Butternut squash recipes

14 Delicious butternut squash recipes

Butternut squash is the ultimate comfort food ingredient. Its sweet, nutty flavour and silky texture make it one of the most versatile autumn vegetables. Whether you roast it, blend it into soups, or turn it into the star of a hearty main dish, this golden vegetable brings warmth and feeling to every bite. We have put together the best butternut squash recipes so you can enjoy the vegetable in all its forms.

Simple and easy butternut squash soup recipes

Few ingredients turn into soups as beautifully as butternut squash. Easily blended into an irresistible smooth texture, it is the perfect soup base for soups. Here are three favourite recipes, sure to bring a warm, soothing touch to your autumn-time lunch and dinner. 

Butternut squash soup is a true classic that lets the squash’s natural sweetness shine. Roasting it first gives a rich flavour, and blending it turns it velvety smooth without feeling heavy. This version gets a little extra something from black beans and a dollop of sour cream, making it a warming lunch or dinner with a bit more bite.

If you love a little luxury in your soup, butternut squash soup with coconut milk delivers. The coconut milk makes it silky and adds a gentle sweetness that complements the nutty flavour of the squash. A bit of ginger and a few chilli flakes give it just the right amount of spicy kick.

This butternut squash potato soup is the perfect example of pairing two hearty vegetables. Buttery squash and hearty potatoes blend into a smooth, filling soup, with onions and herbs adding a wonderful savoury and aromatic note. It is perfect for chilly days and comes together so easily.

Try our butternut squash recipes for dinner

When it comes to dinner, butternut squash is great for adding richness and colour. These recipes bring you creamy risottos, layered casseroles, and vibrant curries. You know, dishes that combine homely comfort with elegant flavours. Let us guide you through some of our top picks so you can easily select which recipes to try next time you have guests over.

A good risotto deserves your full attention, and it rewards you for every stir. The same goes for our butternut squash risotto. The rice turns glossy and creamy as it slowly soaks up stock, then blends with sweet squash purée and a generous handful of Parmesan. It is not a rushed dish, but it is worth taking your time with. Try this one for an extra special dinner.

From risotto to pasta, butternut squash can easily handle your favourite Italian recipes. In this butternut squash pasta recipe, roasted butternut squash is blitzed into a smooth sauce with cream cheese and Parmesan, then topped with crispy sage for added crunch. Each piece of pasta is cloaked in a silky sauce that is indulgent without being heavy.

Stuffed butternut squash is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. The halved squash is filled with quinoa, chickpeas, herbs, and a scattering of pomegranate seeds. It is sweet, savoury, nutty, and fresh all at once. Serve it as a main course or as a meat-free dinner.

Looking for a new casserole to try? This golden-topped butternut squash casserole is the one. Layers of squash, leeks, potatoes, and herbs bake together under a blanket of melted cheese. It strikes the perfect balance between tender and crisp, making every bite a little different from the last. This is a dish for leisurely evenings, best served with good company and perhaps a green salad on the side.

Butternut squash is also quite popular in Indian cooking, where its sweet, hearty flavour makes curries extra comforting. In our butternut squash curry, tender cubes of squash simmer in an aromatic sauce of coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices. Lentils add a bit of texture, and it is best served with warm naan for scooping up every last drop.

Explore easy butternut squash sides

Sometimes the simplest sides end up stealing the spotlight, and butternut squash excels at that. These recipes are easy, flavourful, and perfect for any autumn meal.

Roasting butternut squash in the oven is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to bring out its natural sweetness. The heat caramelises the edges so they are golden and slightly crisp, while the inside becomes tender and almost creamy. A drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few warm spices are all you need. Serve it as a simple side, toss it into a salad, or blend it into soups.

If you want a bit more flavour, roasted butternut squash is the way to go. Seasoned with cumin and a pinch of chilli flakes, the wedges caramelise beautifully in the oven, turning golden on the outside and buttery-soft inside. It is super easy and works with almost anything. Serve it hot or cold, alongside roasted meats, mixed into grain salads, or on a Middle Eastern-style platter with dips and flatbreads.

Air fryer butternut squash turns well-seasoned vegetable sticks into golden bites in minutes, perfect for snacking or adding a crunch to salads and wraps. Pair them with a creamy dip like sriracha mayo, and you have a side or snack you will come back to again and again. Crisp butternut squash fries might be one of the best reasons to own an air fryer.

Become a butternut squash expert in no time

What makes butternut squash such a favourite? Its pale golden flesh is sweet, nutty, and turns deliciously creamy when cooked. It is also one of the easiest winter squashes to prep thanks to its smooth skin and small seed cavity. Whether you roast it, purée it for soups, or bake it into casseroles, it adapts beautifully to a variety of dishes.

Best of all, it stores well for weeks in a cool, dry place, so you can always have some on hand for when inspiration strikes. If you want to know more about this vegetable, when it is in season, and how to prepare it properly, check out our article on butternut squash.

Discover more autumn-themed pumpkin recipes

If you have fallen for the sweet, nutty charm of butternut squash, why stop there? Winter squash comes in all kinds of delicious varieties, and red kuri is one of its most exciting stars. From tasty soups and smooth purées to impressive mains and desserts, our red kuri squash recipes show just how versatile it can be. And if you want to branch out even more, take a look at our extensive pumpkin recipe collection for more scrumptious options.