Butternut squash has a way of showing up in all kinds of meals—from soups and sides to pasta and even desserts.
Its soft texture and sweet, earthy flavor make it easy to cook with and easy to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something a little different to try, there’s probably a butternut squash recipe that fits.
Here are 16+ grounded, simple ways to bring butternut squash into your kitchen. Each one offers a fresh idea without needing anything fancy. Just real ingredients and real flavor.
1. Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
This roasted squash recipe is all about warmth and simplicity. A little cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, while roasting adds a touch of caramelized flavor. It’s an easy side dish that works with almost anything and doesn’t take much effort.
Try this method for cinnamon roasted butternut squash.
2. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy and smooth, this risotto blends butternut squash into the rice for a rich, comforting texture. It’s simple but filling, with just the right balance of flavors. Great for nights when you want something warm and steady without a lot of fuss.
Make your own by following this butternut squash risotto recipe.
3. Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
This soup brings together two naturally sweet vegetables and adds a gentle layer of spice for contrast. It’s blended until smooth and feels both light and satisfying. Perfect for colder days or a quick lunch with a slice of bread.
You can try this version of spicy butternut squash and sweet potato soup.
4. Twice Baked Butternut Squash
This recipe takes roasted squash a step further. You roast it, mash the insides with flavorful mix-ins, and bake it again for more texture and taste. It’s a little more involved than regular roasting but worth it when you want something special.
Here’s how to make twice baked butternut squash.
5. Butternut Squash Casserole
This casserole is soft, slightly sweet, and great for feeding a group. It has a smooth base and often a crunchy topping for contrast. Whether you’re serving it on a holiday or just making something ahead for the week, it’s a reliable go-to.
Check out this easy butternut squash casserole.
6. Vegan Butternut Squash Sushi Rolls
These sushi rolls use roasted squash instead of fish, paired with rice and crisp vegetables. They’re colorful, plant-based, and a fun way to switch things up. The soft squash balances well with the crunch from the other ingredients.
Try your hand at these vegan butternut squash sushi rolls.
7. Vegan Butternut Squash Brownies
These brownies are soft, chocolatey, and totally plant-based. Butternut squash adds moisture and a little natural sweetness without changing the flavor too much. They’re a good option when you want dessert with a wholesome feel.
Bake a batch using this vegan butternut squash brownie recipe.
8. Butternut Squash Hummus
This dip takes the basics of hummus and adds a roasted squash twist. The result is creamy, smooth, and a bit sweeter than the usual version. It’s good with veggies, crackers, or spread onto sandwiches.
Learn how to make butternut squash hummus here.
9. Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This smooth soup focuses on the natural flavor of the squash, keeping things light and simple. It’s blended into a creamy texture without needing dairy. You can enjoy it on its own or as a base for toppings like croutons or roasted seeds.
Find the full vegan butternut squash soup recipe here.
10. Mashed Butternut Squash with coconut milk
This mash uses coconut milk instead of butter or cream for a dairy-free option that still feels rich. The flavor is gentle and slightly sweet, with a silky texture that pairs well with rice or stews. It’s simple, soft, and soothing.
Make it yourself with this mashed butternut squash with coconut milk recipe.
11. Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash
Here, squash is roasted with brown sugar for a caramel-like crust on the outside. The sweetness works nicely with the natural flavor of the squash. It’s easy to prep and goes with anything from chicken to grains.
Get the full method for brown sugar roasted butternut squash.
12. Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
This pasta sauce is thick, smooth, and made mostly from roasted squash. It’s naturally creamy and lightly sweet, giving noodles a soft, comforting flavor without needing dairy or store-bought sauces.
Here’s how to make vegan butternut squash pasta sauce at home.
13. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (Vegan)
This plant-based version of mac and cheese uses squash as the base for a creamy, golden sauce. It coats the pasta well and adds just a hint of natural sweetness. It’s a cozy meal that doesn’t feel heavy or processed.
Follow this recipe for vegan butternut squash mac and cheese.
14. Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo with Crispy Chickpeas
This dish balances tender orzo, soft squash, and crispy chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. It has a variety of textures and a mellow, roasted flavor throughout. Good for lunch or meal prep without needing much cleanup.
You can make it using this roasted butternut squash orzo recipe.
15. Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi
This dish combines soft gnocchi with a smooth squash sauce for a simple but comforting plate of food. The sauce sticks well to the pasta and brings a warm, mellow flavor. It’s a nice option when you want something cozy without being too rich.
Here’s how to make creamy butternut squash gnocchi.
16. Butternut Squash & Spinach Lentil Curry
This curry is full of soft squash, tender spinach, and hearty lentils. It’s lightly spiced and full of plant-based ingredients that make it filling without feeling heavy. It works well as a meal on its own, especially with rice or flatbread.
There isn’t a link listed, but this one’s worth a search if you like simple one-pot meals.
Final Thoughts
Butternut squash brings comfort, flavor, and flexibility to the kitchen. Whether it’s baked, blended, mashed, or mixed into pasta, it works in a lot of different ways without needing fancy ingredients.
These recipes show how easy it can be to turn one vegetable into something satisfying.
Pick one, give it a try, and keep it in your back pocket for next time.