Though labeled as “winter squash,” these vegetables actually reach their peak during late summer and early fall. As temperatures drop, I love searching for the best recipes to make the most of the gorgeous varieties piling up at local groceries and markets. Their creamy, rich flavors make them perfect for soups, salads, pastas, and even meatless main dishes throughout the season.
You may already know some of the popular types, like butternut and spaghetti squash, but don’t miss out on delicata or red kuri squash. Keep reading for tips on recognizing the seven most beloved winter squash varieties, along with must-try recipes below.
Identifying Ripe Squash
Check the skin to determine if a squash is ripe. A matte finish indicates ripeness, while a glossy surface means it’s still maturing. Ensure the exterior is firm and robust.
This season, I love picking up kabocha, delicata, sugar pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and red kuri squash for my culinary experiments. When autumn is in full swing, I can’t resist grabbing mini gourds and pumpkins for decoration, which can also appear in some recipes.
Seven Popular Winter Squash Varieties
- Kabocha: squat, green squash marked with subtle white lines
- Delicata: yellow, cylindrical squash adorned with green and orange stripes
- Sugar Pumpkin: small, round pumpkin in vibrant orange
- Acorn: dark green squash with thick ridges
- Butternut: bell-shaped squash featuring a light peachy yellow skin
- Spaghetti: round, cylindrical squash with a bright yellow hue
- Red Kuri: warm orange squash with a unique lopsided form
20 Winter Squash Recipes to Savor
Your next grocery or farmer’s market visit is the perfect opportunity to try a new squash. For me, the challenge of incorporating new ingredients into meals is part of the fun. Below are 20 scrumptious recipes featuring my favorite winter squash varieties.
Roasted Honeynut Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans, and Rosemary
This simple yet stunning side dish bursts with flavor. The natural sweetness of the roasted squash is enhanced by a drizzle of spicy hot honey and a sprinkle of flaky salt. With minimal ingredients, it’s bound to elevate any meal.
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Squash & Farro Salad With Apples, Goat Cheese, & Pecans
This salad successfully combines heartiness and freshness, making it ideal for any occasion. Roasted delicata squash and nutty farro form a satisfying base, while vibrant herbs and a tangy vinaigrette add depth. Topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans, it’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the recipeButternut Squash and Ricotta Tart
This butternut squash tart is a true showstopper that appears more complex than it is. Featuring a flaky crust and creamy ricotta, this dish showcases seasonal root veggies to create a fabulous cold-weather appetizer.
Get the recipeRoasted Delicata Squash With Feta, Almonds, and Herbs
If you haven’t tried delicata squash yet, it’s sweet and caramelizes beautifully, serving as an excellent base for fall flavors. This recipe pairs it with a simple dressing and various toppings for a complete meal. The crunch of almonds combined with creamy feta enhances the dish.
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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
This warm and cozy pasta dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Crafting a creamy, decadent meal without dairy can be tricky, but this recipe achieves that beautifully.
Get the recipeButternut Squash Pizza With Arugula & Almond Ricotta
Seasons may change, but my love for pizza remains. This butternut squash pizza has quickly become a favorite among winter squash recipes for its seasonal ingredients, dairy-free nature (you wouldn’t guess), and fantastic taste. The sweet squash paired with almond ricotta and savory bacon will leave you craving more.
Get the recipeWhole Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasting is my go-to method for preparing winter squash. This straightforward roasted butternut squash recipe requires just two hours in the oven to create a delightful, hearty, and hassle-free appetizer.
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Curried Roasted Winter Squash Soup
This scrumptious soup is a weeknight favorite and can be made with any winter squash—such as butternut, acorn, kabocha, or delicata—ensuring you never tire of it. Plus, roasting the squash beforehand makes this recipe a quick one-pot wonder.
Get the recipeSlow Roasted Cod with Broccolini, Winter Squash, And Mint
I love recipes that feel fancy yet come together quickly. This roasted cod with broccolini, winter squash, and mint delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. You can use any firm white fish or winter squash, and it’ll turn out delicious each time.
Get the recipeButternut Squash, Spinach, & Goat Cheese Pasta
I adore fall pasta dishes, and this one is among the simplest and best I’ve encountered. The short ingredient list combines in just one bowl, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight or a wine night with friends. Trust me: don’t skip the sage leaves—they’re essential.
Get the recipeCrispy Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa
This straightforward yet tasty fall meal will become your new weeknight favorite. The butternut squash is golden and crispy outside while remaining creamy and warm inside—just how I love it. The currant vinaigrette brightens the dish and complements the autumn flavors perfectly. You’ll also want to remember this clever tip for cooking quinoa.
Get the recipeCurry Butternut Squash Soup
This fall, my roommate and I started a new tradition: Soup Mondays. Yes, it may seem odd, but we enjoyed soup two Mondays in a row, so it stuck. This week, we’ll savor a comforting curry butternut squash soup. The curry enhances the flavor of traditional butternut squash soup, which is already a personal favorite. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
Get the recipeWild Grain & Winter Squash Salad
Salads that feel like comfort food are trending, and this wild grain and winter squash salad should be gaining popularity. Without leafy greens, it’s a fantastic option when you want something cozy yet healthy. Delicata and dumpling squash are served over rice, topped with almonds, feta, and fresh herbs to please every palate.
Get the recipeThis Roasted Delicata Squash & Kale Salad Is On My Thanksgiving Menu
This vibrant, seasonal salad is the perfect addition to any fall dinner party. It’s from a cookbook that emphasizes healthy yet comforting meals, and I often prepare a large batch on Sundays to enjoy throughout the week since it stays fresh without wilting.
Get the recipePita Tostadas with Butternut Squash, Black Beans, & Avocado
While I love squash recipes, they can start to feel repetitive. These tostadas, however, offer a delightful twist while remaining seasonal. The brilliant idea of using pita bread instead of tortillas creates a chewy, golden-brown crust that elevates this Tex-Mex inspired dish.
Get the recipeRoasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Goat Cheese, Figs, and Pesto
Delicata Squash Salad with Pistachios and Marinated Lentils
This delicata squash salad is a favorite of mine for meal prep. Combine your preferred greens with crunchy pistachios and creamy feta for a fall bowl that’s simply irresistible.
Get the recipeTurmeric Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad
This turmeric squash salad celebrates everything we adore about fall in a lighter, plant-forward form. Pumpkin seeds and cranberries add texture and a tangy contrast to the sweet autumn star.
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Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is my favorite introduction to squash season. It’s cozy yet healthy, thanks to the coconut milk making it incredibly creamy without using cream. I recommend doubling the recipe for leftovers or freezing it for a rainy day.
Get the recipeRoasted Acorn Squash
Brown butter and hazelnuts, with a touch of chili flakes, create a flavor combination you didn’t know you needed.
Get the recipe30 Simple Delights to Add to Your June Calendar
