When temperatures drop and cozy cooking takes over, nothing hits the spot quite like winter squash recipes.
From creamy soups to hearty mains and even baked goods, these seasonal favorites showcase the rich, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors of winter squash varieties like butternut, acorn, delicata, and even kabocha. Whether roasted, pureed, or baked into something golden and bubbling, these recipes prove that winter squash is one of the hardest-working ingredients in any cold-weather kitchen.
Give These Winter Squash Recipes a Try
Squash and Arugula Salad with Grapefruit-Honey Vinaigrette
Bright citrus meets earthy squash in this vibrant salad that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Butter and Parm
A classic preparation that brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash with rich brown butter and nutty Parmesan.
Twice-Baked Acorn Squash with Herby Salad
Think of it as the stuffed potato’s cozier cousin—crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and finished with a bright, herby topping.
Bobby Flay’s Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Crostata
Sweet roasted squash and tangy goat cheese meet flaky pastry perfection in this chef-approved dish.
Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins
Soft, warmly spiced, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack—these muffins are an instant fall favorite.
Curried Winter Squash and Lentil Soup
A nourishing, flavor-packed soup with hearty lentils and warming spices that make the most of your winter produce.
Butternut Squash Shakshuka
A cozy twist on a classic—tomato, spices, and eggs simmered with velvety butternut squash.
One Pan Chicken and Winter Squash
Easy, flavorful, and comforting—this one-pan dinner highlights the sweet-savory magic of roasted winter squash.
Roasted Winter Squash with Chickpeas and Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Crispy chickpeas, zesty yogurt sauce, and tender roasted squash—this recipe’s all about balance and bold flavor.
Maple Dijon Acorn Squash and Kale Salad
Sweet, tangy, and hearty enough for a main course—this salad is the ultimate way to celebrate seasonal squash.
Chickpea and Butternut Squash Coconut Curry
A creamy, plant-based curry with chickpeas and squash simmered in coconut milk and warming spices.
Winter Squash Sheet Pan Frittata Sandwiches
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this frittata sandwich makes winter squash feel fresh and fun.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
A cold-weather essential: silky-smooth, lightly sweet, and endlessly customizable.
Sautéed Delicata Squash with Pumpkin Spices
The easiest way to enjoy delicata’s tender, edible skin—sweet, caramelized, and packed with flavor.
Creamy Squash Carbonara with Crispy Mushrooms
A rich, cozy pasta night upgrade where squash takes the place of cream for a lighter—but just as decadent—sauce.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Layers of roasted squash, noodles, and cheese bake into the ultimate comfort dish.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Filled with grains, greens, and herbs, these baked acorn squash halves are equal parts hearty and wholesome.
Vegan Butternut Squash Cashew Mac and Cheese
Ultra-creamy and dairy-free—this vegan comfort classic gets its richness from pureed squash and cashews.
The Bottom Line
Winter squash might look tough on the outside, but its versatility makes it one of the most rewarding ingredients to cook with. Whether you’re roasting up butternut for dinner or baking spiced muffins for brunch, these winter squash recipes bring warmth, comfort, and a little creative flair to the coldest months.
Bonus: Everything You Need to Know About Winter Squash
Want to brush up on your winter squash varieties? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Winter Squash for storage tips, flavor pairings, and even more cooking ideas that’ll help you get the most out of every gourd.