Brussels Sprouts

Source: flavourandsavour.com

This roasted acorn squash has delicious flavors and vibrant colors, perfect for the holidays!

Slices of acorn squash add to the visual appeal of this dish. Toss the slices with balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil to elevate the flavor. Throw Brussels sprouts in, too!

Add fresh cranberries during the last few minutes of cooking. They add pops of sweetness and beautiful color!

23. Baked Butternut Squash Risotto

Source: flavorthemoments.com

This flavorsome risotto requires little effort. It’s baked in the oven for a perfect creamy texture!

Arborio is the best rice, making your risotto extra creamy when cooked. Add sautéed onion and garlic to your rice for an aromatic taste.

Vegetable stock is essential to cook your rice. Dry white wine adds a great depth of flavor! Make your risotto even creamier by adding butter to the mix.

Parmesan offers an umami flavor and an Italian feel. Garnish your creamy butternut squash risotto with contrasting crispy sage leaves!

24. Sweet Baked Acorn Squash

Source: fromvalerieskitchen.com

The naturally sweet taste of acorn squash is enhanced with a few simple ingredients!

Bake quarters of your squash until it’s fork-tender. Season each piece with melted butter and brown sugar. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet spiced flavor before baking a little longer!

Winter Squash Casserole Recipes

Casseroles are one of the most comforting seasonal dishes. The delicious recipes below all feature winter squash.

25. Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Sausage and Spinach

Source: kristyskitchn.com

Rich and hearty spaghetti squash casserole is packed with cheesy, meaty flavors!

Sweet Italian sausage offers a delicious depth of flavor to your casserole. Nutritious spinach goes well with the tender spaghetti squash.

Heavy cream and an egg produce a rich, creamy texture to your baked casserole. Sage and thyme are the perfect herbs to add a taste of winter. Add shredded mozzarella for cheesy goodness!

26. Mushroom Bolognese Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Source: theroastedroot.net

This hearty dish is made with three kinds of cheese and earthy mushrooms.

Cremini mushrooms give your Bolognese a meatiness. Onion, garlic, and dried herbs form the base flavor of your casserole. Paprika and red pepper flakes add a slight kick of heat.

Layer the Bolognese sauce and cheese on top of the cooked spaghetti squash.  Mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta are the perfect blend of cheese!

27. Winter Squash Casserole with Crumb Topping

Source: eatbeautiful.net

This is the perfect holiday casserole – soft underneath and crunchy on top with delicious flavors!

Tender butternut squash forms the base of your casserole. Blend it with coconut milk and oil for a creamy texture. Add natural sweetness with honey and flavor with cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Make your crunchy crumb topping with pecan nuts. Blend them with coconut sugar, flour, and oil for a sweet, nutty taste. Cinnamon adds a lightly spiced flavor.

Spread your crumb over your squash mixture and bake until golden brown!

28. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara Casserole

Source: masalaherb.com

This spaghetti squash casserole has tasty Italian-inspired carbonara flavors!

Add your cooked spaghetti squash to a baking dish with crispy bacon pieces. Make your carbonara sauce with eggs and grated pecorino cheese. Add flavor with salt and black pepper.

Mix everything and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese. Parmesan is a great choice! Bake your casserole until it’s golden and bubbling.

29. Butternut Squash Casserole with Sweet Potato

Source: healthytasteoflife.com

This tasty winter casserole has the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors.

Butternut squash and sweet potato are the perfect fusion of tastes. Make a sweet, tangy sauce with oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a warming, spiced flavor.

Brown and wild rice add a bite of texture to your casserole. Add dried cranberries and raisins for bursts of sweetness. Layer your veggies and rice in a baking dish and garnish with fresh greens!

If you are looking for healthy thanksgiving recipes, this casserole is a great choice!

30. Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecan Oat Streusel

Source: flavorthemoments.com

A crunchy pecan oat streusel topping sets this delicious casserole apart!

Homemade butternut squash puree adds the best flavor to your casserole. Mix it with eggs, milk, and butter for a smooth texture. Maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract add sweetness.

Oats and pecan nuts provide a satisfying crunch for your streusel. Cinnamon adds a warming, comforting flavor. Sprinkle on top of your squash mixture and bake until golden!

31. Vegan Casserole with Chickpeas and Butternut Squash

Source: watchlearneat.com

This comforting chickpea and squash casserole is full of flavor and texture.

The base flavor of your casserole comes from aromatic onion, garlic, sage, and thyme. Blend tender butternut squash cubes with half and half and vegetable broth for a smooth, creamy texture.

Mix your sauce with chickpeas and squash cubes in a casserole dish. Vegan parmesan, black pepper, and thyme form the top layer of your bubbling casserole!